A lot of crazy stuff happening in Wisconsin. Some people are calling it Cairo in the US, something like that. I don’t know if I agree with that, kind of belittles what is happening in the Middle East. I enjoy watching Morning Joe on MSNBC. I like the banter, it’s presented well, pretty much the speed I can handle in the morning. But today, man, that Joe really acted the buffoon, seriously.
There are times where he does bully people around. And I really don’t know what to say about Mika sometimes. I mean, she often sort of plays the dumb blonde, I don’t know why. I’m sure she’s an extremely capable person. In any case, the usual suspects were discussing Wisconsin and Joe went off on teachers being greedy, well all public workers for that matter, for protesting so vociferously about percentage increases in their contributions to health care and pensions. There was some point he was trying to make about the private sector and how their percentages are higher, so it’s only fair. But he really went off on teachers, who were canceling classes today so they could attend protests at the State Capitol.
First, regardless of parity, I would be pissed too because doubling my contributions in two areas would cut into my net. I’d get a significant amount less money each month, that would screw up my finances. Second, one of the incentives for working in the public sector is the benefits. Generally, public employees get paid less for the same work in the private sector. So, benefits compensate for lower salaries. Asking for further contributions is like a pay cut really. When I’ve talked to people about going into teaching, I’ve frequently heard, “Oh, well salary is low, but the benefits are great.” That’s it exactly! That’s what’s going on here. Private sector positions, or those commensurate, get paid higher salaries, so they can afford the higher contributions. And then the rest of the panel sits there with their thumbs up their collective asses. Mika promises to set Joe straight during the break, why not on camera?
They all seemed to miss some great coverage by Rachel Maddow on their own network. Check below:
http://embed.crooksandliars.com/v/MTk3MjUtNDQxMjE?color=C93033
Just when you start to think Joe is not such a bad guy, he comes up with some arrogant and poorly thought out rant as he did on Friday. The main story here is not the cuts in benefits that the state employees are asked to take, but the fact that the Govenor wishes to to eliminate the right of collective bargaining for those employees whose unions did not support him. Evidently Joe thinks that’s acceptable or doesn’t think that people who are paid by the government should have the right to collective bargaining. What I don’t understand is why no one at the table asked Joe who paid for his healthcare.
It’s funny how we’re using their first names as if we know them. The whole collective bargaining thing seems unnecessary, almost like adding insult to injury. And Jen, shit show is the perfect term for it.
They are trying to pass this lovely bill in PA….and privatize education if your school doesn’t make AYP. Everyone is up in arms…and with good reason. Teachers really do typically appreciate the benefits more than there salary for a good portion of their career. It is just becoming a shit show.