Letters: Teachers pay their way
June 14, 2012 10:56PM
Updated: July 16, 2012 6:16AM
In the June 7 editorial, “Fear, cost shifts stall pension reform,” it was stated that those receiving state pensions receive free health insurance. I am a member of the teachers’ retirement system, and in 2011, a total of $189.46 was deducted each month from my pension, and it increases each year.
I have been retired 20 years, so my top salary was $40,000. I paid 8 percent of each check into the pension system. I was an educator for 32 years.
Caryl Thomas
Crest Hill
Focus on priorities
A very wise man once told me, “Nothing spends easier than other peoples’ money (OPM), which explains why politicians are addicted to OPM (our taxes).”
When will “We the People,” the lawful citizens of the United States, hold our elected officials accountable to us, not to their own desires, not to union interests, not to corporate interests and certainly not to illegal aliens’ interests?
Although these outside interests may have a right to be heard, they have no right to be represented by our elected officials. The citizens of this great nation are “We the People,” which government is supposed to represent. All the other interests are just background noise, to which our elected officials and bureaucrats have no obligation.
When will we elect people who will do what is right and prudent for the nation, rather than politician who promise to fill our desires by taking from our neighbor and entitled to the fruits of his labor?
We need to step back and get realistic about where government responsibility lies — as outlined in the Constitution — and where our personal responsibility lies. Too many of us expect someone else to shoulder what is rightfully our burden.
Where is the elected official who will do the right thing for “We the People,” even if it means not bringing home the pork barrel projects?
We cannot afford to fund a dog park, another business study, an unneeded transportation center or expanded benefits when the local, state and federal governments are broke; teetering on what would be Chapter 11 bankruptcy if they were private businesses. Where are the politicians who will rein in the spending and debt by being responsible adults, and not spending money on programs that are not essential?
Jim Keck
Joliet
A dignified farewell
On Sunday, May 27, Matthew T. “Mammo” Mammosser, died at Joliet Area Community Hospice.
To his father, Jim, his mother, Susan, his brother, Nick and sister, Rachel, his niece Kylee and the love of his life, Sarah Gottardo, I extend my heartfelt sympathy.
The outpouring of love and support at the wake, cathedral, cemetery and at Joliet Catholic Academy was something to behold. The way his teammates carried his casket was done with honor, grace and dignity. You make me proud to be an alumnus of Joliet Catholic Academy. Your personification as Christians was impeccable.
In closing, may I state, “Mammo, God loves you, and so do I.”
James Sefcik
Joliet Catholic Academy
Class of 1962
