I Earned This
Specific soundbites have grated on my nerves in recent days, specifically an elected legislator claiming “I’ve earned this goddamn job”
Legislators are, whether they want to recognize it or not, public servants.
legislator
: one that makes laws especially for a political unit
Etymology
Latin legis lator, literally, proposer of a law, from legis (genitive of lex law) + lator proposer, from ferre (past participle latus) to carry, propose
They serve in office at the pleasure of the people who elected them.
serve
verb
1. To work for (someone) as a servant: The steward serves the king.
2.
a. To prepare and offer
b. To place food before (someone); wait on
3.
a. To provide goods and services for (customers)
b. To supply (goods or services) to customers
4. To assist the celebrant during (Mass).
5.
a. To meet the requirements of; suffice for
b. To be of assistance to or promote the interests of; aid
6.
a. To work through or complete (a period of service)
b. To be in prison for (a period or term)
c. Sports To be removed from play for a specified period because of (a penalty).
7. To fight or undergo military service for: served the country for five years in the navy.
8. To give homage and obedience to: served God.
9. To act toward (another) in a specified way: She has served me ill.
10. To copulate with; service. Used of male animals.
These positions are not earned, they are a privilege granted by the people they represent.
privilege
noun
: a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor : prerogative
especially : such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or an office
verb
1 : to grant a privilege to
2 : to accord a higher value or superior position to
Claiming one has earned any position of public service is completely failing to understand the privilege of their place, and their duty to serve the American people—not their personal desires for power.
earn
: to receive money as payment for work that you do
: to get something that you deserve
That a rich white man making these claims should be a surprise to no one.
Kevin McCarthy’s home is an 8,800 square foot California mansion.
The price tag on his home is $21,000,000 USD. Inside, his mansion is as lavish, with a wine cellar, tennis court, two indoor pools, 10 bedrooms, and 12 bathrooms.
If a politician believes they have earned a privilege, they seem to be missing the point of their position.
public servant
: a government official or employee
The first known use of public servant was in 1671
A public servant is generally a person who is employed by the government, either through appointment or election.
