Change coming

Senior citizens and the disabled have again been informed there will be no cost of living (COLA) adjustment for 2011. Whether you're a Republican, Democrat, independent or belong to the Tea Party movement, you will see no COLA on Jan. 3. When President Obama was elected in November 2008, the average price of a gallon of gasoline was $2.07. Recent gas prices are around $2.62. I have noticed my bacon has a bit more fat since my wife now buys the bargain brands; milk, bread and everything else seems a bit higher in the grocery store. My taxes, along with my coworkers, are higher than they were in 2008. My Ameren bill has also increased.

So I am confused about this notice of no COLA for next year. We bailed out Wall Street, automotive giants and enabled banking executives to take lavish vacations, but what about the poor. Our members of Congress were being paid, on average, $169,000 in November 2008. Now they are paid $174,000.

I'm not a Rhodes scholar nor a graduate of Harvard or Yale, but if the things I buy now cost more than they did two years ago, I believe that's inflation. If Congress can get a raise, why not the folks who voted them in office. Frankly, I don't like this change thing that was so popular in November 2008, and I hope those who are in office don't like the new change thing coming this November.

DAVID McNEELY, Scott City, Mo