Well, file this one in the category of hard to believe he said it. Representative Grimm, fresh off his recent assault on health care for young people and support of gun-control-just-for-politicians, is now discussing his perceived lack of perks as a Congressional representative. See, the only perk left is that the ladies love it!
After speaking to the Staten Island Rotary last week at the Staten, West Brighton, an audience member asked about 'the really cool perks about being a congressman'.
"I'm single," Grimm quipped. "It's all the ladies. I get little notes, so-and-so wants to go out to dinner. That's it."
Yes, that's right folks. Public service is all about getting a little love from the ladies. Congressman Grimm is smiling from ear to ear about all this new found attention by women who are suddenly interested in him because of his status as an elected official. Almost makes you wonder about his oh so charming personality. But really, the kicker comes next.
"You can't take a slice of pizza," Grimm said. "The rules have almost gotten ridiculous. If someone was once a lobbyist, they can't buy you a cup of coffee. The ethical rules are so tight that there really are no perks."
Color me disgusted on this one. The perk is that you are serving the people. Few people get the reward of being put in a position where you can improve the lives of your fellow community members. That's a damn good perk right there. Oh, and there's also the very comfortable salary you get on the dime of the American people as well as that socialist government funded healthcare and pension. But no, Congressman Grimm is upset that a lobbyist can't buy him a slice of pizza while telling him how to vote for whatever corporate backed bill is coming up the pipeline.
The reason these hard ethical rules are in place is that we don't trust people like Congressman Grimm to exercise good judgment in the gray areas. And from statements like these, it's abundantly clear why. |
