[Jim from C-Town]

No one cried for the pensioners at LTV Steel or Jones & Laughlin Steel when their pensions went belly up. Just because it is a government pension doesn't mean it is sacrosanct. They should all take a hair cut and newer employees should only get a 401K type of retirement.

There are always people who would like to become firefighters in particular. In most communities you are more likely to be treated for hemorrhoids than smoke inhalation.

[sphinx]

I agree.

As to firefighters, here (and in most other cities, I think) they earn their living as EMT's. The fire coverage is something cities must provide, but actual fires are fairly rare. Firemen are assigned collateral duties to fill their time.

[cherry]

yep you’re right...not one tear when my husband’s company declared “bankruptcy”.....not one...he lost his retirement and his retirement health care....