Freedom From Millionaires

Here's an idea to kick around: income limits.

Going forward, anyone running for political office cannot have earned more than $75,000 in a single year, and most of that money must have come from working a job (as opposed to gifts or investment income).  While in office, no one will make more than $75,000 a year.  If an individual makes a penny more in a year while in office, they will be removed from office the day it is proven, with no pension.  If someone has left office on good terms and is receiving a legitimate pension, that pension will cease if it is found that extra income had been gained while in office.

Because it would be unfair to force people to cancel what investments they may have when entering a political campaign and for the duration of their time in office, whatever investment income they might receive while in office would be deducted from their pay as an office holder.  Yearly income while in office, from whatever source derived, will never exceed $75,000.  Gifts in any form are strictly forbidden.

If we want to stop having our lives run by millionaires, we need to stop putting them in office.

And think about it: though it is not in writing, in practical terms we already have income limits in place, and those limits serve to exclude the commoners from ever becoming decision makers.  Political offices are filled with members of "the Club," and they only want to work with fellow members.  

If we want to continue having this country run by people who can only think and act like millionaires, whose primary interests are those of themselves and other millionaires, then the solution is easy - change nothing.