If a howl of outrage goes up ...

Almost daily, there is a news item about some group of business leaders, politicians owners or rulers of some industry, bankers and others, giving up their bonuses, raises, stipends whatever because of the state of our economy. Then, as though it were the same thing, asking policemen, firemen, school teachers and other workers to give up a day or two of their wages, or more, every month because of the state of our economy.

Good grief, the first group of people are "giving up" money they never had in the first place. Even though it is only temporary, this year would be the same as the last. Their pay would be the same. No sacrifice of essentials. The second group would be giving up money they would have earned and needed to live, pay their bills just to stay even with last year. No raises, no bonuses, just a loss of what they had.

Let's make it even. Let the first group give up the pay they make for the same number of days they ask of the second group. If the howl of outrage goes up, then we'll know it's the right thing to do.

Lois Caulfield

Glen Ellyn