To the editor:

The argument that we are hearing from ultraconservatives that receiving financial support from the federal government “fosters a culture of dependency” does have some genuine merit.

To make the point: The hefty salaries paid to members of Congress for accomplishing next to nothing are far more than they could possibly earn in the private sector for similar achievement.

How can we help our congressional representatives to escape their “culture of dependency” on the federal government? Perhaps a constitutional amendment that requires each state to establish a nonpartisan commission to create congressional districts that are based on geography rather than politics (as intended by our constitutional forefathers) could make a difference.

At any rate, our current congressional representatives are the most obvious and blatant victims of “a culture of dependency.” They need help!