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I’m glad the Rockies are winning, but I got to thinking, wouldn’t it be nice if, say, teachers, policemen and women, nurses, or even judges got paid the Major League Baseball minimum salary of $380,000 a year? Imagine, compensating people for what they do for the community beside giving us warm fuzzies.

Dan Eberhart, Denver

READER COMMENTS

dan you need a lesson on how these people are paid. ballplayers while very overpaid in my estimate, are paid by fans paying ticket prices and their team getting revenue from somewhere else besides taxes.
people on the public dole or as you say servants, are paid from tax monies with the exception of nurses, as a lot work at private hospitals.
if you want to start paying say an 80% tax rate then maybe some of those folks could get that kind of money for their families while you would have squat left for yours.

Dan:
As a former teacher I applaud your letter, and would like to take it one step further.

Entertainment is a necessary part of life, but so is education, fire-fighting, police work and nursing. Obviously we value entertainers over community contributors, as far as monetary compensation goes..

So let's get our representatives in Congress to show us some real family values. The department of Defense and department of Human Services budgets should be reversed. Let's show the world we value life, not death.

...and for all you militants remember, an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.

so janis you want the denfense budget to grow that much? better check your facts first as the social programs get more money than the defense budget.
and how does making more people dependent on the government for existance show a value of life? one last point on the value of life does that include getting rid of abortion as a form of birth control?
...and for all of you liberal progressives remember, a government handout will never let you improve yourself, only more dependent.

6:24 People who work for a living are not on the public dole. There is still a tradition in this country of public service. Those who serve us, are not asking for wealth. But perhaps we should show a little more respect.

Dan,

There are a lot of people with the ability to teach and not many that can play sports at that level. Instead of whining, perhaps you should spend your time learning to hit or throw a 90 mph fastball. Until you can do that, you just don't have the same market value.

One other thought Dan - You could also spend your free time fighting for vouchers. With more school choices for students would come more school choices for teachers. That would be your chance to find a teaching position that pays what you think you are worth, rather than what the union says you can make.

The incessant whining from teachers doesn't give anyone "warm fuzzies."

I am a teacher. I have had several other jobs prior to my teaching career. I feel that I am well compensated, have great working conditions, terrific students, good benefits. All in all, I am very happy - no whining here!

P,

You are the kind of teacher that I hope my kids have when they get of school age - someone who is happy and content.

I'm not sure how a teacher that is mad at the unfairness in the world because he/she doesn't make a pro athlete's salary can be very effective.

Anyone entering into public service with the notion of living well off shouldn't be there in the first place. These are service positions with nominal pay and are best served by those wanting to give from their heart more than they receive in their wallets.

But don't believe the usual lines you'll here about these people not being well compensated. In my business I've reviewed the financial portfolios of many fireman, policeman and teachers. Between the salary, paid time off, medical benefits and pensions these people make well above the median salary, and many near or above the six digit range before (early) retirement.

Not exactly the lifestyle you could call "scrounging for crumbs."

For what they do regardless if they are jocks or public servants they are all over paid except for our firemen and nurses

Danny, you must be a so-called public servant. Who do you really serve, us or yourself?

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