Pelosi’s trip to Italy sets bad example

Ray Harbert, Las Vegas

Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 | 2:02 a.m.

Washington’s latest outrage is the congressional junket to Italy by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and some other members of the House. The nation’s and the world’s economic system is on the verge of collapse and our representatives in Washington are on an “all-expenses-paid junket” to their favorite place. The headlines continue to shock the nation with the new number of citizens joining the ranks of the unemployed and the falling prices in the home market with its growing number of home foreclosures.

Pelosi’s trip, with her staff and entourage, are but one of many this week. I don’t know whether she thinks this is a reward for the passage of the “stimulus bill” or just another job “perk,” but it is expected to cost taxpayers more than $1 million. With the nation in economic stress, should not Congress set an example?

Her disregard for those who have to pick up the tab is shameful. It sounds like something Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin might do.

The cry for a new attitude in Washington has fallen on deaf ears. The whole concept of congressional junkets should be a thing of the past. Pelosi and the other junket leaders should have to reimburse the taxpayers for their selfish extravagance and disregard for their responsibility to the taxpayer.