Las Vegas bash indicts public jobs

Published 2:07 pm Monday, April 9, 2012

Recent news coverage of the General Services Administration bash in Las Vegas is just another in a long line of examples detailing the total disregard government at every level has for the American taxpayer. (“GSA head resigns amid reports of lavish spending.”)

Nearly $1 million spent on a training event of dubious value, including $8,000 for commemorative coins, another $8,000 for canteens, T-shirts and keychains, not to mention $3,000 for a mind reader. A mind reader!? These morons need their heads examined.

Government workers in the past traded high wages and salaries for the security and safety of a government job. No more! Government workers in all but rare exceptions make 20 percent more than their peers in the private sector when you add in the paid vacations, holidays, and lavish health-care and retirement plans. Very highly paid CEOs in the private sector skew the numbers a bit, but numerous studies have proven the disparity between government and private sector wages and salaries is large and growing.

In this case, they were even paid to produce a rap song rubbing the taxpayers’ noses in the fact that they were partying on their dime. And what is the price the organizers of this event will pay? The head of GSA, Martha Johnson, resigned shortly before the story broke to avoid an investigation, two more were mercifully fired, and four were put on administrative leave. Of course when government workers get put on leave, it’s with full pay plus benefits to stay home or go golfing. Now there’s a harsh penalty. You don’t suppose that’s the reason this stuff never seems to end?

Michael H. Bond

Monroe