Should we SLASH pensions for BOTH current and future public sector employees? (layoffs, construction)

[analyze_this]

I believe that the number one issue that is hurting California is bloated public sector pensions. The only solution I see is to absolutely SLASH pensions for public sector employees, INCLUDING current retirees. I dont care what the contract stipulates, this is an emergency situation for the state and we absolutely CANNOT continue to pay out these bloated pensions to public sector workers, INCLUDING cops and firefighters.

I think it is time people in California force their leaders to take charge on this issue immediately. Flood governor Brown's office with calls asking him to SLASH public sector pensions for BOTH current and future retirees and save our state. Also get rid of ALL welfare for illegal aliens.

Yes, I am a pretty liberal guy but enough is enough with the fiscal insanity.

[Fontucky]

Define "slash," Mr. Pretty Liberal.

[analyze_this]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

Define "slash," Mr. Pretty Liberal.

No pensions will exceed 99K annually. NO ONE can retire before 65.

The so called "hero" cops and firefighters are absolutely abusing the system with their six figure pensions, retiring at age 50. They then abandon California and move to a red state like Montana or Arizona, putting the remaining Californians on the hook for their lavish pensions, and taking all the pension spending with them.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by analyze_this

NO ONE can retire before 65.

RE: firefighting: 40+ years on a job that is physically demanding and not for old farts?

[analyze_this]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

RE: firefighting: 40+ years on a job that is physically demanding not for old farts?

Well I dont care...life is hard for a lot of people. You CHOSE that profession knowing what it entails. Since your job is physical, it is your duty to stay in shape...I know many fit people at 65 who can take care of themselves because they WORK HARD to stay fit.

If you want to retire at 50, go get a desk job and wait for 15 years till you are eligible for full retirement or take a huge haircut in the annual benefits.

[nullgeo]

Your lack of understanding of the issues concerning firefighting and law enforcement is astounding ...
btw: I am in very fine condition for 64 indeed ... and I would not expect to be able to do those jobs with the effectiveness required. You clearly have never done either. And are most likely still younger than 40, no?

[analyze_this]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

Your lack of understanding of the issues concerning firefighting and law enforcement is astounding ...
btw: I am in very fine condition for 64 indeed ... and I would not expect to be able to do those jobs with the effectiveness required. You clearly have never done either. And are most likely still younger than 40, no?

Well you can always get a desk job if you are not physically capable.

Why should the citizens of the state be forced to fund a lavish early retirement for you for a career choice YOU made? Most of them are struggling to stay afloat in their jobs with massive insecurity about layoffs, forget about any pensions (you have pretty much a job for life). Don't you see the inherent unfairness and selfishness on your part?

[EscapeCalifornia]

Current retirees - leave as is but audit the heck out of them to find the double dippers and people who gamed the system to artificially boost their retirement pay.

Current workers - Reduce benefits for FUTURE work. If your job is so tough that you need out at 55, then fine. But if you're still able to work, you can get another less stressful job and wait until 67 like the rest of us for your pension. For the rest of them, raise the retirement age to 67. No more making more in "retirement" than most people earn working full time, then going out and getting another job.

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by analyze_this

Well you can always get a desk job if you are not physically capable.

Why should the citizens of the state be forced to fund a lavish early retirement for you for a career choice YOU made? Most of them are struggling to stay afloat in their jobs with massive insecurity about layoffs, forget about any pensions (you have pretty much a job for life). Don't you see the inherent unfairness and selfishness on your part?

1. because of the nature of the service provided and what it takes out of a person to provide.
2. do you appreciate that you have to pay for what you get?

If you don't know what it takes out of a person to expend adrenaline as required for 20 + years, then you really shouldn't be rushing to judgment of others who have given it up.

I am not an ex-cop or ex-firefighter.
I spent a few years in military with intense combat experience.
I think being a cop is a worse job.
I think being a firefighter is a better job -- but one that takes as much out of a person as the other two (combat arms and police work).

[analyze_this]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

1. because of the nature of the service provided and what it takes out of a person to provide.
2. do you appreciate that you have to pay for what you get?

If you don't know what it takes out of a person to expend adrenaline as required for 20 + years, then you really shouldn't be rushing to judgment of others who have given it up.

I am not an ex-cop or ex-firefighter.
I spent a few years in military with intense combat experience.
I think being a cop is a worse job.
I think being a firefighter is a better job -- but one that takes as much out of a person as the other two (combat arms and police work).

You gotta be kidding me what over-hyped crap. All I see is firefighters do all day is sit on their thumbs or work out all day while they wait for that one false fire alarm going off. Same with cops issuing speeding tickets or cruising around in their cars. Most don't have a college degree and no other skills.

By your yardstick, why shouldn't janitors or construction workers get to retire at 50 since their work is probably even more physical? Are you ok with janitors, construction workers, laborers getting a full six figure pension for life at 50?

Like I said, if you want to retire at 50, go get a desk job and WAIT till you hit 65. This is a career choice that YOU made, knowing very well that it requires no education or skills and is physical at times.