Which Side Are You On?

As Wisconsin Teachers and other public employees rally by the tens of thousands for their right to bargain we have an opportunity to send a message about what we believe our country’s priorities should be.

Are we a country that gives millionaire’s and corporations tax cuts and then tells our public employees, including our teachers, that they have to sacrifice their wages and benefits because of hard economic times? Out of one side of our mouths we say teaching is one of the most important jobs there is and out of the other we say that they are overpaid and pampered with over-generous health care benefits. After all, most of us no longer get pensions and health benefits without large premiums and co-pays – that is – if we still even have a full time job. What do we value?

Let’s ask another question – what will end this recession (depression) – unprecedented since the 1930’s? Cutting wages and benefits of middle class Americans will only further to expand the harrowing gap that exists now between the wealthy and the poor. The economy thrives on consumption but the steady cutting of jobs that reemerge as part-time low-paying employment or disappear overseas is creating and deepening this crisis. Wall Street is reporting “Happy days are here again” while the middle class and the poor are sinking deeper and deeper into debt and poverty. Our children and their future is sinking with them.

Thank you Wisconsin Teachers for drawing a line in the sand. I want to stand on your side – may I join you?

Posted by Sue Kirby on 02/21/11  •  Comments 1   •