Leaders elected to serve, not profit

In Sunday’s paper, Babette Banducci of Coeur d’Alene wrote that presidents are worth the money we pay them. I disagree with huge payments to government officials. For one thing, it puts them out of touch with the day-to-day reality the rest of us are facing, ballooning their egos and making them believe they are worth all that. The money comes right from many people who can ill afford it.

After considerable thought, I believe elected officials, who are there to “serve,” should take a vow of poverty, while in office, having only their basic needs and needs to fulfill the job taken care of. We elect them to serve, not to profit. Is there any politician you can recall who didn’t say during the election process he or she was going to serve the needs of the people?

They need to set the example for integrity. They are not doing so. Gov. Chris Gregoire comes to mind also. What good did her recent trip to Iraq do for our troops? It was a convenient excuse for travel.

Becky A. McPherson

Valley, Wash.