Why do people in government get to take so many vacations?

[pidge]

Bush is in the process of taking a "monthlong" vacation. One and a half months into Hillary's senate term, she took a two week vacation with Bill Clinton. There are several other instances where I see congress take a "two week recess". I work in the tech industry. If I go to my manager and tell my manager that I want to take a month long vacation, I would get a really mean look and probably get approved for only a couple of days. Why do we allow people on government to take so many vacations? :|

 

[mchammer187]

They usually get 4 hrs of vactations per week. Being an intern i get no vacation but 4 hrs of sick leave and 4 hrs emergency leave every week so i'm assuming normal ppl get 4hrs sick leave 4 hrs emergency leave and 4 hrs of vacation for every week they work. You must work for 1 year to qualify for paid vacation tho.

 

[BoberFett]

Because the government has no concept of needing to be profitable. When they need more money they raise taxes, create debt, or both. There is no accountability in government. It's not their money.

 

[Capn]

Well congressmen need to go back to their home states to do some business and raise money etc., hence the recesses. This is probably somewhat of a holdover from when traveling from DC (or philly) to Boston for example took a while and their was nothing but written communication.

 

[0ops]

Because they need time to spend all the money that people
pay in taxes

 

[MrMilney]

Because they can. It's really that simple.

 

[ratkil]

Because they can. It's really that simple.
Right on......

Instead of asking why they get so much vacation while in office, why not ask why they get such a nice taxpayer sponsored retirement plan? Course that again is because they can..... And people say the British Royal family is a drain on their economy......

 

[crypticlogin]

<< Because they can. It's really that simple. >>



Just like they can vote on their own raises! WTF!?!? &quot;Yeah, uh, so who wants a raise?&quot;

 

[StageLeft]

Voting yourself a raise is insane, as is anything like that.

In canada recently the prime minister - a**hole that he is - voted himself a MASSIVE raise. All the MPs got one as well. If you are your own boss and can give yourself raises on a whim something is wrong.