An open letter to our congressmen and senators:

I am writing to you as a voter and a taxpayer of Iowa. It is my impression as a representative, elected by the people, it is your job to represent our best interests. In case you're out of touch, the economy still seems to be in the crapper. Many have no jobs, many have given up insurance benefits, many have made wage concessions, even children have made sacrifices in this economy.

Exactly what has your sacrifice been in this economy?

If you are really serious about getting this economy under control again, to help the working class of this country that are trying very hard to keep families together, then vote no on your next scheduled pay raise or roll your wages back 10 percent like everyone else in this country has. Millions of us taxpayers do not feel your job performance the last two years merits a raise. I would compare you to the bonuses given to failing companies out of taxpayers pockets. It is high time senators and congressmen alike set a good example and demonstrate a good faith effort to the people that you represent. I understand that in the middle of some night in March, you are scheduled to receive an automatic pay raise unless you vote against it. How dare you accept a raise when you froze Social Security benefits for one year.

I respectfully request all of you, Congress and Senate, vote no on your next scheduled pay raise. I encourage everyone to e-mail your congressman and senators, no raises.

Care to respond? Save your form letters, they are meaningless.

Do the right thing, vote no on your next scheduled pay raise.

Thank you if you have listened at all. Most of us don't feel you're listening.

JAMES MILLER

Mediapolis