Commentary on today’s news and opinion, from readers and newsmakers.
A pair of letters to the editor shaming East Ramapo voters for saying no to the school budget (“Voters’ lack of support is shameful” and “East Ramapo kids deserve more”) have sparked a discussion among LoHud.com readers about how teachers’ pay stacks up against that of other professionals.
I have sympathy and would like to agree with you but I can’t. Someone needs to say no! Teacher’s unions are out of control. On one hand they insist that masters holding teachers should be treated like their peers in the private sector, until some facts are brought up. Like the fact that teachers work barely 60 percent of the annual hours of other professionals. That pros don’t get OT; they are salaried. That private employees don’t retire at 55 with a hefty pension! The other factor is government mandates, which ‘force’ schools to spend money that they can’t afford because social justice has replaced sanity.”
— Tony Francis
Maybe we as a society can stop expecting teachers to make up for the financial crisis. Other professionals make much, much more, attract little to no negative press, and get some respect.”
— James Foley
Is your commute killing you? Reporter Theresa Juva asks that question on her blog, Commuter Life, after reporting on a study that links poor health to long drives to work.
Are you a commuter? If so, tell us how your commute affects your health on the Commuter Life blog. Some of the best stories may be printed in The Journal News.
What are you talking about today? Leave your answer in the comments below.