Economy causes Americans to tighten their belts . . . but not Congress

The economy is, obviously, in the toilet.  Many Americans, this blogger included, have cut back on spending and are trying to save more just in case someone (Barack Obama maybe?) flushes and things go from bad to worse.  Some of us have even foregone expensive vacations for the cheaper, local variety.  But not Congress.

It might be a good time for our elected representatives to cut back on some of their own spending and international travel too, don't you think?  

If you think so . . . you're not thinking like a politician.  Disappointingly, as the Wall Street Journal reports here, "spending by lawmakers on taxpayer-financed trips abroad has risen sharply in recent years."  In fact spending on such junkets has been skyrocketing for years but, since the Democrats took majorities in both houses, it has gone to a new level.  There has been a 50% increase in spending in just two years.

I wish that only Democrats were to blame (and they may be mostly to blame) but some Republicans are in on the game too.  Enough is enough.

If you're as fed up as I am - and as fed up as millions of Americans are - make your voice known and take part in the St. Louis Tea Party Coalition's Independence Day Tea Party at Rennick Park in Washington, MO.  (Details at this link.)