If the political leaders in Washington, D.C., had any intelligence, they would realize that the falling oil prices have created a perfect opportunity for them to increase the minimum wage.

Lower energy costs translate into lower costs for heating, transporting goods, food costs and just about everything done in this country. Passing those savings along to the working poor, along with a wage increase, would stimulate the economy through increased spending, at no noticeable cost increase to the employer.

Increased spending creates new jobs. Higher wages reduce the number of people on welfare. More people working increases the taxes collected for the various levels of government. More government income means more money to hire people to improve the country’s roads, bridges, railroads, etc.

There is an old saying, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” A better economy would help the middle class as well, and a healthy middle class creates a healthy America.

Intelligent people seize the moment when opportunity knocks. Stupid people continue doing the same thing, expecting a different result.

It is sad to say, but I believe that most elected officials fall into the stupid category.

Perhaps they should quit biting the hand that feeds them.

Warren Packard, Rumford