If we’re looking for a place to begin the sequestration cuts, Congress, the Obama administration, the judicial branch and the staff of elected officials is a good place to start. If there are to be savings and layoffs, let them begin where the problem originated — with the legislature and administration whose inactivity and neglect of duty have created the problem.

The cuts should be permanent. What’s more, any increases in pay for these officials should be based on performance and take a vote by the general population. These spending habits have been going on way too long. Neither our Congress nor the administration listens to the public. This administration created the automatic cuts that are to take place on Friday, so let its officials feel the pinch first.

Our elected officials are playing “My way or the highway” with our lives and our public money. They pay little heed to the wants, desires or needs of the citizens unless we join their team and contribute to their campaigns. I pay taxes; that is my contribution.

We pay their salaries and operating funds. They accept money from political action committees and parties for their re-election campaign funds; these are the people they listen to.

We need to get their attention and let them know we are watching and are not happy. Maybe a serious pay cut and term limits will get their attention. We are already in very serious debt. We have to stop it because it doesn’t look like our lawmakers can get anything done except point fingers and blame each other for inaction.

WILLIAM STINSON

Edenton