"Few federal lawmakers must grapple with the financial ills -- unemployment, loss of housing, wiped out savings -- that have befallen millions of Americans,” said Sheila Krumholz, the Center for Responsive Politics’ executive director. “Congressional representatives on balance rank among the wealthiest of wealthy Americans and boast financial portfolios that are all but unattainable for most of their constituents.”
You might have read last week that half of congressional members are millionaires--some multimillionaires. This fact does nothing to enhance the public's perception that lawmakers are out of touch with their constituents needs and concerns.
Many Americans live in fear of losing a job or not finding a job, incurring medical bills, keeping a home or selling one, getting out of debt, or just making ends meet. They want representatives who feel their desperation and care about their needs.
Some representatives, especially Republicans, do not support raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans but have few qualms about stopping unemployment benefits.
Currently, Operation Wall Street is the only large-scale expression of the public's dissatisfaction with corporate greed and congressional ineptitude.
Perhaps, "Operation Capitol Hill" will be the next big movement with millions of Americans setting up tents in front of the halls of Congress.
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