Maybe unions now understand voters

Union protesters in Madison are understandably upset because something they currently have through their government (the right to bargain collectively, attractive pay/benefits) may be taken away.

Maybe now they can relate to how working tax payers feel every time there is a tax increase or when unions are successful in being able to get legislation passed to keep ineffective workers on the public payroll.

“We the people” are the government, and in a democracy, government reflects the will of the people after each election.

Somebody very wise once said, “What the government can give, the government can take away.” The people of Wisconsin have spoken through their votes and have asked their representatives to now work in their interests as opposed to the union’s interests.

Teachers are important! I don’t know of anyone who advocates that we not do what we can to keep good ones in front of our children.

The union has done their membership a disservice by lumping all members into one unit where pay is based on time on the job and where ineffective teachers are very difficult to remove. (In Illinois, one of 57 doctors lose their license, one of 97 lawyers lose their license, while only one of 2,500 teachers lose their license.)

With this dead weight on public school staffs and pay scales at the top that are higher than that of the average tax payer who fund education, there is a perception of waste. In a tight economy where the federal government is having to borrow 42 cents of every dollar spent, any responsible tax payer will scream for change.

Two documentaries illustrate the problems with the educational system in our society — “The Cartel” and “Waiting for Superman.”

I encourage everyone who cares about education and the best use of our tax dollars (and Gov. Quinn) to see either one.

Keith Gray

Mettawa