GREED

I am saddened and angry by the protests in Wisconsin.  I'm saddened by the realization that any American would place his/her personal welfare above that of our country.  I am angry that in the midst of our economic woes with a multitude of their fellow citizens unemployed and facing catastrophic financial harm that these people, Americans, have so little concern for their state and their country.  They all have jobs, most well paying and with benefits no private sector worker enjoys.  Their sick, vacation and holiday pay is substantial and, in the case of teachers a free summer.  Not only that, most are in positions where they cannot be fired for incompetence.

By contrast, our service personnel volunteer to protect us knowing the sacrifice they and their families must make at a pay rate none of these protesters would work for.  They risk everything for us, have the same financial needs we have yet they don't complain or protest.  They are eager to protect their and our freedoms whatever the cost.

Teachers and their unions irritate me the most.  Their demands, in view of their performance, are ridiculous.  A large number of them, who are nearly impossible to get rid of, should be going to school rather than teaching in one. In most jurisdictions, 80% of the local budget is for public schools yet almost no one votes in school budget elections. Home schooled kids, many of whom are taught by high school graduate mothers, receive superior educations than those in public schools. 

I am not condemning all teachers.  The unions have managed to introduce the communistic principles of equal pay without regard for results.  The best teacher cannot earn more than the worst.  Why would anyone try harder under those circumstances.  Self interest is not served even for the most dedicated.

If these complainers think they have a reason to complain now, wait until they and their ilk have the state and country implode because their greed has blinded them to the consequences of their actions.  If they don't give a little now, they will give it all eventually.