can someone explain the difference? (Congress, salaries, cost, politicians)

[camping!]

I have read a lot of threads filled with outrage about AIG execs getting bonus', and I am not saying that the outrage is not justified.
But I was wondering where is the outrage that our politicians who have failed us in a huge way (and I do mean both reps and dems -- they both should have seen this economic crisis coming) are getting another pay raise? Because they get this payraise every year, and it clearly is not performance based.

Average Senior to Receive Just $756 Increase in Social Security Next Year; Lawmakers Slated to Make $174,000 Next Year
Members of Congress are slated to receive a $4,700 pay raise beginning in January, increasing their annual salaries to $174,000. The increase for 535 House and Senate members would cost taxpayers more than $2.5 million.
Members of Congress Due to Award Themselves $4,700 Raise in 2009 - MarketWatch

Knowing this, it is hard -very hard- to take our politicians seriously as they wring their hands about the 'evil bankers/executive' while they also have been underperforming (to put it kindly) and yet still benefit.

Any thoughts?

[EinsteinsGhost]

Good point. The congress needs a mirror. Now only if the media brings this to light.

[Moose Whisperer]

It's time for a good ole fashioned mob with torches and pitchforks.

[Captain Worley]

Originally Posted by camping!

Knowing this, it is hard -very hard- to take our politicians seriously as they wring their hands about the 'evil bankers/executive' while they also have been underperforming (to put it kindly) and yet still benefit.

Any thoughts?

They can't be taken seriously. remember them tearing the auto execs a new one for coming in private jets? I bet close to 90% odf them set foot in a private jet within the previous month. They're ALL a bunch of dispicable hypocrites riding the back of the American people.