In an effort to relate to the economic struggles of their fellow countrymen, Mexican lawmakers are subjecting themselves to a bit of belt-tightening of their own.
In a slightly less-than-heroic gesture, Mexico's Senate last week decided to slash lawmakers salaries by $7 a month, plus suspend their wine and snack service.
Here’s a list of $7 items that lawmakers might have to do without in these trying times of government austerity:
1) A much-needed rat trap
The Senate's vermin problem could get a lot worse.
2) A 4-pack of Red Bull
Sitting through long-winded, platitudinous speeches by lawmakers is about to get a lot harder.
3) A 10-pack of adult diapers
They'll just have to hold it.
4) A pair of cheapo eyeglasses
This was the cheapest and easiest way for senators to look studious and affect a seriousness of purpose. Then again, there's no prescription strong enough to adjust for the type of myopia found in the Mexican Senate.
5) A pocket-size Mexican Constitution
Scratch that. They weren't going to read this thing anyway.
6) Pleasure Gel
Priced at $7 a tube, pleasure lube might be tough to squeeze into the budget.
7) A used copy of this handy self-help book
Culturally biased.