Phaster, you are largely correct in your analysis and I commend you for so thoroughly documenting your opinions.
The root of the problem, of course, is the fact that public sector unions have been able to control politicians with their contributions and lobbying while the hapless taxpayer has no one seriously representing them at the bargaining table. The unions are enhancing their members’ long-run economic interests, the bill for which will come due long after the politicians move on.
