In the middle of all this tension, can I please say something nice about state employees?!? First of all, I always affectionately referred to them on the air as "Trout-Mouths!!!!" Why? Hell if I know. It was Andy, a stateworker at the time and a best friend who coined the phrase and I liked it. Kinda like "Line Lizards" back in the day at General Motors.
I, and others, have been giving public UNIONS - NOT THE WORKERS - UNIONS, a lot grief over their radicalism lately. I feel bad. Can I explain? The average working stiff continues to get crapped on. And while there is always government waste, I know some really, really talented hard-working people working downtown.
State workers, like a lot of us, have been fed a load of promises for years. And we trusted. We believed. Well, some did. I still don't even believe Social Security will be there when I get old. At least, I 'm not planning on it. But a lot of people were given promises about retirement and pensions and health care - and we all know what is happening. The country, in order to become healthy again, and attract foreign investment and business - MUST trim the bottom line. And it hurts. It's disappointing. Politicians made promises that were not reasonable. Even in the BEST of times.
I just wanted to say I had a great experience with "Jon" who works for the state. I'll just say that he was one of the most professional person doing his job as he is expected to do.
Second of all, I again want to applaud all of those involved with the MI.GOV web site. For years, Michigan has truly been ahead of the rest of the country with the way we conduct our business in THOUSANDS of ways, through our on-line services. I've always been impressed. That's all.
Well, that's all. Nobody probably cares. But my mom was a state employee for a few years (and waitress for many more) in PA and sometimes people only hear the teasing and the state worker jokes. And I wanted to point out some positives.
These kind of posts never get much response. But the BITCHING always does. I feel better. Have a great weekend. And even though I am furious with many of the protester's conduct at the Capitol in recent weeks, I wanted to throw out a bone.
What do you think? Blog away! It's anonymous.
6 comments:
Rich, I am a State worker and I want to thank you. I listened to you every morning on my way to work and you made the drive that much easier. I love my job, I care about the work I do and I care about the people I do it for. I do not want to get into an argument with anyone on your page so I will leave it at that. Thank you again for backing us up (the sane ones anyway). I hope to hear you on the radio soon.
What you say is true Rich......there are a lot of great people that work for the State. Unfortunately the bad apples always win the media war. Everyone loves to hear that they are doing a good job and when someone takes the time to blog/post about it...means a lot!!
Well said Rich. My sister worked for the state and did a darn good job for them. It is time that we hear more great words and actions about the good employees of any job....The bad apples get away with to much. Thank you....
Rich, I work for a community college as a support staff. No one is talking about the large pay and benefits the administration and presidents receive. I do agree with your stand on tenure. It is outdated. We do have many great dedicated teachers and staff. We also have many great administrators but it appears the money is loaded on them while others suffer. No doubt it is the state. When will we hear about the cuts to the politicians? Perhaps we should cut in half all pay and eliminate health care for them - nothing free.
My previous comment should have said "No doubt it is the same with the state."
when these politicians that want to make these changes start giving there fair share also.like paying there benefits after there out of office and such.then we may feel a little better about change,but not until then.when they want to hurt and affect themselves too then we will listen more...
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