Most people have some idea that politicians, particularly members of the House and Senate are influenced by political donations. Wealthy people and corporations pay into their campaigns and in return get special treatment and consideration. This is not good for our republic.
Another means of corruption is through investments. Representatives can and do make political decisions based on how they will affect their financial investments. In fact, it is not illegal for them to participate in "insider trading" or shady real estate deals. So being some of the most influential people in the country puts them in positions to take advantage of this frequently, and legally.
So I have an idea. This is a law that would allow reasonable returns, because congressmen need retirements too, but frees them to make decisions based on what is good for the country and not their stock portfolios. When you enter the senate or house, you and your spouse would be required to divest all investment assets. So all stock, all real estate, all meaningful investments. The money raised would be put into a cash account held by the government. The account could be added to from your salaries during your tenure and would accrue some reasonable interest rate. Upon leaving office you would get all the money back as cash along with interest.
That way, because all investments were in a cash account, there would be no incentives to tilt the tables in favor of personal gain. It would serve two purposes. First, it would encourage representatives to focus on what they are supposed to be focusing on, representing. Secondly it would give congress a needed boost in perception. It would look less corrupt and transparent meaning their constituents would feel they could trust them more.
It wouldn't prevent all corruption. It would keep people from breaking the rules. But it would help and it would increase, even if only slightly, the governments perceived legitimacy which is critical for a republic.
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