As members of Congress are hurrying up and waiting to figure out how to deal with the upcoming “fiscal cliff,” I find it interesting that the body that complains about too many people being on the dole or lazy Americans doing nothing to lift themselves up by the bootstraps has no problem with some benefits of office that members of Congress cannot live without.
Why does Congress need two chaplains — one for the House and one for the Senate? The latest figures I could find show the House and Senate together pay $289,000 a year for chaplains and assistants. Not a lot — but a fair chunk of change.
Then there is the legislative barber shop. This year, the barber shop needed a $230,000 bailout. Top barbers made $54,761, $70,349, $73,658, and $81,641. Plus, they have a generous 401(k) plan, health care and paid vacation.
Perhaps we all will be asked to make small sacrifices as America deals with the financial crisis that appears on the horizon.
I don’t think it is a lot to ask members of Congress to also give up a little. Pray and get your hair cut on your own time and dime.
Annabel Girard
Danville
