The government is our employee; we pay it to do stuff (I use the word "stuff" and not "work" intentionally). It's broke, deep in debt, and it wants a raise. Here's an experiment. Tomorrow when you go to work, go to your boss and tell him/her you want a raise. When asked what you've done to deserve it, say that you spent a whole lot more than you were paid last year. Also explain that you will ask for a raise again next year, and maybe even some interim raises, because no matter how big a raise you get this year, you promise to spend a whole lot more than you're paid. Lemme know how that goes for ya. Post the response here.

 PS - I know a lot of my friends don't have bosses. Some are the boss; some have just split from the whole freakin' program. If that's the case, just lemme know how you would to respond to an employee making this request.