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That's what generous salaries for elected officials was supposed to accomplish in the first place.

In reality, why would a would-be corrupt politician forgo multiple tens of millions in exchange for only 1 million?

Because corruption comes in degrees and utility curves shrink. The difference between 1 million and tens of millions is not enough to sway your person of average morality to the Dark Side. But the difference between tens of millions and 170k or however much is a more tempting offer, especially when you live in the unbelievably expensive DC area and also half your peers are filthy rich.

I think that's kind of the point, isn't it? Make elected office unattractive to those motivated by the thought of megabux.

Of course, such lavish pensions would still create gravity for the self-serving types who just don't think as big.

I would normally agree with that. Make it even $5 million per year if needed be. But I have one worry - that they become too disconnected with regular people. Then again, there aren't too many politicians these days who aren't already rich, so maybe that won't change too much.

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