LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

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.

Discussion: 10 comments so far…

By Future2012

2/22/09 at 11:06 a.m.

Suggest removal

What ever Nancy wants Nancy gets
By PhilVentura

2/22/09 at 12:50 p.m.

Suggest removal

She and others who went should be asked why the trip was made and what was accomplished. The total cost should be made public. Very hypocritical while Congress beats up private executives for travel costs.
By Blondi

2/22/09 at 3:16 p.m.

Suggest removal

Perhaps Nancy and overspoiled entourage would do well ;upon inhaling the ancient wonders of downtown 'roma,sacre-acre,and spanish steps..to translate the ancient latin phrase.."oder int dum met uant".
Translation:...(Caesar to his most untrusted senators)..."Let them hate me,provided they fear"...
How very poignant.
By RalphGeek

2/22/09 at 3:28 p.m.

Suggest removal

How do you (Ray Harbert) know that the trip was "to their favorite place"? This is why I don't like the Sun.
By azsk8fan

2/22/09 at 3:29 p.m.

Suggest removal

So what was the purpose of this trip? Does anyone know yet?
By cltaylor38

2/22/09 at 3:33 p.m.

Suggest removal

maybe Pelosi should be grilled by the same congressional panel that grilled the auto execs re their executive jet usage.
By spartacus84

2/22/09 at 9:56 p.m.

Suggest removal

Nothing like an all-expense paid trip for some pasta and wine to forget all of your troubles. What, no Olive Garden in Washington?
By azsk8fan

2/23/09 at 5:26 p.m.

Suggest removal

And at the Olive Garden she could have ate for free - after all doesn't Olive Garden say when you eat there you're 'family'.....well what family member charges another family member for the food they eat? When my son comes to visit I cook for him FOR FREE........ so next time, Olive Garden it is - for sure.
By downey

2/24/09 at 6:17 p.m.

Suggest removal

Pathetic, who do these people think they are?
Taking taxpayer's money and wasting it on personal vacations. How can they expect everbody else to tighten their belts and save when their out there on junkets. I heard her response "there is no more important American ally in Nato than Italy". Has she gone nuts? What about the Brits? She should be made to pay back every cent this trip cost or I propose she send every American on a trip of their choice at taxpayer's expense.
By bob_cirelli

2/25/09 at 3:39 p.m.

Suggest removal

Another episode of the continuing saga of
"Do As I Say, Not As I Do".
Typical politicians.

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