So government workers were given an additional 16 days vacation....time off WITH pay? Am I understanding this correctly? Is this how things normally work after an employer lock-out, which is essentially what this was, right?
The American Federation of Government Employees thinks it's fair since they've already been hit with a three-year pay freeze and given no more "increases" to their retirement contributions. "Employees are frustrated at being made the sacrificial lamb of deficit reduction....the federal government is becoming a less attractive employer."
Like they don't already have a cushy deal now?
* NOTE: The private sector pay chart above is already skewed by outsized pay for corporate executives / CEO's, sports stars, rock stars, etc.
Numerous studies have shown that federal workers already get 25-33% MORE in pay / benefits than workers in the private sector doing comparable work. I don't see bringing their pay package more in line over time WITH THE WORKERS WHO PAY THEM is being unreasonable. I'm not suggesting they deserve anything less, but just comparable.
OK, there's my conservative thought for the day. Now to appease my more liberal friends:
While we need to be very careful to not step over the social safety net fiscal make / break line*, I do think taxpayers are looking to save money in the wrong places. They're all upset about the costs involved with ObamaCare, and considering how the government mucks up most everything else it touches, I'm not so sure it's the way to go, either. But still, I do firmly believe in some sort of "universal health care".
Let's be pragmatic here. Yes, it will be a huge weight off all our shoulders to know that if we are sick or injured we can all receive quality health care without going bankrupt. And obviously they can't just give it away....we must somehow pay for it.
But think about how much more competitive this will make us in the new world economy. A healthier, stronger work force....mentally, emotionally, and physically....is bound to contribute significantly to our national bottom line. I just don't see how it couldn't. Instead of trying to tear apart the idea, why not work together to find a way that can make it work?
IMO, not all conservative ideas are bad, nor are all liberal ideas bad. We should calmly, logically consider them all.
* There is an interesting article in the NYT today highlighting the crushing burden on the French of their cradle-to-grave social programs and how it is busting their national budget.
OK, rip me.
S
