The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1942-02-05
BUNDLES FOR CONGRESS


The Bundles Tor Congress" drive
Is having its effect. Senators and
representatives are greeting the
movement today with bundles Of
silence. stammered explanatory
statements, laughter, and combina-
lions OF defense gestures.
Bundles for Congress was organ
lied BY the Athletic Round Table
OF Spokane. Wash. 10 rib congress
men who recently enacted retire
ment pay plan for themselves. The
Bundles for Congress motto IS
keep EN- laughing.
Some congressman, however see
the BIC as an invidious slap at an
important branch OF the govern
ment; many refuse 10 talk about il;
a few try to accept It as an effec-
tive contribution 10 good clean fun,
but none seems to be oyefjoyed by
It. II cuts such men as Rep. Robert
Ramspeck. D., Ga, author OF the
bill, and Sen. James VI. Mead, D.,
y. Y, who sponsored II in the Sen
ate. They do not find il amusing.
I've got no objection 10 their
having all the fun they want TO,
Ramspeck says, but don't think
1t serves any good purpose 10 make
sport OF Congress at a time when
the people ought 10 have confidence
IN their government
Mead asserted that the movement
said 70 be sweeping the Pacific
Coast, was based on misconceptions
OF the real nature OF the retirement
plan, which is purely optional with
congressman.
1T is my judgment that most
members won't Join the retirement
plan he says. because it costs
too much. l cant join because
haven't funds enough to take on
another s500-a-year expense
He refers TO the five per cent
OF annual salary required as pay
ment into the fund.
Rep. Martin F. Smith. D., Wash"
complains that congressman were
always made the scapegoats OF the
nation" whenever anyone is looking
for a laugh. As for the so-calied
pension, "a man can take the same
money il would cost him, buy en-
dow ment insurance, protect his fam
lily If he dies. and II he lives get
more for his investment. Smith
says.
Sen. George ". Norris, I'D Neb.
says the Retirement Act for con
gressmen is "a sad law"
Rep. John Z Rankin, D. Miss.
sums up the attitude OF many who
opposed the act with the statement:
q wasn't for the retirement law.
and | wouldn't be interested in the
bundles
Rep. Charles II. Leavy, D.. OF;
Spokane. himself a member OF the
Organization which founded the
BFC-in his absence-is one Of the
silent ones. He had no comment to
make.
On the whole the BIC is giving
the nation a laugh at the expense
OF Congress and Why shouldn't the
nation laugh little since nothing Is
likely TO happen. Getting mad be-
cause the congressman decided 10
set up a pension system Of their
own that may later lead to an out.
right bonus, II some future group
decides to eliminate the five per
cent payment. won't do bit OF good.
The congressman can vote them
selves a pension IL they want TO and
the only way 10 change II is to elect
men pledged TO vote for repeal.
Such men, who will az the same
time be able representatives, may
be hard to find.
II, as Congressman Smith says.
the same benefits. or better, could
have been purchased through an
established insurance company, It
is hard 10 understand why the con.
gressmen didn't step cut and buy
II. the same as we common people
do. II would have saved them a lot
OF criticism and all the embsrrass-
ment Of being laughed at. or looked
upon with disgust al time when. az
Rep. Ramspeck says. the people
should have confidence in their gov
eminent. We still have confidence.
but we don't like the retirement.
with-pay plan.