Congressional Benefits

I believe that the current furor over congressional benefits (“Free Perks Aren’t Worth Cost, Congressmen Say,” Oct. 23) is overblown and allows the public, the media and Congress to avoid the real problems that face this country. Certainly the same attention isn’t given to other groups:

--Corporate managers are rewarded with several million dollars as well as vast privileges beyond workers, even when the company is losing money. And when it does go bust, management isn’t held responsible. Yet the public pays for this high-flying compensation in higher prices and picks up the tab when they fail.

--Sports and other entertainment stars also receive millions per year. Yet when they fail to perform up to expectations they aren’t held accountable, they are paid even more. Consumers pay for this through higher ticket and other prices.

Members of Congress, for better or worse, are our elected “managers” of America Inc. If we don’t like them, we can elect new ones.

However, given the cost of salary and compensation when compared to the requirements of the job (two homes, visiting the district at every opportunity, responsible for the security, social and economic welfare of the nation) we are getting a bargain.

RAYMOND WHITE

Glendale