OT: California Prison Academy: Better Than a Harvard Degree

[scaredyclassic]

Private like the banks the govt bailed out? I think I understand. Explain one more time the diff between public and private.

[Anonymous]

And there has been plenty of outrage about the bank bailouts.

But I suppose that was just more “complaining.”

[Anonymous]

And there has been plenty of outrage about the bank bailouts.

But I suppose that was just more “complaining.”

[Anonymous]

And there has been plenty of outrage about the bank bailouts.

But I suppose that was just more “complaining.”

[Anonymous]

And there has been plenty of outrage about the bank bailouts.

But I suppose that was just more “complaining.”

[Anonymous]

And there has been plenty of outrage about the bank bailouts.

But I suppose that was just more “complaining.”

[Shadowfax]

I don’t see the salaries being exceptionally high–the problem is the OT, benefits and bonuses. It is odd to see bonuses paid in an industry that isn’t promoting “growth”. That is, you would expect to see a sales person get a bonus for increased (or steady) sales, but what does a prison guard have to increase to get a bonus? Is it for good attendance? Preventing riots or promoting safety?

I maintain that this is not a pleasant job and that the higher than normal compensation is needed for recruitment and retention. From the WSJ article comments:

I worked as a California Corrections Peace Officer for five years. Just enough to be retirement vested. There is no comparing a Harvard Law grad to a Prison Officer. I invite the author to attend the Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy. Then go spend five years working at High Desert State Prison in Susanville CA. Wear 30 pounds of body armor and gear. At about 10% of Post you carry a rifle. Expect two or three mandatory eight hour overtimes shifts a week. An in 64 hour weeks. Mandatory due to Staffing requirements. On a daily basis protect Inmates from other Inmates. Get used to riots, rapings, murders, suicides, and killers who can quote Chapter and Verse what their entitled to. Deal with the criminally mentally ill and a culture of Inmate Entitlements. Expect to have to justify the “Use of Force” on paper and in Interviews every week. OH… The best part is you’ll be the “overpaid brutal indulged scapegoat” for all prison problems in the Press. California gives millions to the private “Prison Law Office” at San Quentin to sue the Dept of Corrections. I had a twenty five years Military career and three years working in the Idaho Prision prior to this. I didn’t plan to leave after five years. But how much feces, urine, and HIV infected blood would you want thrown at you? Let the author “walk the walk” before she judges Correction Officers. P.S. We have not had a Contract in years
Robert Dawson, Boise Idaho

The benefits seem pretty excessive, all the paid time off seems to require those on duty to work more OT! I am curious why all the OT–are people injured and can’t come in? Can’t they have officers “on call” to relieve people who are due to get off duty? I think the OT issue needs to be addressed, since that seems to be where poor planning results in large expenses. If Applebee’s and Fed Ex can mandate breaks and shift changes on a 7 hour basis, why can’t a prison? (kidding, sort of. I guess exceptions can be made for riot lock-downs) I don’t have much sympathy for the working holidays and stuff–seems like that could be addressed too–the new recruits at the bottom of the pay scale or ask for volunteers to work holidays. Jewish or atheist officers could work xmas day. Most industries do it this way, or you just have to tough it out and work anyway.

It’d be interesting to see when the high salaries were implemented–perhaps at a time when they couldn’t find anyone to take those jobs? Utimately, the compensation structure was implemented at some past date and now it has overgrown the tax base. I wouldn’t be surprised if the “top earners” are slated for early retirement so that the budget can be brought back in line. A lot of public institutions use this as a way of cutting their long-time employees who have maxed out the pay scale. Private companies do this all the time (which is why being over 40 is a protected class under CA employment law). Your experienced workers are the first to get axed so they can hire cheaper entry level folks.

I’d like to see teachers paid this much and not prison guards. I guess the teacher’s union(s) didn’t have enought “muscle” to amp up the pay scale. I am usually in support of unions, but this one does seem to have gone far over the line of reasonableness.

[Shadowfax]

I don’t see the salaries being exceptionally high–the problem is the OT, benefits and bonuses. It is odd to see bonuses paid in an industry that isn’t promoting “growth”. That is, you would expect to see a sales person get a bonus for increased (or steady) sales, but what does a prison guard have to increase to get a bonus? Is it for good attendance? Preventing riots or promoting safety?

I maintain that this is not a pleasant job and that the higher than normal compensation is needed for recruitment and retention. From the WSJ article comments:

I worked as a California Corrections Peace Officer for five years. Just enough to be retirement vested. There is no comparing a Harvard Law grad to a Prison Officer. I invite the author to attend the Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy. Then go spend five years working at High Desert State Prison in Susanville CA. Wear 30 pounds of body armor and gear. At about 10% of Post you carry a rifle. Expect two or three mandatory eight hour overtimes shifts a week. An in 64 hour weeks. Mandatory due to Staffing requirements. On a daily basis protect Inmates from other Inmates. Get used to riots, rapings, murders, suicides, and killers who can quote Chapter and Verse what their entitled to. Deal with the criminally mentally ill and a culture of Inmate Entitlements. Expect to have to justify the “Use of Force” on paper and in Interviews every week. OH… The best part is you’ll be the “overpaid brutal indulged scapegoat” for all prison problems in the Press. California gives millions to the private “Prison Law Office” at San Quentin to sue the Dept of Corrections. I had a twenty five years Military career and three years working in the Idaho Prision prior to this. I didn’t plan to leave after five years. But how much feces, urine, and HIV infected blood would you want thrown at you? Let the author “walk the walk” before she judges Correction Officers. P.S. We have not had a Contract in years
Robert Dawson, Boise Idaho

The benefits seem pretty excessive, all the paid time off seems to require those on duty to work more OT! I am curious why all the OT–are people injured and can’t come in? Can’t they have officers “on call” to relieve people who are due to get off duty? I think the OT issue needs to be addressed, since that seems to be where poor planning results in large expenses. If Applebee’s and Fed Ex can mandate breaks and shift changes on a 7 hour basis, why can’t a prison? (kidding, sort of. I guess exceptions can be made for riot lock-downs) I don’t have much sympathy for the working holidays and stuff–seems like that could be addressed too–the new recruits at the bottom of the pay scale or ask for volunteers to work holidays. Jewish or atheist officers could work xmas day. Most industries do it this way, or you just have to tough it out and work anyway.

It’d be interesting to see when the high salaries were implemented–perhaps at a time when they couldn’t find anyone to take those jobs? Utimately, the compensation structure was implemented at some past date and now it has overgrown the tax base. I wouldn’t be surprised if the “top earners” are slated for early retirement so that the budget can be brought back in line. A lot of public institutions use this as a way of cutting their long-time employees who have maxed out the pay scale. Private companies do this all the time (which is why being over 40 is a protected class under CA employment law). Your experienced workers are the first to get axed so they can hire cheaper entry level folks.

I’d like to see teachers paid this much and not prison guards. I guess the teacher’s union(s) didn’t have enought “muscle” to amp up the pay scale. I am usually in support of unions, but this one does seem to have gone far over the line of reasonableness.

[Shadowfax]

I don’t see the salaries being exceptionally high–the problem is the OT, benefits and bonuses. It is odd to see bonuses paid in an industry that isn’t promoting “growth”. That is, you would expect to see a sales person get a bonus for increased (or steady) sales, but what does a prison guard have to increase to get a bonus? Is it for good attendance? Preventing riots or promoting safety?

I maintain that this is not a pleasant job and that the higher than normal compensation is needed for recruitment and retention. From the WSJ article comments:

I worked as a California Corrections Peace Officer for five years. Just enough to be retirement vested. There is no comparing a Harvard Law grad to a Prison Officer. I invite the author to attend the Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy. Then go spend five years working at High Desert State Prison in Susanville CA. Wear 30 pounds of body armor and gear. At about 10% of Post you carry a rifle. Expect two or three mandatory eight hour overtimes shifts a week. An in 64 hour weeks. Mandatory due to Staffing requirements. On a daily basis protect Inmates from other Inmates. Get used to riots, rapings, murders, suicides, and killers who can quote Chapter and Verse what their entitled to. Deal with the criminally mentally ill and a culture of Inmate Entitlements. Expect to have to justify the “Use of Force” on paper and in Interviews every week. OH… The best part is you’ll be the “overpaid brutal indulged scapegoat” for all prison problems in the Press. California gives millions to the private “Prison Law Office” at San Quentin to sue the Dept of Corrections. I had a twenty five years Military career and three years working in the Idaho Prision prior to this. I didn’t plan to leave after five years. But how much feces, urine, and HIV infected blood would you want thrown at you? Let the author “walk the walk” before she judges Correction Officers. P.S. We have not had a Contract in years
Robert Dawson, Boise Idaho

The benefits seem pretty excessive, all the paid time off seems to require those on duty to work more OT! I am curious why all the OT–are people injured and can’t come in? Can’t they have officers “on call” to relieve people who are due to get off duty? I think the OT issue needs to be addressed, since that seems to be where poor planning results in large expenses. If Applebee’s and Fed Ex can mandate breaks and shift changes on a 7 hour basis, why can’t a prison? (kidding, sort of. I guess exceptions can be made for riot lock-downs) I don’t have much sympathy for the working holidays and stuff–seems like that could be addressed too–the new recruits at the bottom of the pay scale or ask for volunteers to work holidays. Jewish or atheist officers could work xmas day. Most industries do it this way, or you just have to tough it out and work anyway.

It’d be interesting to see when the high salaries were implemented–perhaps at a time when they couldn’t find anyone to take those jobs? Utimately, the compensation structure was implemented at some past date and now it has overgrown the tax base. I wouldn’t be surprised if the “top earners” are slated for early retirement so that the budget can be brought back in line. A lot of public institutions use this as a way of cutting their long-time employees who have maxed out the pay scale. Private companies do this all the time (which is why being over 40 is a protected class under CA employment law). Your experienced workers are the first to get axed so they can hire cheaper entry level folks.

I’d like to see teachers paid this much and not prison guards. I guess the teacher’s union(s) didn’t have enought “muscle” to amp up the pay scale. I am usually in support of unions, but this one does seem to have gone far over the line of reasonableness.

[Shadowfax]

I don’t see the salaries being exceptionally high–the problem is the OT, benefits and bonuses. It is odd to see bonuses paid in an industry that isn’t promoting “growth”. That is, you would expect to see a sales person get a bonus for increased (or steady) sales, but what does a prison guard have to increase to get a bonus? Is it for good attendance? Preventing riots or promoting safety?

I maintain that this is not a pleasant job and that the higher than normal compensation is needed for recruitment and retention. From the WSJ article comments:

I worked as a California Corrections Peace Officer for five years. Just enough to be retirement vested. There is no comparing a Harvard Law grad to a Prison Officer. I invite the author to attend the Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy. Then go spend five years working at High Desert State Prison in Susanville CA. Wear 30 pounds of body armor and gear. At about 10% of Post you carry a rifle. Expect two or three mandatory eight hour overtimes shifts a week. An in 64 hour weeks. Mandatory due to Staffing requirements. On a daily basis protect Inmates from other Inmates. Get used to riots, rapings, murders, suicides, and killers who can quote Chapter and Verse what their entitled to. Deal with the criminally mentally ill and a culture of Inmate Entitlements. Expect to have to justify the “Use of Force” on paper and in Interviews every week. OH… The best part is you’ll be the “overpaid brutal indulged scapegoat” for all prison problems in the Press. California gives millions to the private “Prison Law Office” at San Quentin to sue the Dept of Corrections. I had a twenty five years Military career and three years working in the Idaho Prision prior to this. I didn’t plan to leave after five years. But how much feces, urine, and HIV infected blood would you want thrown at you? Let the author “walk the walk” before she judges Correction Officers. P.S. We have not had a Contract in years
Robert Dawson, Boise Idaho

The benefits seem pretty excessive, all the paid time off seems to require those on duty to work more OT! I am curious why all the OT–are people injured and can’t come in? Can’t they have officers “on call” to relieve people who are due to get off duty? I think the OT issue needs to be addressed, since that seems to be where poor planning results in large expenses. If Applebee’s and Fed Ex can mandate breaks and shift changes on a 7 hour basis, why can’t a prison? (kidding, sort of. I guess exceptions can be made for riot lock-downs) I don’t have much sympathy for the working holidays and stuff–seems like that could be addressed too–the new recruits at the bottom of the pay scale or ask for volunteers to work holidays. Jewish or atheist officers could work xmas day. Most industries do it this way, or you just have to tough it out and work anyway.

It’d be interesting to see when the high salaries were implemented–perhaps at a time when they couldn’t find anyone to take those jobs? Utimately, the compensation structure was implemented at some past date and now it has overgrown the tax base. I wouldn’t be surprised if the “top earners” are slated for early retirement so that the budget can be brought back in line. A lot of public institutions use this as a way of cutting their long-time employees who have maxed out the pay scale. Private companies do this all the time (which is why being over 40 is a protected class under CA employment law). Your experienced workers are the first to get axed so they can hire cheaper entry level folks.

I’d like to see teachers paid this much and not prison guards. I guess the teacher’s union(s) didn’t have enought “muscle” to amp up the pay scale. I am usually in support of unions, but this one does seem to have gone far over the line of reasonableness.

[Shadowfax]

I don’t see the salaries being exceptionally high–the problem is the OT, benefits and bonuses. It is odd to see bonuses paid in an industry that isn’t promoting “growth”. That is, you would expect to see a sales person get a bonus for increased (or steady) sales, but what does a prison guard have to increase to get a bonus? Is it for good attendance? Preventing riots or promoting safety?

I maintain that this is not a pleasant job and that the higher than normal compensation is needed for recruitment and retention. From the WSJ article comments:

I worked as a California Corrections Peace Officer for five years. Just enough to be retirement vested. There is no comparing a Harvard Law grad to a Prison Officer. I invite the author to attend the Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy. Then go spend five years working at High Desert State Prison in Susanville CA. Wear 30 pounds of body armor and gear. At about 10% of Post you carry a rifle. Expect two or three mandatory eight hour overtimes shifts a week. An in 64 hour weeks. Mandatory due to Staffing requirements. On a daily basis protect Inmates from other Inmates. Get used to riots, rapings, murders, suicides, and killers who can quote Chapter and Verse what their entitled to. Deal with the criminally mentally ill and a culture of Inmate Entitlements. Expect to have to justify the “Use of Force” on paper and in Interviews every week. OH… The best part is you’ll be the “overpaid brutal indulged scapegoat” for all prison problems in the Press. California gives millions to the private “Prison Law Office” at San Quentin to sue the Dept of Corrections. I had a twenty five years Military career and three years working in the Idaho Prision prior to this. I didn’t plan to leave after five years. But how much feces, urine, and HIV infected blood would you want thrown at you? Let the author “walk the walk” before she judges Correction Officers. P.S. We have not had a Contract in years
Robert Dawson, Boise Idaho

The benefits seem pretty excessive, all the paid time off seems to require those on duty to work more OT! I am curious why all the OT–are people injured and can’t come in? Can’t they have officers “on call” to relieve people who are due to get off duty? I think the OT issue needs to be addressed, since that seems to be where poor planning results in large expenses. If Applebee’s and Fed Ex can mandate breaks and shift changes on a 7 hour basis, why can’t a prison? (kidding, sort of. I guess exceptions can be made for riot lock-downs) I don’t have much sympathy for the working holidays and stuff–seems like that could be addressed too–the new recruits at the bottom of the pay scale or ask for volunteers to work holidays. Jewish or atheist officers could work xmas day. Most industries do it this way, or you just have to tough it out and work anyway.

It’d be interesting to see when the high salaries were implemented–perhaps at a time when they couldn’t find anyone to take those jobs? Utimately, the compensation structure was implemented at some past date and now it has overgrown the tax base. I wouldn’t be surprised if the “top earners” are slated for early retirement so that the budget can be brought back in line. A lot of public institutions use this as a way of cutting their long-time employees who have maxed out the pay scale. Private companies do this all the time (which is why being over 40 is a protected class under CA employment law). Your experienced workers are the first to get axed so they can hire cheaper entry level folks.

I’d like to see teachers paid this much and not prison guards. I guess the teacher’s union(s) didn’t have enought “muscle” to amp up the pay scale. I am usually in support of unions, but this one does seem to have gone far over the line of reasonableness.

[CA renter]

[quote=pri_dk][quote=CA renter]Wow, I can’t believe someone thinks prison guards are overpaid…talk about one of the worst and most difficult jobs out there. Again, if the job is so easy, and the guards are compensated so well, why aren’t all the complainers signing up? [/quote]

Are you still trying to use that strawman?

Read the article:

Over 120,000 people apply every year, according to the state Legislative Analyst’s Office, but the academy only enrolls about 900. That’s an acceptance rate of less than 1%

Lots of people are trying to sign up. Few get in. And it’s not because the standards are so high.

But here’s the point that goes over your head every time this issue comes up: The taxpayers (i.e. you and me) are the EMPLOYERS of the prision guards. We have a every right to a say in the compensation of our EMPLOYEES, because we pay them with OUR money.

It’s not complaining, it’s simple business.

When you go to the grocery store, and notice that a price of a product is far too expensive, and then choose to buy a less expensive, comparable product instead, does that make you a complainer?

The taxpayers are being ripped off. Money is going from schools and other services to pay outrageous salaries to prison guards. We are paying them with money that does not exist. Money that our children will have to pay back decades from now.

You seem to be OK with this situation, even encouraging it.

But at least you’re not a “complainer.”

[And please don’t bother to bring up the “but bankers make so much money” argument. This issue has nothing to do with bankers.][/quote]

Here’s where you and I see things differently. I couldn’t care less if the money coming out of my pocket is going to a “private” entity or a “public” entity. The only thing that matters to me is that my money is going to somebody else.

We are overcharged, on a regular basis, by private corporations who engage in monopolistic practices. Contrary to what the “capitalists” will tell you, we have very little choice, especially WRT basic needs. Wall Street cheers on “M&A” activity as though it’s a good thing. Yes, it’s good for the Captains of Industry who can jack up their already outrageous compensation (and theirs is FAR more outrageous than the pay of most govt workers). It’s not so good for the employees who almost always lose their jobs as a result of the mergers and acquisitions. It’s not good for the consumers who have fewer options when purchasing goods and services, and we have to pay higher prices as a result.

The questions for me are: Who does the most difficult work, and whose jobs yield the greatest benefits to society? Those are the people who should be paid the most. As it stands, the total opposite has happened. The most entitled, soft-bellied, inept “dealmakers” (with the right connections) make the most money, while those whose labor puts food on our tables and who maintain peace, order, and civilization are paid far less.

Unions (public and private) are the only thing maintaining any sort of equilibrium — though it is dwindling. The wealth has been shifted up, and the movement has greatly accelerated over the past decade. It’s not because the people at the top are superior, or more deserving; it’s because they control the laws and they control where the money flows. I’d like to see a strong reversal of this trend. This would lead to a much more healthy, stable and productive society, where more people could enjoy the wealth that they created for themselves. The top/capitalists didn’t create this wealth; the workers did. Time for the workers — public and private — to stand up to those who have sought to grind them into the ground. Time for a revolution. 😉

[CA renter]

[quote=pri_dk][quote=CA renter]Wow, I can’t believe someone thinks prison guards are overpaid…talk about one of the worst and most difficult jobs out there. Again, if the job is so easy, and the guards are compensated so well, why aren’t all the complainers signing up? [/quote]

Are you still trying to use that strawman?

Read the article:

Over 120,000 people apply every year, according to the state Legislative Analyst’s Office, but the academy only enrolls about 900. That’s an acceptance rate of less than 1%

Lots of people are trying to sign up. Few get in. And it’s not because the standards are so high.

But here’s the point that goes over your head every time this issue comes up: The taxpayers (i.e. you and me) are the EMPLOYERS of the prision guards. We have a every right to a say in the compensation of our EMPLOYEES, because we pay them with OUR money.

It’s not complaining, it’s simple business.

When you go to the grocery store, and notice that a price of a product is far too expensive, and then choose to buy a less expensive, comparable product instead, does that make you a complainer?

The taxpayers are being ripped off. Money is going from schools and other services to pay outrageous salaries to prison guards. We are paying them with money that does not exist. Money that our children will have to pay back decades from now.

You seem to be OK with this situation, even encouraging it.

But at least you’re not a “complainer.”

[And please don’t bother to bring up the “but bankers make so much money” argument. This issue has nothing to do with bankers.][/quote]

Here’s where you and I see things differently. I couldn’t care less if the money coming out of my pocket is going to a “private” entity or a “public” entity. The only thing that matters to me is that my money is going to somebody else.

We are overcharged, on a regular basis, by private corporations who engage in monopolistic practices. Contrary to what the “capitalists” will tell you, we have very little choice, especially WRT basic needs. Wall Street cheers on “M&A” activity as though it’s a good thing. Yes, it’s good for the Captains of Industry who can jack up their already outrageous compensation (and theirs is FAR more outrageous than the pay of most govt workers). It’s not so good for the employees who almost always lose their jobs as a result of the mergers and acquisitions. It’s not good for the consumers who have fewer options when purchasing goods and services, and we have to pay higher prices as a result.

The questions for me are: Who does the most difficult work, and whose jobs yield the greatest benefits to society? Those are the people who should be paid the most. As it stands, the total opposite has happened. The most entitled, soft-bellied, inept “dealmakers” (with the right connections) make the most money, while those whose labor puts food on our tables and who maintain peace, order, and civilization are paid far less.

Unions (public and private) are the only thing maintaining any sort of equilibrium — though it is dwindling. The wealth has been shifted up, and the movement has greatly accelerated over the past decade. It’s not because the people at the top are superior, or more deserving; it’s because they control the laws and they control where the money flows. I’d like to see a strong reversal of this trend. This would lead to a much more healthy, stable and productive society, where more people could enjoy the wealth that they created for themselves. The top/capitalists didn’t create this wealth; the workers did. Time for the workers — public and private — to stand up to those who have sought to grind them into the ground. Time for a revolution. 😉

[CA renter]

[quote=pri_dk][quote=CA renter]Wow, I can’t believe someone thinks prison guards are overpaid…talk about one of the worst and most difficult jobs out there. Again, if the job is so easy, and the guards are compensated so well, why aren’t all the complainers signing up? [/quote]

Are you still trying to use that strawman?

Read the article:

Over 120,000 people apply every year, according to the state Legislative Analyst’s Office, but the academy only enrolls about 900. That’s an acceptance rate of less than 1%

Lots of people are trying to sign up. Few get in. And it’s not because the standards are so high.

But here’s the point that goes over your head every time this issue comes up: The taxpayers (i.e. you and me) are the EMPLOYERS of the prision guards. We have a every right to a say in the compensation of our EMPLOYEES, because we pay them with OUR money.

It’s not complaining, it’s simple business.

When you go to the grocery store, and notice that a price of a product is far too expensive, and then choose to buy a less expensive, comparable product instead, does that make you a complainer?

The taxpayers are being ripped off. Money is going from schools and other services to pay outrageous salaries to prison guards. We are paying them with money that does not exist. Money that our children will have to pay back decades from now.

You seem to be OK with this situation, even encouraging it.

But at least you’re not a “complainer.”

[And please don’t bother to bring up the “but bankers make so much money” argument. This issue has nothing to do with bankers.][/quote]

Here’s where you and I see things differently. I couldn’t care less if the money coming out of my pocket is going to a “private” entity or a “public” entity. The only thing that matters to me is that my money is going to somebody else.

We are overcharged, on a regular basis, by private corporations who engage in monopolistic practices. Contrary to what the “capitalists” will tell you, we have very little choice, especially WRT basic needs. Wall Street cheers on “M&A” activity as though it’s a good thing. Yes, it’s good for the Captains of Industry who can jack up their already outrageous compensation (and theirs is FAR more outrageous than the pay of most govt workers). It’s not so good for the employees who almost always lose their jobs as a result of the mergers and acquisitions. It’s not good for the consumers who have fewer options when purchasing goods and services, and we have to pay higher prices as a result.

The questions for me are: Who does the most difficult work, and whose jobs yield the greatest benefits to society? Those are the people who should be paid the most. As it stands, the total opposite has happened. The most entitled, soft-bellied, inept “dealmakers” (with the right connections) make the most money, while those whose labor puts food on our tables and who maintain peace, order, and civilization are paid far less.

Unions (public and private) are the only thing maintaining any sort of equilibrium — though it is dwindling. The wealth has been shifted up, and the movement has greatly accelerated over the past decade. It’s not because the people at the top are superior, or more deserving; it’s because they control the laws and they control where the money flows. I’d like to see a strong reversal of this trend. This would lead to a much more healthy, stable and productive society, where more people could enjoy the wealth that they created for themselves. The top/capitalists didn’t create this wealth; the workers did. Time for the workers — public and private — to stand up to those who have sought to grind them into the ground. Time for a revolution. 😉

[CA renter]

[quote=pri_dk][quote=CA renter]Wow, I can’t believe someone thinks prison guards are overpaid…talk about one of the worst and most difficult jobs out there. Again, if the job is so easy, and the guards are compensated so well, why aren’t all the complainers signing up? [/quote]

Are you still trying to use that strawman?

Read the article:

Over 120,000 people apply every year, according to the state Legislative Analyst’s Office, but the academy only enrolls about 900. That’s an acceptance rate of less than 1%

Lots of people are trying to sign up. Few get in. And it’s not because the standards are so high.

But here’s the point that goes over your head every time this issue comes up: The taxpayers (i.e. you and me) are the EMPLOYERS of the prision guards. We have a every right to a say in the compensation of our EMPLOYEES, because we pay them with OUR money.

It’s not complaining, it’s simple business.

When you go to the grocery store, and notice that a price of a product is far too expensive, and then choose to buy a less expensive, comparable product instead, does that make you a complainer?

The taxpayers are being ripped off. Money is going from schools and other services to pay outrageous salaries to prison guards. We are paying them with money that does not exist. Money that our children will have to pay back decades from now.

You seem to be OK with this situation, even encouraging it.

But at least you’re not a “complainer.”

[And please don’t bother to bring up the “but bankers make so much money” argument. This issue has nothing to do with bankers.][/quote]

Here’s where you and I see things differently. I couldn’t care less if the money coming out of my pocket is going to a “private” entity or a “public” entity. The only thing that matters to me is that my money is going to somebody else.

We are overcharged, on a regular basis, by private corporations who engage in monopolistic practices. Contrary to what the “capitalists” will tell you, we have very little choice, especially WRT basic needs. Wall Street cheers on “M&A” activity as though it’s a good thing. Yes, it’s good for the Captains of Industry who can jack up their already outrageous compensation (and theirs is FAR more outrageous than the pay of most govt workers). It’s not so good for the employees who almost always lose their jobs as a result of the mergers and acquisitions. It’s not good for the consumers who have fewer options when purchasing goods and services, and we have to pay higher prices as a result.

The questions for me are: Who does the most difficult work, and whose jobs yield the greatest benefits to society? Those are the people who should be paid the most. As it stands, the total opposite has happened. The most entitled, soft-bellied, inept “dealmakers” (with the right connections) make the most money, while those whose labor puts food on our tables and who maintain peace, order, and civilization are paid far less.

Unions (public and private) are the only thing maintaining any sort of equilibrium — though it is dwindling. The wealth has been shifted up, and the movement has greatly accelerated over the past decade. It’s not because the people at the top are superior, or more deserving; it’s because they control the laws and they control where the money flows. I’d like to see a strong reversal of this trend. This would lead to a much more healthy, stable and productive society, where more people could enjoy the wealth that they created for themselves. The top/capitalists didn’t create this wealth; the workers did. Time for the workers — public and private — to stand up to those who have sought to grind them into the ground. Time for a revolution. 😉

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