[MtnClimber]

But, if government and union workers had to worry about sound management of pensions they would not: Vote Blue no Matter who Raped You"

Why not make them save in 401K accounts like everyone else. And, why don't they lose their jobs too if the government shuts down the economy?

[DIRTYSECRET]

Cap yearly pensions at $30k. That’s better than the rest of us. Next raise the age to 70. Cops are different but then very few make it to 20 years.

[Vigilanteman]

Yeah, it has been close to two decades since most private companies eliminated defined pensions and substituted 401K accounts with various levels of match.

It is high time governments do the same. However, if places like New Jersey get bailouts, it should only be under the following conditions:

1. Loans, not grants.
   
2. Loss of statehood and revision to territorial status until the loans are repaid in full.
   
3. With the new territorial status, they lose all representation in congress, save for one non-voting delegate in the House (as territories currently enjoy) and no electoral vote in presidential elections.