I wrote my esteemed Senator Chris Murphy with and idea and a question regarding our $20,000,000,000,000 debt. The Senator is one of the many with an eye on the Presidential prize so I would hope he is thinking about the mess he may inherit. Here is what I wrote.
Dear Senator;
I think we have a way to help reduce the disgusting debt you and your cohorts on both sides of the aisle have put us in. With 800,000 government workers not working, there has been nary a ripple in how the country is working. It is obvious that we do not need these workers and it’s time to reduce the number of people working in the federal government. It’s time to do what every private company does when they have a financial problem; reduce staff.
While we’re at it, why do we allow public employees to unionize? With whom do the unions negotiate compensation and working conditions? Using my money as a taxpayer, you would think it odd to have someone who determines how much of my money they take to also be the person determining how much to pay union workers. I can see a scenario where understanding it isn’t their money, and they can always get more if needed by raising taxes, they can agree to pay whatever the union negotiators want. In this cozy arrangement, the workers are happy to keep the spigot open by voting for the party that defends this sweetheart deal. Not you of course. You’re above that, but maybe some others in your party think like that.
Why public employee unions? You would think we could have an open debate about this question given the sad state of pensions and the massive debt it has bestowed on both the federal and state governments.
A reasoned response would be welcomed.
Current Day Publius 