# Stupid Republican idea of the day **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 26, 2009, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897 "2009-03-26T18:48:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1718
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34342 "2017-06-25T18:58:26Z")
> [@BigAppleBucky](#): > > [They’re sentencing me to death’: Medicaid recipients on the Republican healthcare plan](http://https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/25/medicaid-republican-healthcare-plan-affordable-care-act) > > Evil or stupid? Probably both. Your link is broken (missing a : ); I got ya covered tho > **[‘They’re sentencing me to death’: Medicaid recipients on the Republican...](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/25/medicaid-republican-healthcare-plan-affordable-care-act)** > > The Guardian interviewed people from across the country who have relied on the coverage for life-saving assistance and what could happen if they lose it ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34343 "2017-06-25T20:02:49Z")
It’s not stupid when it’s intentional, just evil. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34344 "2017-06-26T16:47:00Z")
[LePage is at it again.](http://mainebeacon.com/gov-lepage-says-hell-shut-down-government-out-of-spite-even-if-budget-agreement-reached/) If the Maine legislature doesn’t pass the budget HE wants, he’ll delay signing it as long as possible and shut the government down. Can’t they impeach him for gross incompetence, or malignant malfeasance? ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34345 "2017-06-26T19:57:46Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > [LePage is at it again.](http://mainebeacon.com/gov-lepage-says-hell-shut-down-government-out-of-spite-even-if-budget-agreement-reached/) If the Maine legislature doesn’t pass the budget HE wants, he’ll delay signing it as long as possible and shut the government down. > > Can’t they impeach him for gross incompetence, or malignant malfeasance? From your link: “LePage’s plan, put forward by House Republican leaders last week, would give hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax breaks to the wealthiest two percent of Mainers.” …So, Stephen King and his wife? How many people are there in Maine, anyway? 30? 35? ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34346 "2017-06-26T20:00:59Z")
The governor of Kentucky is a hedge fund manager, and he has put the state’s pension fund into hedge funds, with 27 percent higher costs and 15 percent lower long-term returns than comparable states’ funds. > **[Kentucky's Hedge Funder Governor Has The State's Pension Money Invested In...](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/matt-bevin-kentucky-pensions_n_594bf56ce4b0a3a837be3d56?ex_cid=SigDig)** > > Under Matt Bevin, the state has continued to funnel money into alternative investments at public employees' expense. ---
**Author:** ![BigAppleBucky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigapplebucky/32/178_2.png) [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2017, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34347 "2017-06-27T11:43:09Z")
Sen. Inhofe (R, OK) on health bill: “I’m not sure what it does. I just know it’s better than Obamacare.” Asked HOW it’s better, says “it just is” then runs into elevator [Story](http://occupydemocrats.com/2017/06/26/top-republican-senator-just-gave-laughable-defense-trumpcare/) This is the same nincompoop who brought the snowball to the floor of the Senate. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2017, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34348 "2017-06-27T13:58:32Z")
The reason is that it doesn’t have Obama’s name on it. Duh. ---
**Author:** ![Claptree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58f4c7/32.png) [@Claptree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claptree)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2017, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34349 "2017-06-27T15:43:10Z")
At this point, I’d like to see Senate Democrats take the ACA, let a few college students rewrite the thing by just substituting synonyms where available, and present it under the name Trumpcare. ETA: and make sure to mention Trump a lot. He likes that. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2017, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34350 "2017-06-27T16:40:56Z")
> [@Claptree](#): > > At this point, I’d like to see Senate Democrats take the ACA, let a few college students rewrite the thing by just substituting synonyms where available, and present it under the name Trumpcare. > > ETA: and make sure to mention Trump a lot. He likes that. Hell, might as well go all the way and write a single-payer bill with paeans to the Orange One every other paragraph. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34351 "2017-06-28T13:32:45Z")
Jason Chaffetz [wants a $2500/month housing stipend for Congress](http://thehill.com/homenews/house/339570-chaffetz-calls-for-2500-legislator-housing-stipend). Gee, maybe they could afford their own housing if they learned to [make do without that new iPhone](http://thehill.com/homenews/house/322664-chaffetz-americans-may-need-to-choose-between-buying-new-iphone-or-healthcare)… ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34352 "2017-06-28T13:49:03Z")
> [@Steve\_MB](#): > > Jason Chaffetz [wants a $2500/month housing stipend for Congress](http://thehill.com/homenews/house/339570-chaffetz-calls-for-2500-legislator-housing-stipend). > > Gee, maybe they could afford their own housing if they learned to [make do without that new iPhone](http://thehill.com/homenews/house/322664-chaffetz-americans-may-need-to-choose-between-buying-new-iphone-or-healthcare)… I’m not sure if this is such a bad idea. Congressfolks generally (and reasonably) have two homes – one in DC and one back home. We shouldn’t want just wealthy folks to be able to run for Congress – without such a stipend, folks who aren’t already pretty wealthy might be dissuaded from running. ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34353 "2017-06-28T14:13:13Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I’m not sure if this is such a bad idea. Congressfolks generally (and reasonably) have two homes – one in DC and one back home. We shouldn’t want just wealthy folks to be able to run for Congress – without such a stipend, folks who aren’t already pretty wealthy might be dissuaded from running. Well, if they want to live in public housing, I’m sure there are lots of options in DC. I’m just concerned that many would not pass the stringent “no drugs” requirements to be a resident. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34354 "2017-06-28T14:20:01Z")
> [@Icarus](#): > > Well, if they want to live in public housing, I’m sure there are lots of options in DC. I’m just concerned that many would not pass the stringent “no drugs” requirements to be a resident. Maybe just build a dorm they can live in. No charge as long as they live there. The question is, who would room with Ted Cruz? ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34355 "2017-06-28T15:00:11Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I’m not sure if this is such a bad idea. Congressfolks generally (and reasonably) have two homes – one in DC and one back home. We shouldn’t want just wealthy folks to be able to run for Congress – without such a stipend, folks who aren’t already pretty wealthy might be dissuaded from running. Upper $100s is quite enough for anyone to have two homes. I could _sort_ of see this if you were a Representative from a marginal district with a large family. But if you’re a Senator, $110K + after taxes is plenty enough for any family to live on and put the rest into their house. Then, if you don’t get another term, you’ll have a fully-paid off house in DC after 6 years. Plus I wonder if this isn’t trying to do an end run around the 27th Amendment. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34356 "2017-06-28T15:05:41Z")
Pay for a congressman is $174,000. If a Democrat proposed this, the Republicans would have a field day. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34357 "2017-06-28T15:10:43Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > Pay for a congressman is $174,000. > > If a Democrat proposed this, the Republicans would have a field day. Tents are a great idea! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34358 "2017-06-28T15:11:07Z")
Yes, I’m sure Congressional pay is enough for them to survive relatively comfortably, but is it enough incentive to attract the best and brightest? I’m not so sure. I think it’s reasonable to consider this – we want people to want to be Congressperson, which perhaps should include a financial incentive that takes into account the greater personal expense (and sacrifice) of being a Congressperson. It further might depower the kind of “personal gifts” and trips lobbying, at least a little bit. ---
**Author:** ![BigAppleBucky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigapplebucky/32/178_2.png) [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34359 "2017-06-28T15:36:12Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Yes, I’m sure Congressional pay is enough for them to survive relatively comfortably, but is it enough incentive to attract the best and brightest? I’m not so sure. I think it’s reasonable to consider this – we want people to want to be Congressperson, which perhaps should include a financial incentive that takes into account the greater personal expense (and sacrifice) of being a Congressperson. It further might depower the kind of “personal gifts” and trips lobbying, at least a little bit. On the other hand, people motivated by money might be more susceptible to various forms of bribery. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34360 "2017-06-28T15:40:25Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Yes, I’m sure Congressional pay is enough for them to survive relatively comfortably, but is it enough incentive to attract the best and brightest? I don’t think the pay has anything at all to do with ‘attracting the best and brightest’. The work environment (politics, corruption, backbiting, character assassination) are more than enough to keep away all but the most fervent narcissists and power seekers. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34361 "2017-06-28T16:16:56Z")
It’s not the salary, it’s the benefits! Hey, what if the Federal Government bought a couple of apartment buildings? Certainly that would better than making their mortgage payments for them. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=1717) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=1719)