Wealth Gap Between Congress and Average Americans Widens [OPINION]

It’s no secret that politicians are paid too much, but even in the worst of economic times the gap between Congress and average Americans continues to widen according to a Washington Post report.

How can our elected leaders continue to ask us to sacrifice, while they continue to receive 5 percent pay increases during the greatest recession of our lifetime?  The Post report analyzed financial disclosure forms and public records from all Congressional members and found that the median estimated wealth for members of the House was $746,000 and $2.6 Million for senators. Not a bad living if you can get the work.

While two Republican Congressman top the list, this isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue. John Kerry is third. They’re all overpaid. Are we to believe this is a system our founding fathers would have wanted? It favors electing people of wealthy status and creates career politicians. People aren’t called to serve, they’re being served and we all pay for it.

Here's the list of weatlhiest Congressman:

1. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-California) $448.1 million
2. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) $380.4 million
3. Senator John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) $231.7 million
4. Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colorado) $143.2 million
5. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Florida) $136.2 million
6. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California) $101.1 million
7. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-West Virginia) $99.1 million
8. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-New Jersey) $85.6 million
9. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) $73.2 million
10. Senator Diane Feinstein (D-California) $69.0 million