Why would we only want to cut down the salaries of only government positions? Why not ask every American to give up $100 from their paycheck to bankroll other pork funds and such? When they take the money of the taxpayer, it seems to end up in another pocket.
While we are asking for a reduction in pay, why not ask people that are sucking the welfare system dry to get off of welfare after two years? How about those that are living off of unemployment but are perfectly capable of working at the burger joint but refuse because they feel entitled to a little government payment for several months? Let's take it just one step further and ask people to reduce their caloric intake as to reduce their need for medical intervention later in life and ultimately reduce the need for disability payments because of diabetes or hypertension that could have been managed through an active lifestyle filled with an appropriate diet?
These are as valid contributions and reductions as are any others but most people will NOT take the responsibility of "self" to become less of a burden to a community or nation. The bottom line is that all people need to become responsible from the points of view of diet, exercise, budget management and self worth. We need to find the pride that was displayed when this country was founded and relive the principles of JFK when he stated "Ask not what our country can do for us but what we can do for our country".