The Morning Call isn't wildly applauding Sen. Santorum's educational and real estate choices. Whoever wrote this on behalf of the editorial board notes: "It just doesn't sit well with our sense of public service that the Senator chooses to avail himself of this option."
Well, excuse us (that's my editorial board speaking).
However, the point about "public service," as well as mentioning the salary (plus perks, plus ability to ruin other people's lives) that Washington politicos (admittedly easy targets) make isn't half bad. Indeed, it's revealing to observe how rapidly the marvericks, who are hardly impoverished Americans, drop the 'public servant' shtick and milk the office they represent for fame, fortune, and personal comfort.
For intance, "(Barack) Obama said in a July 29 session with reporters that he took out a second mortgage and was worried whether his Senate salary -- $158,100 a year -- would be enough." To make ends meet, Obama has hired high-powered agent who is helping him negotiate a book advance "ranging from $500,000 to $1 million."
Or, this golden oldie: "I (Walter Shapiro of USA Today) asked (Tom) Coburn if he felt underpaid making $133,000 a year in Congress. 'Yes,' he answered with surprising candor. 'Nobody in my district would agree with that. But you have to be able to earn more money to attract good people.' "
Hmm, Dr. Tom must not have received as big an advance on his book.
Samuel Adams gets the last word on this one: "If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest for freedom, go home and leave us in peace."