I like your idea, Black Bart. It's the retirement benefits, based on as little as 2 years of service, that upset me.

Trouble is, the very ones you're seeking to reign in are the only ones who could promote such an act of reform, and I'm sure you'll agree, having seen the numbers you posted above, there isn't much incentive for them to do so. The only way any elected official is taking a pay cut at this point is via revolution. They're certainly not going to vote themselves a pay cut.