Name:   MartiniMan - Subject:   I don't get Date:   7/26/2017 10:54:46 PM

Hound, I generally agree with you and many of the govt employees I have worked with over the years work hard and generally try to do what is right given the dysfunctional system they have to work with.  I think it becomes more personal to many people when they have money taken from them at the point of a gun to pay for govt employees.  If you are mistreated at a business you can take your business elsewhere, not so with government.  You have no choice and no options and I can understand the resentment.

For me what is most disconcerting is that historically the bargain was you worked for the govt for better job security, a little lower pay than the private sector and somewhat better benefits.  That bargain has been turned on its head with large salaries, benefits, pensions, etc., all being paid by taxpayers that make less, have less security and ever decreasing benefits.  People resent that and I can understand why.  That is the way things are in Europe where getting a govt job was like winning the lottery. No job security concerns, better pay, better pensions, better benefits.  But all this comes at a high cost vis-a-vis taxes.  But at some point you run out of other people's money to pay for this ala the pension crises in California, Illinois, etc., etc., etc.

So don't take it personal.  If you worked hard and did as good a job as possible then this comment is not directed at you.  It does apply to far too many govt employees that take advantage of those positions, don't work hard, etc.