The Sky Is The Limit

To the Editor:

Anybody who is going to college knows the sky-rocketing expense of an advanced education. In comparison, my own college education under the GI bill at a top engineering college from 1953 to 1957 cost $300 per semester. So why is this different? Part of the answer is in the inflation since that time, but only a small part. Most of it can be traced to the high salaries and fringe benefits of the present civil service, starting not at the highest, but at the lowest level. If a janitor makes $40,000 a year, a teacher must be paid at least twice this and so on, until we reach the sky with the college president.

My interest and indignation were aroused when I saw a news item that the chief of police of the University of Connecticut is paid $254,000 a year. This is not only ridiculous, it is profane and shows the unfair salaries reaped by those responsible. Collective bargaining has managed to push the cost of education to the sky and we and our children and grandchildren are the victims. It is our duty to stop and reverse this gross drain on our resources. No wonder there is no money left for essentials like new bridges and roads. The hogs have it all!

Our children’s future is at stake. They will have to fend for themselves unless we reverse this vicious trend. If you think I am mistaken, please look at the cost of education before and after collective bargaining and then draw your own conclusions.

Unless this gross social injustice is reversed, I am afraid the day will come when you must choose whether you wish to give your child a college education and sell your house or do without it and feel forever guilty. The children of those without substantial funds will be left behind, victims of betrayal and greed. Do not listen to arguments that the government will take care of them. Perhaps, but only if it is with your money.

Speak up loud and clear so the politicians can hear you and push for a class action suit in court to not only limit total compensation, but let an impartial nonpolitical panel decide a fair compensation for all. Collective bargaining for civil service has been good for the elite few and bad for all the rest of us.

Oscar Berendsohn

34 Appleblossom Lane, Newtown                                   April 4, 2011