Posted by Frank James at 8 am CST
A lot of people probably don't know that defeated members of Congress get to attend an outplacement session, something akin to what's provided to the most fortunate laid-off workers (Yes, that's an oxymoron.)
Peter Overby, a National Public Radio reporter, did a small segment on it on "All Things Considered" last night. Unlike most laid-off workers, they get to keep a few perks, including a "parking plate" that still gets them great parking on Capitol Hill, a very tough neighborhood for parking.
The entertaining segment prominently features Katherine Harris, the Florida congresswoman who gained infamy as that state's secretary of state in 2000 for certifying President Bush's razor-thin victory in that state over Vice President Al Gore. Even in defeat, Harris has a way of thrusting herself in towards the center of the story.
The short piece is worth checking out.
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Comments
"Your final paycheck will be February 1 and that will be a two-day paycheck. Out of the two-day paycheck we will take your full health insurance premium."
How many Americans could have a two day paycheck and out of that have it cover your health care for the year? A lot of Americans can't afford health care at all even with their annual salary.
My wife and I retired at 52 and not being old enough yet we pay $900 a month for coverage. Even with that coverage there is a lot that isn't covered under Blue Cross. Health care is a major issue that should have been addressed already instead they passed horse legislation or a fence that they can't even finance. The war in Iraq is obviously the most important issue but lets not take our eye of the ball because of it.
Posted by: bill r. | December 6, 2006 8:23 AM
"As the session broke up, Rep. Harris said her immediate plans are to travel abroad and to spend more time with her family. Most of the other newly defeated lawmakers kept their heads down and kept walking."
Ah yes, the old 'spend more time with the family' line.
Good riddance to bad rubbish, as me old Mar used to say.
Hey, they are all off to be showered by their self awarded golden parachutes.
Posted by: c.morris | December 6, 2006 8:55 AM
bill r Your right health care is an issue that has to be taken up. Health Care in the riches country in the world is just a pure shame
Posted by: Dale Peters | December 6, 2006 8:59 AM
By the way, has anyone else notice that the outgoing Repubs. don't seem to be bashing 'trial lawyers' as much as before?
Guess it proves the old adage (I just invented it!);
'One man's gesture to the RRR is another man's constitutional right'.
Posted by: c.morris | December 6, 2006 10:42 AM
I think that Mascarine Harris got a raw deal after she helped deliver Florida, and the Presidency, to W. The outgoing congress owes her a huge debt of gratitude. I propose the lame ducks commission a statue of her, sans the mascara, to adorn the Capitol rotunda.
In January, when the Dems take control, they can simply have it moved to the men's urinal in the Rayburn building. That way, the new occupants can continue to worship her.
Posted by: unlettered | December 6, 2006 2:35 PM
Unlettered,
Good one,you made me laugh for the first time today.
When W. went to Florida before the election,and the new Gov. of Florida blew him off,he was left looking at "drag queen" Ms. Harris,and you could tell he didn't want to be there.
It was a classic election moment.
Posted by: John E. | December 6, 2006 2:58 PM
john e,
That look W gets when he doesn't want to be someplace or with someone;
the 'dynamo-chin-chows'
Just an old army expression we used to describe an angry lifer.
Posted by: c.morris | December 6, 2006 4:05 PM
Hey, some of those great migrant farm labor jobs in the deserts of CA and ID might make good jobs for these folks!
I heard that farm owners are complaining of being forced to leave good produce in the fields this harvest season, due to farm labor shortages.
The farm owner I heard interviewed, said it was due to fear on the part of migrants to come north to work on the harvest.
Thanks, politicians, for shooting us in the foot again.
But take heart. There may be a minimum wage hike coming, so you could start your own IRA and save up a little bit.
Posted by: c.morris | December 7, 2006 8:56 AM