Politicans Using Crisis for Political Gain

Here is a letter to the editor responding to the New York Times editorial “Their Real Agenda”:

The author claims politicians are using the financial crisis for their own ideological gain. This may be true. But it does not negate the fact that states are in financial crisis. The solution for dealing with the costs of public sector union employees is simple. Get rid of defined benefit plans and require government employees to contribute to their retirement and healthcare like everyone else. Retirement liabilities are a large portion of state deficits. If unions do not allow their members to renegotiate their current unsustainable contracts, which they will not, bankruptcy or severe cuts are the only options. A federal bailout of fiscally irresponsible states would just kick the can down the road. Again.