"Why does everyone begrudge teachers, dockworkers, mechanics, autoworkers...."
"Why is it okay for only a few in this country to make exorbitant salaries but the average joe is lambasted for the same ambitions"
Which of the named professions are paid out of taxpayer's coffers?
Personally, I begrudge EVERY dollar of my money taken out of my paycheck by government, and so should you.
If you make your living off of the taxpayer, do not be surprised when the taxpayer complains that you get too much, because it's the taxpayers money in your paycheck.
I hope you never need EMS, Fire, or Police services...
It would be a shame to have to be indebted to people whose wages you begrudge.