. . .can’t be everywhere at once.

I have seen the current crisis in NJ treated by the NJEA like a football my association can just kick around to attack the gov. (Christie) and Reps., but the funny thing is the union is not winning.

It has so far used my dues, which I am forced to pay or I cannot work under contract in a public school, and many others’ to the tune of $10,000,000 on tv ads and a campaign to cow Trenton into its usual subservient and cowering behavior. Mr. Christie won’t follow the playbook, so the newsletters and magazines have become rabid with personal attacks (do you know he is fat?), some of which have spiraled into parodies of union thuggery, not very attractive for professionals who base their skills on having achieved in higher education positions.

But when my son and nephew were out of work in the private sectors and just waiting to get an interview, my colleagues were moaning and groaning over not getting bigger raises and their fears of having to contribute to health ins. (we, in NJ, do contribute to pensions and pay all taxes on our pensions). In order not to lose friendships of many decades, I say little as criticism, but right now a bunch are planning their summer “jaunt” that will be a $6000 (per couple) cruise and tour on the QE2, which will neatly coincide with one pair’s having their house remodeled.

I don’t begrudge them their leisure, but when you behave as if you can just toss money around, it makes justifying enormous sacrifices by general tax payers to support this lifestyle a real issue, as if the life of cruises and home decorating were a given and not supported by people who work in Walmart and McDonalds.

will be at a competitive disadvantage. Just ask Caterpiller as it contemplates moving from IL to IN.

SB5 passed the Ohio Senate in a 17-16 vote tonight. Gov. Kasich has vowed to sign it. Opponents will attempt to get a referendum on the November ballot to repeal it.