Ok I have a problem, all the union people keep saying, it is about the kids, kids, and kids.   What does pay or retirement have to do with kids or even medical.   All I see is there taking away from the kids by not being at work.   If you are getting paid 50.000$ a year or 200.000$ a year you should be doing all you can for the kids.   If not then you should be out the door.   

        Just my way of thinking. 

If you go on TV and present yourself as a state worker who makes $60,000 a year plus fantastic benefits and expects to retire on a $75,000 annual pension, how much public support and sympathy will you get? On the other hand, if you present yourself as a dedicated, selfless teacher and lover of children who has dedicated his life and talents to serving future generations, do you think you might be better received?

It's just marketing. The way I see it, you don't get extra points because you chose to teach, and teaching happens to involve children. It was your choice, not mine, and when you made that choice, you also chose the pay and benefits that go along with it.

An unnamed teachers' union exec said it best. When asked about his dedication to children, he replied, "When the little bastards get old enough to vote and pay union dues, I'll start giving a shit about 'em."

Quote from: walkstall on February 25, 2011, 01:08:20 PM
Ok I have a problem, all the union people keep saying, it is about the kids, kids, and kids.   What does pay or retirement have to do with kids or even medical.   All I see is there taking away from the kids by not being at work.   If you are getting paid 50.000$ a year or 200.000$ a year you should be doing all you can for the kids.   If not then you should be out the door.   

        Just my way of thinking. 

   I agree...the its for the kids thing is a dodge...and means nothing...

Quote from: tbone0106 on February 25, 2011, 01:20:53 PM
If you go on TV and present yourself as a state worker who makes $60,000 a year plus fantastic benefits and expects to retire on a $75,000 annual pension, how much public support and sympathy will you get? On the other hand, if you present yourself as a dedicated, selfless teacher and lover of children who has dedicated his life and talents to serving future generations, do you think you might be better received?

It's just marketing. The way I see it, you don't get extra points because you chose to teach, and teaching happens to involve children. It was your choice, not mine, and when you made that choice, you also chose the pay and benefits that go along with it.

An unnamed teachers' union exec said it best. When asked about his dedication to children, he replied, "When the little bastards get old enough to vote and pay union dues, I'll start giving a shit about 'em."

Now I would say the all the teachers are saying the samething if there not in class.

So how does  teacher sacrifice more then a military person who may be asked to give his life?  How does a teacher qualify more for top of the line benefits while the mlitary gets basic coverage?  You see, I have issues with public employees who think they are deserving more then a private sector or those in our millitary and do not have to contribute little if anything to their own benefits.

Wolf, I think you're brushing up against a fundamental human characteristic -- get your hands offa my stuff!!!

It doesn't really matter whether over-compensated public workers think they deserve it or not. What matters is that they've been told they're going to get it. They've been conditioned to expect it, no matter what, and they do NOT want any of it taken away! To a lesser degree, but still very strongly, they object to any attempt to force them to contribute any more than they do now -- even if the contribute NOTHING now -- to the cost of their benefits.

Once it's promised, it's "my stuff."

This is the result of a pattern that is almost universal when unions organize public sector workers. These non-market unions demand ridiculous pay and benefits from state politicians -- in return for lavish support for those same politicians come election time -- and they get it. The public coffers are bottomless after all, aren't they?  ;)

The same pattern, with similar results, has been seen in the private sector, but rarely. Obvious examples are the Detroit automakers and, to a lesser extent, American steel companies, who agreed to outlandish contract concessions in the booming 1950s and 1960s, and are now paying the price. (Or not, as with GM and Chrysler.)

From what I understand, they don't pay into the social security system either. Anyone know if that's true?

Quote from: Indy on February 25, 2011, 04:56:17 PM
From what I understand, they don't pay into the social security system either. Anyone know if that's true?

:o You've got to be joking!! I have never heard of such!

On another note--- I agree with T! It is a marketing technique, Walks.  ;)

QuoteU_Kay
I agree with T! It is a marketing technique

I know that's why I have a problem with them going on and on. 
Just shut them off.  I would hope all people and not that dumb.   ;D

Quote from: walkstall on February 25, 2011, 07:03:56 PM
I know that's why I have a problem with them going on and on. 
Just shut them off.  I would hope all people and not that dumb.   ;D

People are that dumb~ gullible.

Quote from: Indy on February 25, 2011, 04:56:17 PM
From what I understand, they don't pay into the social security system either. Anyone know if that's true?

Up until about 1986 I believe federal employees did not pay into Social Security.  All employees do now. 

Quote from: tbone0106 on February 25, 2011, 01:20:53 PM
An unnamed teachers' union exec said it best. When asked about his dedication to children, he replied, "When the little bastards get old enough to vote and pay union dues, I'll start giving a shit about 'em."

The quote actually goes like this....  Same arrogance, less foul language.

Quote from: quiller on February 26, 2011, 06:12:34 AM
The quote actually goes like this....  Same arrogance, less foul language.

Thanks, Q! I shoulda looked it up myself, but am getting so old and lazy...  :P :P :P

Actually, I've heard the quote with MUCH spicier language! One of those things that grows with the telling, I suppose.