Your Opinion: Apply same rules to Congress, citizens

Dear Editor:

First, I would like to thank Robert Allen for his "Piratical Right stealing America" letter to the editor in the Oct. 23 edition of News Tribune. In his letter he stated that we "don't look to the president, the Senate, Congress, the press or any political party to help. Sadly they just don't see it, don't care, or are part of it." He continues by stating, "We the people are on our own."

We are all aware that our country is in trouble, and it doesn't appear as though our elected officials really care. Unemployment, poverty, education, health care and many other issues are being dealt with by the vast middle and lower classes each day and there seems to be no improvement is sight.

For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Some citizens are unaware that members of Congress can retire with the same pay for the rest of their lives after serving only one term. And, members of Congress have their own health care plan, which is much better than the average American citizen's plan. Members of Congress are an elite group. This includes Democrats, Republicans, Independents or any other political entity.

I received the following suggestion in an e-mail. It says that we should propose the following 28th Amendment to our Constitution, which states "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the senators and/or representatives and Congress shall make no law that applies to the senators and/or representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States." I think this is an excellent proposal. The problem is which member of Congress would propose such an amendment. I think the answer is zero.

It is high time that the citizens of this great nation call, write, e-mail their elected officials in Congress. America no longer has the luxury of knowing that our members of Congress will do what's for us. Unfortunately the people who occupy our United States capitol are bought and sold by lobbyists, big business, and anyone else who can contribute to their next election fund.

Please, we can't be silent anymore. We must make our voices heard now and when it comes time to vote.