# 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:** 1720
**Author:** ![Uncle\_Jocko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uncle_jocko/32/2932_2.png) [@Uncle\_Jocko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncle_Jocko)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34382 "2017-06-28T23:19:23Z")
> [@psychobunny](#): > > I hate to say it, but I don’t think that this is such a bad idea. You should not have to be rich to be in Congress and DC is crazy expensive. You don’t get a mansion for $2500 a month. Average rent is about $2000 for a one bedroom apartment and $2800 for a two bedroom in DC. $2500 can get you a one bedroom in a decent area of town. [https://www.apartments.com/washington-dc/?bb=11\_j7in40Hz7u2riD](https://www.apartments.com/washington-dc/?bb=11_j7in40Hz7u2riD) Yeah, but, here’s the deal. They knew what they were getting into when they decided to run for Congress (“They bought their tickets, they knew what they were getting into. I say let 'em crash.”). If they can’t make ends meet on $175,000 a year, I don’t really have sympathy. They want even _more_ just as a housing allowance? Heck. I’m a federal employee - I’d like to get double my take-home pay after I retire. Think I should get that? I saw this on Twitter the other day. Chaffetz wants $2,500 as a monthly housing stipend. You know what minimum wage in DC amounts to? $2,150 per month. In light of that, asking for $2,500 extra “to make ends meet” is almost obscene. ---
**Author:** ![Uncle\_Jocko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uncle_jocko/32/2932_2.png) [@Uncle\_Jocko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncle_Jocko)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34383 "2017-06-28T23:21:37Z")
Of course, on the other hand, subsidies for the wealthy is basically all that the Republican Party stands for these days, so why should we be surprised? ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2017, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34384 "2017-06-28T23:41:15Z")
> [@Uncle\_Jocko](#): > > Of course, on the other hand, subsidies for the wealthy is basically all that the Republican Party stands for these days, so why should we be surprised? Hey now, try to keep it honest. They also are strong supporters of bigotry. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34385 "2017-06-29T00:55:15Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > I can’t help but wonder how he would feel if, in an attempt to keep with the spirit of the whole “church/state” thing, someone started teaching Islam rather than Christianity. > **[Religious Landscape Study](https://www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/database/state/kentucky/)** > > Explore the geographic distribution and demographics of America's major religious groups. 76% Christian 22% Unaffiliated (14% ‘nothing in particular’, 4% Atheist, 4% Agnostic) So it seems that better than 1 in 5 of his citizens have NO religion. I wonder how he’d feel about an elective ‘No Religion’ class. ---
**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 29, 2017, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34386 "2017-06-29T01:06:02Z")
Living in Kentucky, I can say that a good many people here would consider themselves (to use a term from _O Brother, Where Art Thou?_) “unaffiliated,” but would still be okay with a Bible class, but would lose their fucking minds at the prospect of a class about Islam. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34387 "2017-06-29T01:13:46Z")
How about [Zoroastrianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism)? Older than Christianity, monotheistic, introduced heaven and hell, still practiced by 2.6 million people. ---
**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 29, 2017, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34388 "2017-06-29T01:30:43Z")
Bruce Rauner, Republican governor of Illinois, [intends to veto a bill that would fund the state’s 911 services](https://theillinoischronicle.com/governor-rauner-vetoes-funding-for-911-emergency-service-may-end-june-30/). If it isn’t funded, it will close down as of July 1. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34389 "2017-06-29T01:33:18Z")
“Less than 1 in 5 people (17%) approve of the Senate bill, according to a new NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist poll released Wednesday morning. A majority – 55% – disapprove. The numbers are disastrous among Democrats (8% approve) and independents (13%) but perhaps most surprisingly bad among Republicans – just 1 in 3 (35%) of whom approve of the Senate legislation. More self-identified conservatives disapprove of the bill (34%) than approve of it (31%).” But hey Republicans, you go right ahead and pass that so-called healthcare bill. America will just love you for it. ---
**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 29, 2017, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34390 "2017-06-29T03:34:38Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > Bruce Rauner, Republican governor of Illinois, [intends to veto a bill that would fund the state’s 911 services](https://theillinoischronicle.com/governor-rauner-vetoes-funding-for-911-emergency-service-may-end-june-30/). If it isn’t funded, it will close down as of July 1. As an EMT, I can’t even comprehend the rationale for not funding 911 services. It’s mind-boggling that someone could be that unsympathetic to their own constituency, at least on so small a scale, when it’s people you see every day (as opposed to the PotUs) in your community. I wonder if, should the 911 service be discontinued, he could be held liable for any deaths occurring between 7/1 and whenever funding is restored. ---
**Author:** ![Celidin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cc9497/32.png) [@Celidin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celidin)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34391 "2017-06-29T13:17:57Z")
> [@psychobunny](#): > > I hate to say it, but I don’t think that this is such a bad idea. You should not have to be rich to be in Congress and DC is crazy expensive. You don’t get a mansion for $2500 a month. Average rent is about $2000 for a one bedroom apartment and $2800 for a two bedroom in DC. $2500 can get you a one bedroom in a decent area of town. [https://www.apartments.com/washington-dc/?bb=11\_j7in40Hz7u2riD](https://www.apartments.com/washington-dc/?bb=11_j7in40Hz7u2riD) Why don’t we take the $2500/mo that Chaffetz is proposing and employ a little economy of scale? Let’s just buy an existing building in DC, something with a bunch of rooms+bathrooms in it and let the Congresscritters stay there, free of charge. All of them. It doesn’t have to be lavish by any means - these people need a desk, a bed, a TV, internet access and a bathroom, so any old hotel would work. If we really felt the need to splurge, I hear the [Old Post Office building](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/28/realestate/commercial/finally-washingtons-old-post-office-gets-a-new-life.html) could work. The current owners probably should be getting rid of it anyway… ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34392 "2017-06-29T14:04:04Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > Bruce Rauner, Republican governor of Illinois, [intends to veto a bill that would fund the state’s 911 services](https://theillinoischronicle.com/governor-rauner-vetoes-funding-for-911-emergency-service-may-end-june-30/). If it isn’t funded, it will close down as of July 1. > [@Superdude](#): > > As an EMT, I can’t even comprehend the rationale for not funding 911 services. It’s mind-boggling that someone could be that unsympathetic to their own constituency, at least on so small a scale, when it’s people you see every day (as opposed to the PotUs) in your community. > > I wonder if, should the 911 service be discontinued, he could be held liable for any deaths occurring between 7/1 and whenever funding is restored. No one has ever died due to a lack of 911 services. [/labrador] > [@Celidin](#): > > Why don’t we take the $2500/mo that Chaffetz is proposing and employ a little economy of scale? > > Let’s just buy an existing building in DC, something with a bunch of rooms+bathrooms in it and let the Congresscritters stay there, free of charge. All of them. It doesn’t have to be lavish by any means - these people need a desk, a bed, a TV, internet access and a bathroom, so any old hotel would work. > > If we really felt the need to splurge, I hear the [Old Post Office building](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/28/realestate/commercial/finally-washingtons-old-post-office-gets-a-new-life.html) could work. The current owners probably should be getting rid of it anyway… I, as a tax payer, am willing to give a stipend enough to make sure that every congressman who wants one can have a rollaway bed delivered to their office. Mattresses and sheets not included. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34393 "2017-06-29T14:39:09Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > “Less than 1 in 5 people (17%) approve of the Senate bill, according to a new NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist poll released Wednesday morning. A majority – 55% – disapprove. The numbers are disastrous among Democrats (8% approve) and independents (13%) but perhaps most surprisingly bad among Republicans – just 1 in 3 (35%) of whom approve of the Senate legislation. More self-identified conservatives disapprove of the bill (34%) than approve of it (31%).” > But hey Republicans, you go right ahead and pass that so-called healthcare bill. America will just love you for it. Well, yeah. Speaking as a guy who is three years away from Medicare and currently jobless (COBRA runs out around May next year), the Senate plan is just the ticket to ensure something horrible happens to me, should I get sick in the next 36 months or so. Love ya, 'Pubs! ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34394 "2017-06-29T14:50:45Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > I, as a tax payer, am willing to give a stipend enough to make sure that every congressman who wants one can have a rollaway bed delivered to their office. There are occasional stories about members sleeping in their offices, contrary to House rules, and showering in the House gym. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34395 "2017-06-29T15:16:15Z")
> [@Celidin](#): > > If we really felt the need to splurge, I hear the [Old Post Office building](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/28/realestate/commercial/finally-washingtons-old-post-office-gets-a-new-life.html) could work. The current owners probably should be getting rid of it anyway… I hear the the new POTUS is a[big fan of eminent domain](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/08/19/donald-trumps-abuse-of-eminent-domain/?utm_term=.3717ac1c4c7d), so they can probably just seize it. They will of course have to give just compensation. Let’s say 50 bucks and a 2 for one coupon at Wendy’s. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34396 "2017-06-29T15:19:06Z")
It’s owned by the government and leased to Trump. See: Emoluments Clause. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34397 "2017-06-29T15:37:17Z")
Can’t they just double-bunk with Trump? ---
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34398 "2017-06-29T15:44:22Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > Bruce Rauner, Republican governor of Illinois, [intends to veto a bill that would fund the state’s 911 services](https://theillinoischronicle.com/governor-rauner-vetoes-funding-for-911-emergency-service-may-end-june-30/). If it isn’t funded, it will close down as of July 1. What a jackass! Did the goldang’d fuckwit even give a reason why? (Other than being a callous son-of-a-bitch, I mean…) ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34399 "2017-06-29T15:45:40Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > Can’t they just double-bunk with Trump? Would you? Even his wife won’t. ---
**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 29, 2017, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34400 "2017-06-29T15:55:10Z")
Tons of congressfolks really suck, but the impulse to want to resist anything that might make their lives better seems misguided to me – if we want better candidates, then I think we have to consider making the job more attractive. This doesn’t strike me as a totally bonkers idea. ---
**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 29, 2017, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/34401 "2017-06-29T15:56:02Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > Can’t they just double-bunk with Trump? Trump double-bunks with himself. Bigly. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=1719) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=1721)