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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Saturday, Jul. 04, 2009

House philosophy: Spend more

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I just finished reading that our illustrious House of Representatives has voted "with little comment or opposition" to approve an 8 percent increase in their budget for members' office expenses, to the tune of $51 million (June 20, Page A-5).

Are these promoters of conspicuous consumption really that clueless? When the vast majority of America is struggling to tighten its collective financial belt, these elitists in Washington decide that it's OK to spend more money on travel and other "official" expenses. I suppose the $609 million they already spend on these expenses just wasn't enough.

Am I delusional to believe that these elected officials should lead by example or that 51 million tax dollars could be better spent? So much for the concept of a government "of the people, by the people, for the people."

JOHN R. LOPES

Modesto