Does congress deserve a pay raise? Did members ask voters?
Congress didnt ask voters and it is debatable whether they deserve a raise. Theyre about to accept a $4,900 pay hike in January. A few principled members tried to block it, but they were thwarted by a midnight vote in the Senate. So, the 3.4 percent pay increase to $150,000 for all 535 members, will take place in January unless there is a public outcry, and maybe in spite of one.
Unemployment is the highest its been in several years. Large corporations are laying-off workers. But congress thinks its work is so critical that it deserves more money. That would be more of our money. Some of those who opposed the Bush tax cut voted in favor of a pay increase for themselves. These people dont want you keeping more of your money, but they dont mind taking more of your money for themselves.
If youre outraged, you know who to call and write. Im Cal Thomas in Washington.