Time for REAL Representation! (Part VI)

This is the concluding segment on my comprehensive study of the occupations and fields of endeavor every single member of Congress had prior to being elected to the House or Senate. I now list the final states in this series, in alphabetical order, from Texas-Wyoming. Numbers listed refer to that state's particular congressional district number, S=Senator, D=Democrat, I=Independent, R=Republican, A=Attorney, P=Politician (one whose only real employment since leaving school has been in the political field, either as political assistant, mayor, etc.). Below these listed states will be my final summarization.

TEXAS
1. Louie Gohmert R A, Judge
2. Ted Poe R A, Judge
3. Sam Johnson R Construction Exec
4. Ralph Hall R A
5. Jeb Hensarding R A
6. Joe Barton R Engineer
7. John Culberson R A
8. Kevin Brady R Public Affairs Director
9. Al Green D A
10. Michael McCaul R A
11. Mike Conway R Accountant
12. Kay Granger R High School Teacher, Financial Exec
13. Mac Thornberry R A, Rancher
14. Ron Paul R Physician
15. Ruben Hinojosa D Grocery Exec
16. Silvestre Reyes D Border Patrol Agent
17. Chet Edwards D Real Estate agent, Communications Exec
18. Sheila Jackson-Lee D A
19. Randy Neugebauer R Real Estate Developer
20. Charles Gonzales D A, Judge
21. Lamar S. Smith R A
22. Pete Olson R A
23. Ciro Rodriguez D Social Worker, College Professor
24. Kenny Marchant R Construction Exec
25. Lloyd Doggett D A
26. Michael C. Burgess R Obstetrician
27. Solomon P. Ortiz D Law Enforcement
28. Henry Cuellar D A, Customs Broker
29. Gene Green D A
30. Eddie Bernice Johnson D Nurse, Therapist
31. John Carter R A, Judge
32. Pete Sessions R Telecommunications Exec
S. Kay Bailey Hutchison R A, Journalist, Bank Exec
S. John Cornyn R A
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UTAH
1. Rob Bishop R High School Teacher, Lobbyist
2. Jim Matheson D Energy Consultant
3. Jason Chaffetz R Business Relations Exec
S. Orrin Hatch R A
S. Robert Bennett R Public Relations Consultant, Technology Exec
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VERMONT
At large. Peter Welch D A
S. Pat Leahy D A
S. Bernie Sanders I Journalist
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VIRGINIA
1. Rob Wittman R Environmental Health Specialist
2. Glenn Nye D Foreign Service Officer
3. Robert C. Scott D A
4. Randy Forbes R A
5. Tom Perriello D A
6. Bob Goodlatte R A
7. Eric Cantor R A, Real Estate Exec
8. Jim Moran D Teacher
9. Rick Boucher D A
10. Frank Wolf R A
11. Gerry Connolly D Public Administrator
S. Jim Webb D Military, Author, Speechwriter
S. Mark Warner D Telecommunications Exec
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WASHINGTON
1. Jay Inslee D A
2. Rick Larsen D Public Affairs Director
3. Brian Baird D Psychologist, College Professor
4. Doc Hastings R Lumber Exec
5. Cathy McMorris Rodgers R Orchardist
6. Norm Dicks D A
7. Jim McDermott D Psychiatrist
8. Dave Reichert R Sheriff, Law Enforcement
9. Adam Smith D A
S. Patty Murray D Teacher
S. Maria antwell D software Exec
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WEST VIRGINIA
1. Adam Mollohan D A
2. Shelley Moore Capito R Career Counselor
3. Nick Rahall D Broadcast Exec
S. Robert Byrd D A, P
S. Jay Rockefeller D College Administrator, P
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WISCONSIN
1. Paul Ryan R Marketing Consultant, P
2. Tammy Baldwin D A
3. Ron Kind D A
4. Gwen Moore D Civic Affairs Specialist
5. Jim Sensenbrenner R A
6. Tom Petri R A
7. Dave Obey D Realtor
8. Steve Kagen D Physician
S. Herb Kohl D Dept. Store Exec, Pro Sports Team Owner (Milwaukee Bucks)
S. Russ Feingold D A
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WYOMING
At large. Cynthia Lunnis R A, Rancher
S. Mike Enzi R Accountant, Energy Exec
S. John Barrasso R Orthopedic Surgeon
____________

Well, there you have it, folks. There are currently 200 members of Congress holding law degrees or are practicing attorneys, equating to 37.24% of all members. That occupation or field is far more represented than even its nearest competitor, the banking/finance/investment field, whose members comprise 5.21% of Congress, or Realtors, who make up 3.91%. Farmers/ranchers come in at 3.72%; College Professors the same; Small Business Owners at 3.54%, and Physicians/Surgeons at 3.2%. It would seem that the proportion of lawyers is far above that of the general population in Congress. That is not entirely bad, because if there is a body whose function is to create laws, it is certainly important to have a number of those well acquainted with law contained therein. But when you look at the total number of Congresspersons whose professions prior to entering Congress were well above our median income, it is no wonder the legislation they produce heavily favors business or special interest groups rather than the average worker. They simply do not understand the common person in this country. For you'll note that there are absolutely no bus drivers in Congress. Nor are there any assemblypersons, carpetlayers, welders, foundry workers, cashiers, warehouse workers, or deliverypersons. Nor are there any gardeners, farm hands, cab drivers, draftspersons, hostesses, retail clerks, or wallpaper hangers. Catch my drift?

For this series, I have deliberately used the familiar "Mr. Monopoly" icon at the top of each segment. I did this deliberately, to reinforce how big money and upper income professions hold a near-monopoly on Congressional membership, and how regular workers and lower income people are all but shut out from direct participation. This is a travesty.

Running for Congress and maintaining one's seat is an increasingly expensive undertaking. It opens the door for influence peddlers like lobbyists, and it influences the kind of legislation that is (or is NOT) produced. That is why concentrated capital (big business) gets so much of what it wants in Congress, and you, the average ordinary citizen, get next to nothing or even get tramplewd on. It need not necessarily always be this way.

We obviously want a certain amount of brainpower and expertise running our government. We want to elect people with leadership ability, who have vision and can make sound economic, foreign affairs, and legal decisions. Surely it would be foolhardy to elect unqualified, undereducated people like paperboys or popcorn stand workers, or even ill-informed, frustrated types like "Joe" the phony Plumber to lead the country. But we do need a good amount of common folks with everyday, commonsense backgrounds. We need far more Harry Trumans than John Boehners looking out for the public good in Congress.

The late, great Senator Paul Wellstone once said, "The people of this country, not special interest big money, should be the source of all political power." I couldn't possibly agree more. That is why it is so crucial for everybody to write or email their Congresspersons on occasion to let them know of your situation and your views. You don't have to be a novelist or English major to do this. JUST DO IT! And, next year especially, I hope you will flood your party's precinct caucuses and put in your two cents worth on the type of candidates they will nominate and put forth to run for public office. For if we keep sending the same old out-of-touvh elites to Congress, we'll continue to get the same old out-of-touch results. And then, when you want to bitch about the poor job Congress is doing, you'll only be able to honestly blame yourself. THINK ABOUT IT, PEOPLE!

UP NEXT: "A TALE OF TWO DICTIONARIES"

Time for REAL Representation! (Part V)

Here is part V in my six-part series illustrating how the average American is not truly represented in Congress, because very, very few Congresspersons entered Congress upon leaving common, everyday jobs paying average-sized paychecks.

Below you will find states in alphabetical order, listing both the Representatives and Senators for each state. After each Congressperson's name is their party affiliation, followed by the types of occupations they held prior to coming to Congress. The numbers refer to that state's Congressional district numbers. S=Senator, A=Attorney, D=Democrat, I=Independent, R=Republican, and P=Politician (a person who never worked in a significant private industry job and instead served as a mayor or political assistant and rose up through party ranks).

As you will see, nearly all of the occupations listed are from high paying fields of law, business, or elevated positions in education. I have still not found any dishwashers, custodians, shoe salespersons, foundry workers, deliverypersons, retail clerks, painters, beauticians, or other average, everyday workers that are in our Congress (but I will keep looking). Perhaps this is the reason Congress often seems to pass legislation beneficial mainly to big business or special interests, but not to the general public. They evidently just don't know or understand us, our concerns, and our real needs. For some reason we have apparently been brainwashed into thinking people just like us don't belong in Congress, and that we should be represented solely by upper class and upper income professionals. This is curious, as many "average" folk display more common sense, fairness, conscientiousness, and thriftiness each day than do many of these so-called professionals in an entire term.

I hope each of you will flood your party's precinct causes next year and think about this as you nominate prospective candidates for U.S. House and Senate!
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NORTH CAROLINA
1. G.K. Butterfield D A
2. Bob Etheridge D Farmer
3. Walter B. Jones R Distributor
4. David Price D College Professor
5. Virginia Foxx R College Professor, Administrator (sure doesn't show it!)
6. Howard Coble R A
7. Mike McIntyre D A
8. Larry Kissell D Teacher, Textile Worker
9. Sue Wilkins Myrick R Advertising Exec
10. Patrick McHenry R Realtor
11. Heath Shuler D Former NFL Quarterback, Farmer, Realtor
12. Mel Watt D A
13. Brad Miller D A
S. Richard Burr R Sales Exec
S. Kay Hagan D A, Banker
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NORTH DAKOTA
At large. Earl Pomeroy D A
S. Byron Dorgan D Aerospace Manager, Author
S. Kent Conrad D Tax Commissioner
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OHIO
1. Steve Driehaus D Educator
2. Jean Schmidt R P
3. Michael R. Turner R A
4. Jim Jordan R P
5. Bob Latta R A
6. Charlie Wilson D Mortician
7. Steve Austria R Financial Planner
8. John Boehner R Business Consultant
9. Marcy Kaptur D Urban Planner
10. Dennis Kucinich D P
11. Marcia Fudge D A
12. Pat Tiberi R Real Estate agent
13. Betty Sitton D A
14. Steve LaTourette R A
15. Mary Jo Kilroy D A
16. John Boccieri Military, P
17. Tim Ryan D P
18. Zack Space D A
S. George Voinovich R A
S. Sherrod Brown D Teacher
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OKLAHOMA
1. John Sullivan R Real Estate broker
2. Dan Boren D High School Administrator
3. Frank Lucas R Rancher
4. Tom Cole R College Professor
5. Mary Fallin R P
S. Jim Inhofe R Insurance Exec
S. Tom Coburn R Physician
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OREGON
1. David Wu D A
2. Greg Walden R Broadcasting Exec
3. Earl Blumenauer D A
4. Peter DeFazio D Gerontologist
5. Kurt Shrader D Veterinarian
S. Ron Wyden D Legal Services Exec
S. Jeff Merkley D Budget/Policy Analyst, Congressional Budget Office
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PENNSYLVANIA
1. Bob Brady D Union Leader
2. Chaka Fattah D P
3. Kathy Dahlkemper D Landscaping Contractor
4. Jason Altmire D Health Care Exec
5. Glenn Thompson R Health Care Exec
6. Jim Gerlach R A, P
7. Joe Sestak D Military
8. Patrick Murphy D A
9. Bill Shuster R Auto Dealer
10. Chris Carney D College Professor
11. Paul E. Kanjorski D A
12. John Murtha D Sm. business owner
13. Allyson Schwartz D Clinic Executive Director, P
14. Michael F. Doyle D Insurance Agent
15. Charlie Dent R P
16. Joseph R. Pitts R Teacher
17. Tim Holden D Real Estate/Insurance Agent
18. Tim Murphy R Psychologist
19. Todd Platts R A
S. Arlen Spector D A
S. Bob Casey Jr. D A
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RHODE ISLAND
1. Patrick J. Kennedy D P
2. James Langevin D P
S. Jack Reed D A
S. Sheldon Whitehouse D A
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SOUTH CAROLINA
1. Henry E. Brown Jr. R Grocery Exec
2. Joe Wilson R A
3. J. Gresham Barrett R Businessman
4. Bob Inglis R A
5. John Spratt D A
6. Jim Clyburn D P
S. Lindsey Graham R A
S. Jim DeMint R Marketing Consultant
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SOUTH DAKOTA
At large. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin D A
S. Tim Johnson D A
S. John Thune R Association Exec, P
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TENNESSEE
1. Phil Roe R Gynecologist
2. John J. Duncan Jr. R A, Judge
3. Zach Wamp R Real Estate Broker
4. Lincoln Davis D P
5. Jim Cooper D A
6. Bart Gordon D A
7. Marsha Blackburn R Retail Marketer
8. John S. Tanner D A
9. Steve Cohen D A
S. Lamar Alexander R A
S. Bob Corker R Construction Exec, Real Estate Magnate
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Part VI, the grand finale of this series, will appear toward the end of next week. It will include the states of Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. I will also feature some concluding remarks.

NEXT UP: Something more current and topical. Watch for it!

Time for REAL Representation! (Part IV)

Here is Part IV in the continuing series showing how little in common our Congresspersons share with average, everyday Americans, which explains why they often pass legislation which benefits the wealthy and big business but does little for, or actually hurts, the poor and regular citizens. For very, very, VERY few, if any, of our elected contingent have ever been secretaries, wallpaper hangers, factory workers, retail clerks, mechanics, or involved in any of the gundreds of other common jobs paying at or near median income. Instead, they have overwhelmingly come from higher-salaried occupations like law, business, and higher education. For we have apparently been brainwashed into thinking only those from the upper income brackets are worthy of being sent to represent us. We evidently think this even though we average folks often show far greater common sense, fairness, responsibility, and thriftiness in our everyday lives than they do. Hopefully, each of you will flood your precinct caucuses next year and give this serious thought when it comes time to nominate candidates for U.S. House and Senate!

The list below illustrates the types of jobs each Congressperson held prior to coming to Congress. As with parts I, II, and III of this series, you will see I continue listing each alphabetical state's Representatives and Senators, district by district, along with their party affiliation. As before, the numbers refer to the congressional district number of the listed state, S=Senator, D=Democrat, I=Independent, R=Republican, A=Attorney, and P=Politician (one who rose through the ranks of their particular party [political assistants, mayors, etc.] without ever having held a long-term job in the business world.
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MINNESOTA
1. Tim Walz D High School Teacher
2. John Kline R Defense Strategist
3. Erik Paulsen R P
4. Betty McCollum D High School Teacher, Sales Manager
5. Keith Ellison D A
6. Michele Bachmann R Tax Attorney
7. Collin Peterson D Accountant
8. Jim Oberstar D P
S. Amy Klobuchar D A
S. Al Franken (soon to be seated) D TV and Radio Personality, Author
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MISSISSIPPI
1. Travis Childers D Realtor, A
2. Bernie Thompson D High School Teacher
3. Gregg Harper R A
S. Thad Cochran R A
S. Roger Wicker R A
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MISSOURI
1. William Lacy Clay Jr. R Paralegal
2. Todd Akin R Engineer, Plant Manager
3. Russ Carnahan D A
4. Ike Skelton D A
5. Emanuel Cleaver D Methodist Minister
6. Sam Gates R Farmer
7. Roy Blount R College Administrator
8. Jo Ann Emerson R Association Exec ?
9. Blaine Luetkemeyer R Banker, Insurance agent
S. Kit Bond R A
S. Claire McCaskill D A
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MONTANA
At large. Denny Rehberg R Rancher, P
S. Max Baucus D A
S. Jon Tester D Farmer
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NEBRASKA
1. Jeff Fortenberry R Publishing Exec, Economist
2. Lee Terry R A
3. Adrian Smith R Realtor
S. Ben Nelson D A
S. Mike Johanns R A
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NEVADA
1. Shelly Berkley D A
2. Dean Heller R Stockbroker
3. Dina Titus D College Professor
S. Harry Reid D A
S. John Ensign R Veterinarian
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
1. Carol Shea-Porter D Social Worker
2. Paul Hodes D A
S. Judd Gregg R A
S. Jeanne Shaheen D Teacher
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NEW JERSEY
1. Rob Andrews D College Professor
2. Franl LoBiondo R Sm. business owner
3. John Adler D A
4. Chris Smith R Retail Exec
5. Scott Garrett R A
6. Frank Pallone D A
7. Leonard Lance R A
8. Bill Pascrell D High School Teacher
9. Steve Rothman D A
10. Donald M. Payne D Financial Exec
11. Rodney Frelinghuysen R P
12. Rush D. Holt Jr. D Physicist, Professor
13. Albio Sires D Insurance Exec
S. Frank Lautenberg D Information Processing Exec
S. Bob Menendez D A
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NEW MEXICO
1. Martin Heinrich D Businessman, P
2. Harry Teague D Oil Co. Exec
3. Ben R. Lujan D P
S. Jeff Bingaman D A
S. Tom Udall D A
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NEW YORK
1. Tim Bishop D College Administrator
2. Steve Israel D Public Relations Exec
3. Peter T. King R A
4. Carolyn McCarthy D Nurse
5. Gary Ackerman D High School Teacher, Newspaper Publisher
6. Gregory W. Meeks D A, Judge
7. Joseph Crowley D P
8. Jerold Nadler D A
9. Anthony D. Weiner D P
10. Ed Towns D Social Worker
11. Yvette Clarke D Economic Development Specialist
12. Nydia Velazquez D College Professor
13. Michael McMahon D A
14. Carolyn B. Mahoney D P
15. Charles Rangel D A
16. Jose Serrano D P
17. Eliot Engel D High School Teacher, A
18. Nita Lowrey D P
19. John Hall D Musician (former member of Orleans, of "Still The One" fame)
20. Scott Murphy D Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist
21. Paul Tonko D Engineer
22. Maurice Hinchey D Factory Foreman
23. John M. McHugh R Insurance Broker
24. Michael Arcuri D A
25. Dan Maffei D Journalist, businessman
26. Chris Lee R Sales Director
27. Brian Higgins D P
28. Louise McIntosh Slaughter D Market Researcher
29. Eric Massa D Military, Business Consultant
S. Chuck Schumer D A
S. Kristin Gillibrand D A
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Part V (soon to come) will feature 9 more states: NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, and TN. I'm STILL looking for a barber, seamstress, or bus driver!

Time for REAL Representation! (Part III)

Here is part III in my series illustrating why our Representatives and Senators seem so out of touch with most of the country. As you view the occupations they had prior to getting to Congress, you will see that nearly all of them were in elevated income brackets or jobs paying much higher than those most Americans hold today. It is no wonder, then, that our Congresspersons do not really understand many of us, our concerns, or our needs. If you're a cosmologist, carpetlayer, bartender, illustrator, bus driver, stockboy, telephone salesperson, pipefitter, or draftsman, chances are your won't find a kindred spirit in the halls of Congress. I hope you will think about this next time you are set to nominate or elect a candidate for U.S. House or Senate.

I continue this series, going alphabetically state by state, district by district. The numbers refer to the state's congressional district number, D=Democrat, I=Independent, R=Republican, A=Attorney, S=Senator, and P=Politician (one who has always been in politics rather than having worked in the "real" world).
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INDIANA
1. Pete Visclosky D A
2. Joe Donnelly D A
3. Mark Shouder R Sm. bus. owner
4. Steve Buyer R A
5. Dan Burton R Insurance agent, Real Estate broker
6. Mike Pence R A, Talk Show Host
7. Andre Carson D Law Enforcement Officer
8. Brad Ellsworth D Law Enforcement Officer
9. Baron Hill D Financial Analyst
S. Richard Lugar R Maufacturing Exec
S. Evan Bayh D A, P
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IOWA
1. Bruce Braley D A
2. David Loebsack D college Professor
3. Leonard Boswell D Farmer
4. Tom Latham R Sm. bus. owner
5. Steve King R Construction Contractor
S. Charles Grassley R P
S. Tom Harkin D A
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KANSAS
1. Jerry Moran R A
2. Lynn Jenkins R Accountant
3. Dennis Moore D A
4. Todd Tiahrt R Aerospace Exec
S. Sam Brownback R A, Farmer
S. Pat Roberts R Newspaper Publisher
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KENTUCKY
1. Ed Whitfield R A, Railroad Exec
2. Brett Guthrie R Military Officer
3. John Yarmuth D Newspaper Publisher
4. Geoff Davis R Manufacturing Consultant
5. Harold Rogers R A
6. Ben Chandler D A
S. Mitch McConnell R A
S. Jim Bunning R MLB Pitcher, P
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LOUISIANA
1. Steve Scalise R Systems Analyst
2. Joseph Cao R A
3. Charlie Melanson D Sm. bus. owner
4. John C. Fleming R Physician
5. Rodney Alexander R Insurance Agent
6. Bill Cassidy R Physician
7. Charles Boustany R Surgeon
S. Mary Landrieu D Real Estate Agent
S. David Vitter R A
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MAINE
1. Chellie Pingree D P
2. Mike Michaud D Factory Foreman
S. Olympia Snowe R P
S. Susan Collins R Businesswoman
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MARYLAND
1. Frank Kratovil D Prosecutor
2. Dutch Ruppersberger D A
3. John Sarbanes D A
4. Diana Edwards D A
5. Steny Hoyer D A
6. Roscoe Bartlett D College Professor, Farmer
7. Elijah Cummings D A
8. Chris Van Hollen D A
S. Barbara Mikulski D P
S. Ben Cardin D A
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MASSACHUSETTS
1. John Oliver D College Professor
2. Richard Neal D High School Teacher
3. Jim McGovern D P
4. Barney Frank D A
5. Niki Tsongas D A, Social Worker
6. John Tierney D A
7. Ed Markey D A
8. Mike Capuano D A
9. Stephen Lynch D A, Union leader
10. Bill Delahunt D A
S. Teddy Kennedy D A, P
S. John Kerry D A
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MICHIGAN
1. Bart Stupak D Police Officer, A
2. Pete Hoekstra R Marketing VP
3. Vern Ehlers R College Professor
4. David Lee Camp R A
5. Dale E. Kildee D High School Teacher
6. Fred Upton R P
7. Mark Schauer D P
8. Mike J. Rogers R Investigator
9. Gary Peters D Professor
10. Candice Miller R Sm. bus. owner
11. Thaddeus R. McCotter R A
12. Sander Levin D A
13. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick D High School Teacher
14. John Conyers Jr. D A
15. John Dingell D A
S. Carl Levin D A
S. Debbie Stabenow D Social Worker

Part IV (to come late next week) will include 8 more states: Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. Just prior to that I will do a little blurb on corporations bankrupting our Treasury by ducking taxes offshore.

Time for REAL Representation! (Part II)

Here is Part II of a not necessarily consecutive multi-installment series illustrating how UNLIKE us most of our U.S. House and Senate incumbents are. As you will see, nearly all came to Congress from occupations paying salaries much higher than average, as the vast majority are attorneys, well-to-do business owners, or other highly paid professionals. If you're a customer service clerk, painter, musician, retail sales clerk, secretary, repairman, hostess, or mechanic, to name but a few, forget it---chances are you won't see any of these Congresspersons who has much in common with you or really understands your daily struggles. They have certainly not experienced life from the confines of your income bracket! That is why few of the laws they pass directly benefit you. I HOPE ALL OF YOU WILL FLOOD YOUR PRECINCT CAUCUSES NEXT YEAR AND REMEMBER THIS WHEN IT COMES TIME TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR U.S. HOUSE AND SENATE. For we have apparently been brainwashed into thinking that we cannot, or should not, send average, common-sense folks just like us to Congress, and must instead send only lawyers, businesspersons, professionals, or the wealthy to make decisions for us. The time has come, though, for REAL representation in this country! If we, the people, are EVER going to truly take this country back, this will not occur if we continually send back to Washington those in collusion with big money, or those who look down on us.

Below is this installment's listing of U.S. House and Senate members, alphabetically state by state and district by district, along with their party affiliation and the type of occupation they performed prior to being elected to Congress. This installment covers incumbents from eight states. The numbers refer to the state's congressional district, S=Senate, D=Democrat, I=Independent, R=Republican, A=Attorney, and P=Politician, or one who rose through their party's ranks without having first held a job in business or industry. See how many of these Congresspersons came from your type of employment or had a job in your income bracket!
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COLORADO
1. Diana DeGette D A
2. Jared Polis D Internet Exec
3. John Salazar D Rancher
4. Betsy Markey D Sm. bus. owner
5. Doug Lamborn D A
6. Mike Coffman R Real Estate Exec
7. Ed Perlmutter D A
S. Mark Udall D Teacher
S. Michael Bennet D A
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CONNECTICUT
1. John Larson D High school teacher
2. Joe Courtney D A
3. Rosa De Lauro D P
4. Jim Himes D Financial Exec
5. Chris Murphy D A
S. Chriss Dodd D A
S. Joe LIEberman I A
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DELAWARE
At large. Michael N. Castle R A
S. Tom Carper D Economist
S. Ted Kaufman D P
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FLORIDA
1. Jeff Miller R Real Estate Broker
2. Allen Boyd D Farmer
3. Corrine Brown D College Professor
4. Ander Crenshaw R A, Investment banker
5. Ginny Brown-Waite R P
6. Cliff Stearns R Engineer, Sm. bus. owner
7. John Mica R Communications Exec
8. Alan Grayson D A
9. Gus Bilirakis R A
10. Bill Young R Insurance Exec
11. Kathy Castor D A
12. Adam Putnam R Farmer
13. Vern Buchanan R Auto dealer, Insurance Exec
14. Connie Mack IV R Marketing Exec
15. Bill Posey R Real Estate Exec
16. Tom Rooney R A
17. Kendrick Meek D Policeman
18. Ilena Ross-Lehtinen R Teacher
19. Robert Wexler D A
20. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz D College Administrator, P
21. Lincoln Diaz-Balart R A
22. Ron Klein D A
23. Alice Hastings D A
24. Suzanne Kosmas D Real Estate Broker
25. Mario Diaz-Balart R P
S. Bill Nelson D A, P
S. Mel Martinez R A
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GEORGIA
1. Jack Kingston R Insurance Agent, Agribusiness
2. Sanford Bishop D A
3. Lynn Westmoreland R Construction Exec
4. Hank Johnson D A
5. John Lewis D P, Civil Rights Leader
6. Tom Price R Physician
7. John Linder R Dentist
8. Jim Marshall D A
9. Nathan Deal R A
10. Paul Broun R Physician
11. Phil Gingrey R Gynecologist
12. John Barrow D A
13. David Scott D Advertising Exec
S. Saxby Chambliss R A
S. Johnny Isakson R Real Estate Exec
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HAWAII
1. Neil Abercrombie D Bus. Consultant
2. Mazie Hirono D A
S. Daniel Inouye D A
S. Daniel Akaka D Teacher
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IDAHO
1. Walt Minnick D A
2. Michael K. Simpson R Dentist
S. Mike Crapo R A
S. Jim Risch R A
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ILLINOIS
1. Bobby Rush D Insurance Agent, Civil Rights Leader
2. Jesse Jackson, Jr. D P, Civil Rights Leader
3. Dan Lipinski D College Professor, P
4. Luis Gutierrez D High school teacher, Social Worker
5. Michael Quigley D A
6. Peter Roskam R A
7. Danny K. Davis D Non-profit program coordinator
8. Melissa Bean D Sales Exec
9. Janice Schakowsky D Non-profit program coordinator
10. Mark Kirk R A, P
11. Debbie Halvorson D Sales Rep
12. Jerry Costello D Baliff, Sheriff
13. Judy Biggert R A
14. Bill Foster D Physicist
15. Timothy V. Johnson R A
16. Donald Manzullo R A
17. Philip Hare D P, Union Leader
18. Aaron Schock R P
19. John Shimkus R High school teacher
S. Dick Durbin D A
S. Roland Burris D A
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Part III in this series (soon to come) will include 9 more states: Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Michigan.

Time for REAL Representation! (Part I)

Today will begin a series of not-necessarily-successive posts in which I will demonstrate how UNLIKE most of the population our Representatives and Senators are, and why this leads them to pass some of the seemingly insane legislation they do from time to time. It will also help explain why it is that so many initiatives are passed in such watered-down versions as to make them almost ineffectual.

A large number of Americans correctly feel their needs and concerns are not being adequately represented in Congress. The reason for this is simple: we almost never send common, everyday, average people just like us TO Congress. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's State and County QuickFacts, median HOUSEHOLD income in this country in 2007 was $50,740. I can guarantee you that FEW, if ANY, of our Representatives or Senators earned less than $50,000 annually individually, in today's dollars, before entering the hallowed halls of Congress. Overwhelmingly, they came to Congress from lucrative law or business careers. That's right: Congress is loaded with attorneys, bankers, business owners or executives, physicians, and other professions from which none earned a mere $25,000, or very few earned less than $50,00 to $75,000 per year. They nearly all came to Congress from upper income bccupations. When, for example, have we ever in recent history sent to Congress a person whose primary job had been one of these: artist, baker, barber, bellhop, blacksmith, cab driver, carpenter, cashier, cook, dietician, electrician, factory worker, firefighter, fisherman, flight attendant, garbageman, gardener, grocer, hairdresser, interior designer, janitor, librarian, locksmith, mechanic, plumber, printer, receptionist, retail clerk, sanitation worker, secretary, street sweeper, tailor, therapist, toolmaker, usher, waitress, welder, or zookeeper? Not experienced or qualified enough, you say? I know barbers and janitors with more common sense, and who can manage a budget far better, than some of the so-called experienced professionals currently in Congress. It makes me wonder why we don't send at least SOME average, everyday folks to represent us in Washington, D.C. For it is becoming abundantly clear that today's Congresspersons are far divorced from, and have little in common with, the huge majority of people they are supposed to, and are paid to, represent. Most are clueless as to the needs, concerns, or struggles of the everyday citizen. I HOPE ALL OF YOU WILL FLOOD YOUR PRECINCT CAUCUSES NEXT YEAR AND REMEMBER THIS WHEN IT COMES TIME TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR HOUSE ASND SENATE! For the time has come for REAL representation in this country, not just the cosmetic variety we have been experiencing with such poor results! If we, the people, are ever going to take this country back, how will this be done if all power is handed right back to the same old, same old economic and professional elite?

Below is a listing, alphabetically state by state, and district by district, of every person serving in our current 111th Congress. I have also listed their party designation (D for Democratic, I for Independent, and R for Republican) as well as their primary occupation prior to election to Congress. I list "P" for Politician, for those who climbed up through the ranks of their party, as opposed to having previously worked in a trade or business. For brevity, and because there are so many of them, "A" will denote Attorney, "S" will denote Senator, and the numbers reflect each state's congressional district number. Part I here will feature 5 states, with all the rest to follow in subsequent posts.
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ALABAMA
1. Jo Bonner R P
2. Bobby Bright D A
3. Mike D. Rogers R P
4. Robert Aderholt R A
5. Parker Griffith D Oncologist
6. Spencer Bachus R A
7. Artur Davis D A
S. Richard Shelby R A
S. Jeff Sessions R A
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ALASKA
At large. Don Young R Mariner, Construction worker, Miner
S. Lisa Murkowski R A
S. Mark Begich D Financial Exec
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ARIZONA
1. Ann Kirkpatrick D A
2. Trent Franks R Oil Exec
3. John Shadegg R A
4. Rd Pastor D High school teacher
5. Harry Mitchell D High school teacher
6. Jeff Flake R Public Affairs Director
7. Raul M. Grijalva D College Administrator
8. Gabrielle Giffords D Businesswoman
S. John McCain R Military, P
S. John Kyl R A
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ARKANSAS
1. Marion Berry D Farmer, Pharmacist
2. Vic Snyder D Physician
3. John Boozman R Optometrist, Rancher
4. Mike Ross D Sm. businessman
S. Blanche Lincoln D P
S. Mark Pryor D A
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CALIFORNIA
1. Mike Thompson D Vineyard owner
2. Wally Herger R Oil Exec
3. Dan Lungren R A
4. Tom McClintock R P
5. Doris Matsui D P
6. Lynn Woolsey D College Professor
7. George Miller D A
8. Nancy Pelosi D P
9. Barbara Lee D Social worker
10. Ellen Tauscher D Investment banker
11. Jerry McNerny D Engineer, Energy scientist
12. Jackie Speier D A
13. Pete Stark D Banking Exec
14. Anna Eshoo D Communications Exec
15. Mike Honda D Teacher, Principal
16. Zoe Lofgren D A
17. Sam Farr D P
18. Dennis Cardoza D Rancher, Sm. bus. owner
19. George Radanovich R Banker, Vineyard owner
20. Jim Costa D Rancher
21. Devin Nunes R Farmer
22. Kevin McCarthy R Sm. bus. owner
23. Lois Capps D Nurse, College Professor
24. Elton Gallegly R Real Estate Banker
25. Howard McKeon R Bank Exec
26. David Dreier R Real Estate exec
27. Brad Sherman D A, Accountant
28. Howard Berman D A
29. Adam Schiff D A
30. Henry Waxman D A
31. Xavier Becerra D A
32. open until July, 2009
33. Diane Watson D Psychologist, College Administrator
34. Lucille Roybal-Allard D Public Relations Officer
35. Maxine Waters D Teacher
36. Jane Harman D A, P
37. Laura Richardson D Printing Exec
38. Grace Napolitano D Automotive Exec
39. Linda Sanchez D A
40. Edward R. Royce R Tax Consultant
41. Jerry Lewis R Insurance Broker
42. Gary Miller R Real Estate Exec
43. Joe Baca D Public Relations Officer, Travel Agency owner
44. Ken Calvert R Sm. bus. owner, Real Estate Agent
45. Mary Bono Mack R Sm. bus. owner
47. Loretta Sanchez D Financial Analyst
48. John B. T. Campbell III R Accountant, Auto Dealer
49. Darrell Issa R Electronics Exec
50. Brian Bilbray R Tax Consultant
51. Bob Filner D College Professor
52. Duncan D. Hunter R Military
53. Susan Davis D Social worker
S. Dianne Feinstein D P
S. Barbara Boxwer D Journalist

As you can see, none of these members listed come from "ordinary" jobs, and few, if any, from jobs paying below median household income. Government by the upper class for the upper class, you say? We shall see. Part II (soon to come) will feature the states of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, and Illinois.