Americans can only envy these benefits

While millions of Americans see their pensions being slashed, or eliminated entirely, some even after they've entered retirement and have to struggle to make ends meet with rising gas, oil, real estate prices, etc, just take a look at what your Congressman or woman gets:

From an AP story last week.

A lawmaker who retires at 60 after just 12 years in office can count on receiving an immediate pension of $25,000 a year and lifetime benefits that could total more than $800,000.

That doesn't include 401K benefits. And any member who lasts 5 years in office can get taxpayer-subsidized health care until he reaches Medicare age. Have 20 years of service, start collecting benefits at age 50. Cost of Living Adjustments can add as much as 25% to the value over the course of the Congressman's lifetime.

And get this: It doesn't matter what a Congressmen did before or does after leaving office. Former Representative Republican Randy (Duke) Cunningham who was sentenced to over 8 years in jail, is entitled to an annual pension of $36,000 for his 15 years in the House. This doesn't include his military pension or 401K benefits.

The ethically challened Tom DeLay who resigned rather than lose his seat and an embarrassing trial will get $56,000 which could total over $2M.

When you make this much money, its easy to see why they have so little sympathy for what you are going through.

Start throwing them out in November.