Let's not stop with Congress 

Carolyn, your letter—”Regarding Congress” on Oct. 24—was right on the money. You are not alone in your beliefs. Our elected officials, who are our public servants, need to remember they are there to do the bidding of the people. We are the people, we are the government, not our elected officials per se. We give them compensation, commensurate to their responsibility for the time they are serving the public, after which they are just like the rest of us and should be treated as such.

Most of those in Congress and in the Senate are older than 65 and should be on Medicare when they retire, like the rest of us at that age. While serving, they should be paid for work done, like the rest of us, and if they close down the government, then they shouldn’t get paid or have any of their benefits, like the rest of those who lose our jobs.

Members of our legislatures, unfortunately, do not start out like the rest of us, as you say. It used to be that way some time ago, but now it seems like you have to be a millionaire to participate in the process. But yes, you are right, after they retire, they all seem to be that much fatter. Of course, we shouldn’t just focus on Congress and the Senate; this should also apply to our local elected representatives, like our supervisors.

-- Patrick Scott - Carrizo Plains

-- Patrick Scott - Carrizo Plains