What's your opinion of Democrats that voted for the pay increase ?

[kentuck]

For themselves? Couldn't they just one time do something right and vote against this blatant abuse of power? Yes, it is a Republican Congress but did they really have to go along? They've gotten a $15,000 or more in pay increase in the last 5 years...that's more than many Americans will make in a year. Personally I think they should all be replaced. They do not respect the will of the people and they are too arrogant to serve.

[Walt Starr]

1. They are despicable and violators of the constitution

This pay raise is unconstitutional under the 27th amendment.

[ElkHunter]

2. I don't think they actually get the pay raise...

...until after the election and the new Congress is seated.

I am not that opposed to raises for members of Congress. Given their responsibility I think they deserve to be well paid. However, I think it's extemely insensitive and in poor taste to vote for a raise during a time of recession and war.

[Walt Starr]

21. Everything I've read says the pay raise takes effect in October

That's a violation of the 27th amendment to the constitution if true.

[jfxgillis]

3. Of the top 100 issues facing Congress ..

.. voting for or against a pay increase ranks either 99 or 100.

It's a fundamentally trivial issue, except for as a crude demogogic tool. Notice how the righty-talk-radio dudes made HUGE stink over this issue when Tom Foley was Speaker but they haven't said shit with Hastert in charge?

Seriously, you have LOTS better greivances against Congress than this dead old horse.

[kentuck]

6. I disagree...

It shows their utter disrespect for those that put them into office...

[Hamlette]

4. "its a good thing"

honest.

If you are a memeber of Congress you almost have to have two homes, one in DC and one in your district and other expenses associated with the office. If you keep the pay low one of two things happens: only rich people can run for office (I know, too many rich ones are there already but don't make it exclusive) OR they have to take bribes.

Pay 'em a million bucks a year. You'll attract everyone and hopefully the best and the brightest will win.

(PS, I feel the same way about school teachers, triple their salaries tomorrow and you'll attract the best and the brightest. Now, I know that some are there now but we need more and at the salary for a school teacher today it is not very attractive.)

[kentuck]

7. The solution is to make them all "rich" ??

Then they will all want to make a "career" out of it. We don't need to give them any more incentives for that...

[lcordero]

9. Have you ever heard of per diem, housing allowance, mileage,

travel vouchers for reimbursement, or the government credit card that is supposed to be used for official purposes?

BTW...they do take bribes, the new way to take bribes is campaign donations.

[otohara]

12. I'm With You

Living in DC, and at home, travel - it's expensive.

[Liberal Veteran]

13. Make them live in public housing......

...when they are in DC. That will take care that (and teach them a few lessons at the same time).

[mitchum]

19. "make them live in public housing" is a great idea since...

they are public servants (which is too often forgotten)

[buddhamama]

5. with millions living in poverty

millions out of work,and millions without health insurance too- beyond despicable :puke:

[Gman]

8. The Democrats should also get combat pay

in addition to the raise.

[kentuck]

10. And they wonder why people like Ralph Nader choose to run ??

They need to be hit up side the head with a two-by-four to let them know we are watching them. They don't give a damn!

[Bandit]

11. More Republicans voted against this than Democrats.

Maybe Nader was right that there is very little difference between the parties. At least when it comes to lining their own pockets.

[Gin]

14. They could have voted no" THIS" time....if for no other reason than to

pander to the voters...it would have worked for me..I would have respected those that voted no...now..just like those that voted for the war....will not get my vote.

[lcordero]

15. This along with the war vote are reasons why we should try to force

as much turnover in Washington as possible for the next 12 years.

[pansypoo53219]

16. i see this as a purely lameballs issue

something to get the recall people all upset. I think it should not even be up to them which they sort of did. made it more automatic. and some do not take it but return the increase to the govt coffers.Lets get to an issue that really DOES affect americans. Like affordable health care and getting rid of corporate wealfare for the defense industry complex. get pissed about the meat and potatoes, not the parsley.

[GOPBasher]

17. Who voted for it?

And who voted against it?

[RobertFrancisK]

18. It made them look like hypocrites

To preach about the deficit and then take money out put in their wallets. Not cool at all.

[Dookus]

20. They knew...

the payscale when they ran for the job.

To increase their pay during a down economy, with huge deficits and two wars going on is just plain stupid.

I believe we should pay our legislators a fair amount. I think it's just incredibly insensitive to raise their own pay when millions of Americans are out of work and those that ARE working aren't getting much in the way of raises.

This would've been a really easy issue for the Democrats to take control on. It would've been a huge PR victory for them if they'd united against the raise. Instead, they sold out for a few thousand bucks.

[greekspeak]

22. i think they should receive a tiny sum of money

Some states pay their legislators tiny amounts of money for their work. I think it should be the same with federal office holders. They do get a lot of benefits besides salary. The pay for the job should be the honor of serving their constituents. ESPECIALLY now, with suffering soldiers overseas, all the jobless Americans, and the runaway spending in government, this pay raise was a slap in the face.