Re: Ulla and Juan Sarmiento's Oct. 29 letter, "List of hypocrites":
The Sarmientos decry the hypocrisy of three California congressmen, including Elton Gallegly, for taking Medicare. This, however, appears to be untrue.
Congressmen are elected members of the government, which, by definition, makes them government employees. As such, they are entitled to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The FEHBP offers three healthcare options on a tiered pricing scale. Additionally, federal legislators can, for an additional fee, opt to purchase the services of the Office of the Attending Physician.,Beyond that, like every American who reaches the appropriate age, legislators can opt to receive Medicare benefits.
All of this information, as well as retirement benefits and salaries for Congress, are found in the CRS report, which can be obtained by contacting your representative's office. A very polite staff member will send the information to you free of charge.
There is no hypocrisy here, only vague and misleading information provided by a left-wing blog. I suggest that the Sarmientos attempt to research this issue rather than rely on the Daily Kos for the issues.
-- Donovan Weir, Simi Valley