President Obama froze wages of White House Staff making over $100,000 yearly. "Families are tightening their belts, and so should Washington." This would include White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, National Security Adviser James L Jones, Press Secretary Robert L Gibbs and others. I agree with this step, and hope that other government officials follow the example. For now, I will give the President the benefit of the doubt that this wasn't just a photo op, to have rave reviews from the media.

In my opinion, if the President wants to show truce change he would cut the pay by 5% including himself, the Vice-President and members of Congress. Many workers in this country have been forced to accept cuts in pay, at least the lucky ones, those that haven't lost their jobs. If he wants me to believe Washington will actually tighten their belts then it will take more than lip service. If the expenses for the inauguration is any indication of belt tightening, then I fear all our pockets will soon be empty.