Is there air?
Another time I wish
OK, over half are millionaires. They are millionaires before they get to DC. My point is that they use the office to make even more money, both while they are there, and after they retire from office. Not sure how a big pay increase fixes that.
Further, they all take campaign donations, regardless of their wealth. That influences them before the even win an election. It will be more difficult for for poor/middle class people to raise money for a campaign. Do you propose that we pay everyone who runs for office too?
Except that Citizens United works like this: A rich guy and a poor guy both go talk to a politician about an issue. The rich guy stuffs money into the politician's pocket, the poor guy can't. Guess which way the politician votes? When all men were created equal, apparently that doesn't include influence in the laws that are passed.
Neither unions or corporations should be allowed to steer money to politicians. If corporations, unions, and individuals are limited as to the monetary influence that can make, that levels the playing field.
It's a naive, domestic operating system without any breeding, but I think you'll be amused by its presumption.