I just got in my email a message from DownsizeDC about legislation they’re supporting at the moment.  One piece is supposed to encourage congress to eliminate the deficit by cutting their pay for any year where they run one.

My preliminary thought: noble effort, and obviously I agree with the aim.  However, this seems like the effect would depend on the personal status of the representatives in question.  Sure, you cut the pay of a congressman who has been using it to pay most of their bills while in office and you’re really making a statement, but what about the ones with money out the wazoo?  Depending on the proportion of independently rich folks in congress at any given moment, the effect could turn out entirely symbolic.