Skin in the Game

I've seen this picture (and similar ones) floating around a LOT.

Perhaps you've heard the same solution offered for other political problems. The basic logic is: people making decisions should have some skin in the game. If politicians are getting paid--regardless of the job they do--there is little motivation for doing that job well.

I agree with this premise. And, I find it most intriguing that citizens on both sides of the aisle seem to share photos like the above. It's not just a Democrat or a Republican thing. We all see the benefit of holding politicians accountable.

Good. Then, everyone should be on board with my next suggestion.

Why don't we return to the days when the only folks who could vote were landowners--that is, taxpayers? Who thought it was a good idea to hand out voting privileges like candy to anyone who happens to be in the States on Election Day?

Oh, yes, I know the average Joe "pays" for his vote by doing a super awesome job at work. And you "contribute to society" by raising super awesome kids.  And let's not forget you're just generally a super-awesome person, who deserves a small database of perks and comforts just for existing.

But, honey, please!

Why do you get to make financial decisions when you don't contribute to the national pool of finances?  At least those greedy politicians actually did something to convince a majority of folks in their district to give them their title. If you still want to freeze their salaries until they pull their weight, fine. I don't blame you.

Now pull yours.

For crying out loud, 47 million of us are on food stamps. That means being paid by the government--just like a politician.  I totally understand why Americans are outraged by Congressmen putting money in their own pockets. But what are Welfare Families doing???

People who want to direct the future of the country ought to make a little sacrifice for it. With sacrifice comes a sense of duty. Responsibility. Loyalty. Having a horse in the race provides the motivation for better decisions across the board. (To quote the picture, it's the best way to "resolve a mess.")

At the very least, putting skin in the game makes you look less like an entitled, self-serving jerk writing checks for yourself with other people's money.