Commentator Frank Ching writes that many 'experienced' legislators will not run for office in 2008 after seeing their pay cut six times in the past seven years ('Pinching lawmakers' purses', October 24). Well, you know what, Frank? Great. I can think of few useful things the Legislative Council has done over these years, and you do not mention anything of merit to back your plea for their pitiful plight.
As far as I can tell, many of our politicians are self-serving toadies to Beijing and big business. They constantly get it wrong on everything from a legal minimum wage and traffic congestion to anti-smoking legislation and air pollution.
Just days after Ching's appeal, your paper published the findings of the Catholic Monitors' damning annual report on legislators' performances ('Functional constituencies lead on worst performers', October 27). Its list of the top 10 offenders shows many cannot be bothered to attend sessions, move motions, ask questions or vote.
Of course, there are exceptions to the norm, but I doubt they are the ones whining about their pay cheques.
Our chief executive preaches strong governance, but what it really equates to is 'money talks'. Businesses and lobbies wave cash and favours in front of noses and any stupid idea of the day gets rammed down the public's throats. Does the Tamar saga ring a bell? Where is the strong governance on air pollution? Well, sadly, the answer is simple: fixing our air will hit the pockets of the people who indirectly control our politicians.
Do these people deserve a raise? Perhaps someone should ask the thousands of workers in this city slaving away for less than HK$3,500 a month what they think.
JAMES WARREN, Tsz Wan Shan