Congressional budget cuts

It appears Congress is going to raise the debt ceiling emphasizing spending cuts with no increase in taxes for even the wealthiest individuals. The deal crafted seems, at first glance, to yield entirely to the noisy minority and disregard the vast middle. It doesn't look like democracy to us. However, if a majority of the members in Congress endorse it, it will be law. Therefore, we would like to suggest the legislators begin their budget cuts with a 15 percent to 20 percent reduction in their salaries and expense limits, decreases in their aides and staffs, and increase contributions to their health care insurance and pension benefits.

HOLLY AND JOHN WEEMS, Frohna, Mo.