No Pay Raise For Congress Until Minimum Wage Is Raised

When there are votes in Congress to ban same-sex marriage or to ban desecration of the American flag, congressmen go out of their way to publicize the controversial bills. Republican politicians in particular want their constituents to know that they are standing up for the flag and "family values."

There is a bill pending in the House of Representatives to raise the salaries of congressmen, it's hidden in legislation to fund the Department of Transportation and other agencies.

You won't find any politicians trumpeting this bill, they don't want the good folks back home knowing that they are seeking another pay raise.

At a time when Americans are tightening their belts because of rising oil and health insurance prices, politicians shouldn't be giving themselves another fat raise.

The bill would raise members' salaries to $168,500, the median household income in 2004 was $53,692 according to the Census Bureau.

The minimum wage stands at $5.15 an hour, it hasn't been raised since 1997. I would like to see those fat cats try making ends meet at such a paltry pay for just a month.

Before Congress gives itself yet another raise, they should raise the minimum wage to at least $8.00. It is impossible to live beyond a third world standard when you are getting only $5.15 an hour.

I know some folks who work two minimum wage jobs, they're barely able to pay their bills and have no time to spend with their families.

It's time that the "family values-preaching" Republicans joined their Democratic colleagues in raising the minimum wage.

I'm not talking about welfare or giveaways, I'm talking about treating hardworking poor people with respect and dignity.