I really don't like to paint all teachers with one broad brush, and I suspect a lot of them are as frustrated as you and me. Many work hard and feel they've earned what they're paid......I personally don't begrudge them wanting to make a good living. They know that if they want to teach in a public school environment they have to join a Union.
The dilemma is we've reached a point where people will not stand for higher taxes. Not sales taxes, property taxes, sin taxes, or higher license fees. (I honestly think people don't object to paying user fees like they do other forms of taxation.)
When states increase their taxes, businesses and corporations either move to friendlier locations, or worse yet, lay off employees and shut their doors. Governments could do a lot more to trim costs by streamlining and consolidating their departments, but they don't seem to be capable of tackling the issue. (It's really that they only look at that as a last resort, but that's another story.)
People understand what it takes to pay for the salaries and benefits of public employees. They understand those costs do not reflect the new economic reality. They also understand these tremendous costs are benefiting a few while leaving promises unfulfilled, and they rightfully perceive this as being unfair not only to them, but also to their children.
Worse yet.........and most unfortunately for public employees......people understand these costs are unsustainable and potentially ruinous. The obvious choice is to cut over inflated public employee salaries, and especially their hyper inflated benefits.
I knew this was going to happen, and I'm sure teachers knew it too. This battle is going to spread all over the country and I fear this rancor and nastiness is going to get much worse before it gets better. |
