Teachers: Enough with your demands

Teachers and state workers rallied in Springfield last week supporting the need for Illinois to raise the state income tax. Teachers use the same old false reason that they use to support getting more public money - it is for the "students."

No, it is about you - maintaining your bloated salaries, tenure, bloated pensions, short school years, etc., Teachers, this is about you, selfish you. You demand the taxpayer pay higher property taxes and now that not being enough, let's raise the state income tax.

Taxpayers have had it with your demands and how you want to squeeze every last dollar from the public to maintain your lifestyle - outrageous pensions. This situation could be solved by replacing your guaranteed pensions with 401(k) plans benefits in line with the private sector, become part of social security system, get salaries that reflect economic reality.

You (educators and state workers) don't care that the private sector is in a deep economic recession. Instead of salary increases the private sector gets layoff notices, reduced vacation time, while teachers are weeks away from their 10 week summer vacation. Shame on you teachers/administrators, government workers, the tax paying public is tired of supporting your lifestyle. It is time the 90 percent who pay the bills have their say in Springfield and Washington.

The teacher's voice is heard loud and clear through your self indulgent, self righteous union. This will all work out in the long-term through bankruptcy, taxpayer revolt, massive restructuring of the education system and government at all levels.

The U.S. and Illinois are on an unsustainable path of unpayable debt. This will collapse one way or another, but it is unsustainable.

Robert Melbye

Lisle