>>I don't think that it has anything to with ethics.
>>Private industry pays a lot more and, like it or not, money is a key motivator.
>>
>>Since when?
>>
>>President: $400,000 includes a $50,000 expense allowance.
>>Vice President: $237,700
>>Rank and file senators and representatives: $174,000
>>House and senate minority and majority leaders: $193,400
>>
>>I'd say that those are pretty hefty salaries.
>
>I think they are hefty salaries also, But I think the pale in comparison to what is available in private industry.

..and that's usually the case. Same job in private sector pays more than same job in government sector. What I myself has seen as that since this is the case, you end up with some not-so-good employees. I had a contract with the state of Kansas once and I had to attend some weekly or two times per week meetings with these knuckleheads that were the I.T. folks that were employees of the state. These people were all very nice - but they were also the most lazy worthless bunch of people I've ever worked with. I could tell you a few stories but when I think about it my blood boils, so I won't.