Laid off cops and Milton Bradley

I just read an article in the Daily Herald about Aurora possibly having to lay off 5 to 10 percent of their 300 police officers because the city is $19 million in debt. These cops did nothing wrong to deserve losing their jobs. They protect us and keep our neighborhoods safe.

On the other hand, Milton Bradley gets an early, two week paid vacation for insubordination, conduct detrimental to the team and criticizing the entire organization including its fan base. He won't lose a penny of his guaranteed contract. In fact, he will be paid $800,000 for his two-week suspension. That's $800,000. For two weeks. He was suspended.

This is just insanity. Our society needs to take a long look and re-evaluate our priorities. School teachers are in the same situation as the police. They are the ones teaching and often disciplining our children. In many cases, our district teachers may be the only adult in the students life willing to do either, yet taxpayers constantly complain that teachers are overpaid. (If they are so well paid, why aren't more people willing to do the job?)

Taxpayers are also sensitive to their tax bill going higher because of the school system. Are we talking $500 more a year here? If so, how many of these people attend at least two sporting events a year and drop this amount to see "performers" like Milton Bradley? Bradley will be paid almost $60,000 each day of his suspension and if he never plays again, will retire a multimillionaire.

The laid off police officers will be entitled to unemployment benefits. Who is more deserving of the public's idolization? The discrepancy in salaries and respect is both astounding and incomprehensible. Its' something to think about.

Bob Cotton

Naperville