Shirts vs. Skins: The Era of Outrage Porn

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the collective frustration with our country’s leaders. We used to have great respect for our elected officials. What happened?

Best Job Ever

A few years ago I had a memorable lunch with a sitting Congressman. Towards the end of lunch I asked a throw-away question: “what’s wrong with Congress?” He was ready for it: “for most people in Congress this is the best job they’ve ever had.” He went on:

“They were a near-do-well, Century 21 real estate agent.”

“They stayed for the fellowship hour after church.”

“They drove a six year old, beige Toyota Camry.”

“They held open houses in tired, split level homes in the ‘burbs that smelled like wet-dog.”

“They decided to run for office to help grow their network; maybe pick up a wet-dog listing or two. Can’t hurt.”

“They never expected to win.”

“They won.”

“They make six times what they used to.”

”Free healthcare, 67 paid holidays, three weeks vacation, a lifetime of ‘retirement’ income.”

“All the popular people from their high school see them on TV.”

“They’re introduced as “Congressman or Congresswoman” or “The Honorable (insert firstname/lastname”.)”

“When they go home they get the best table at Red Lobster on Saturday night-no wait…