Send Washington a Gift

Just a few minutes ago I was scanning the headlines and was struck by one in particular. It read: "No call for Social Security increase in 2011."

According to the inflation measures adopted by Congress nearly 40 years ago, there will be no cost of living adjustment (COLA). The reason, they say, is the rate of inflation does not match the criteria. It doesn't matter many seniors rely solely on Social Security for their entire income. Or, many whose savings, if they have any, and home values have yet to recover from the financial collapse.

They have not had a raise since January, 2009 and apparently will not receive one until January, 2012. One member of Congress observed recently: "Costs of living are inevitably going up, regardless of what that formula says." He went on to note that seniors have such items as uncovered drug costs and utility increases and they are on fixed incomes.

In this election year it might surprise a few people at just how angry voters may become and, it may translate at the polls. 

My suggestion is a simple one and the cost would be minimal to send our lawmakers a message. We can send them a gift. For less than $5 and the cost of postage go to your local store and purchase a jar of Vaseline then mail it to your representative or senator or both.

In this One Person's View, if we're going to get screwed at least have the decency to try to make it painless!