Scrooge politics by state, national leaders

Re “For the State’s Aged, Blind,

Disabled, a Lump of Coal for

Christmas,” column, Dec. 22

Kudos to George Skelton for his eye-opening expose on what Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature have done to aged, blind and disabled Californians while at the same time legislators were given a 12% pay hike of close to $12,000.

Why are the most disadvantaged always the first to feel the budget ax? Is it a coincidence that our Scrooge Vice President Dick Cheney cast the tie-breaking vote for spending cuts aimed at student loans, Medicare and Medicaid (Dec. 22)? In the spirit of the holidays, is there anything else that can be done to hurt the poor?

IRA M. LANDIS

Los Angeles

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I received my lump of coal and called the offices of my assemblyman and state senator. They claimed to know nothing of any change in state benefits. Although not in her district, I called Rep. Lois Capps’ (D-Santa Barbara) office. Her staff investigated the matter, called me back and explained exactly what happened.

This was a real stealth act by that parliament of whores in Sacramento. They and the governor are bought and paid for by the real “special interests” -- big business and the rich.

JOHN HEMMING

Paso Robles