I’m sure that many of us could rattle off the names of 10 or more Senators or Congressmen if given a few minutes to dial into our recent memory banks. Heck, all we have to do is recall the “talking heads” from just one of last weeks’ squawk box shows on the priceless cable tv. How many of those shows are there now, a couple hundred?

However I’m concerned that my immediate circle of friends might find it difficult to actually name their own representatives that have offices located right in their very own neighborhoods.

This is a subject that I will focus on in a future blog installment.

When I find myself numbingly connected to one of those shows, angrily listening to those Washi-tonians go on and on about how they care so much about the American people, as they argue over services and programs like they are there toys in the sandbox, I wonder just how close they are to the reality that you and live with, or without every day?

I have struggled with finding the right way to equalize the lives, passion and plight of these humbled elected officials. They are obviously crying out for help in keeping them connected with the “public” that they so honestly serve.

I’m talking Congressional Reform.

Here are some thoughts you should share with your elected official the next time you drop in to check-up on their sincerity:

1. No Tenure / No Pension – no more collecting a salary when they are out of office.

2. All past/present/future members participate in Social Security. All of their Congressional retirement fund moves into Social Security immediately.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan. I have a contact at Fidelity.

4. Congress is no longer able to vote themselves a pay raise. Tie raises to CPI.

5. Congress must go to market for their healthcare programs.

6. Congress must abide by the same laws as the American people.

7. All contracts with Congressman, past and present will become null and void effective 1/1/12. It is a honor and a privilege to serve this country. Serve your term with, by and for the people. And then come back home and GET A JOB!