End Entitlement Now!

Talking about the "dependency culture", this is a good example. Democracy is one of the most important political systems in the world, and capitalism - broad or partial - also gives us the opportunity to advance in this world. Our system is such that encourages personal responsibility and the right to vote and run businesses the way we see fit. Unfortunately, our leaders don't see it that way. Over the years, our elected MPs created some of the most ridiculous entitlements for themselves and for those that fill the seats of the Governor General (GG). Paying wives of Governor General (GG) past and presence, is unnecessary, and a waste of public funds. The premise used by the Prime Minister (which the article referred to) is the same premise used a couple of years ago by Parliamentary Entitlement Commission which proposed paycheck as large as that which University or College graduates earned after four years of grueling studies - $50,000, for the do-nothing MPs' spouses. The argument is - they help their spouses during their time in government and Governor Generals of the nation, they even cited the cost of living, and things that the wives of these well paid politicians for four years. This is absolutely ridiculous, and its laughable. Consider the following:
1. Solomon Islands' economy is a fragile one, and one that was declared "failed" twelve years ago. At a time when Solomon Islanders can't afford most of the basic things, it is not a good idea to spend money on former spouses of GGs, and fifty spouses of our current elected MPs. It is not only unfair, it is economically undemocratic to do so. We elect people to work for us, and they are paid to do that job, spouses aren't part of the deal. Like many working Solomon Islanders, MPs are (should be?) responsible for the livelihood of their spouses and children.  
2. Furthermore, Solomon Islanders are amongst the lowest revenue earners in the region and, off course, the world. In this tough times, the only well paid job in town is being a lawe-maker. Members of Parliament are paid extremely well, including traveling expense, per diem, and housing allowance. MPs also have unprecedented access to foreign funds - funds that aren't even properly regulated. Thus, it is fitting to assume that MPs' spouses live more comfortably than majority of ordinary women through out the country. Majority of women woke up and go to the garden, while the spouses of MPs woke up in a government owned house, government owned cars, etc. 
We have the potential to rise above our economic woes only if our leaders understand that creating endless entitlements will mean hundreds of millions of thrown away that could have been used to help our standard of living.