I think you missed my point and the point of the article too. At least you must have seen a different point than I have.
My point is that at all levels of government, these type golden parachutes have been constructed over 30-40 years of lies about how these “public servants” are so damned underpaid while the public has been told that only private sector CEO’s are over paid.
This is not a one person scam, this is systemic and she apparently is playing within the legalities of the system. The problem is the entire golden parachute system of health and pensions for government employees- especially government school teachers. This is just an eye opening example to a nationwide problem.
I agree the system is flawed and needs to be corrected. That point is given, in my opinion. I just don’t think we can develop a system that closes off all loopholes for abuse without penalizing legitimate needs.
I think our root problem is not so much the need to change the system which, as one poster described, is a Ponzi Scheme in structure when abused, or a lack of regulation, as it is a lack of character in those who would abuse it. Having said that, by all means, change the system. Philly is nearly bankrupt. That $458,000 drain on cash flow, that would have been deferred until “real retirement”, makes an impact on lives.
I just left the Philly area after a two year stint there. My impression is that the people there sort of expect corruption in government. The culture is a “who you know” network and “pay to play” ethic. I suspect the reaction of people there is one of two: 1) Wish I could do that! or 2) We need to regulate. As a matter of fact, I posted this on Facebook and my first reaction from an area resident was a #2.
My concern, however, is the #1 response. People condone this behavior because they admire it. They wish it were them and would do it if they could. This lack of moral ethic demands systemic change as a solution. Outside another Great Awakening, which George Whitfield launched in Philly in 1739, I do not see a great moral awakening to remedy the the lack of ethic.
So, I support your column thesis. I just see another root cause. Unfortunately, it was not a “system” that made our country great. Anyone who has studied the fate of the signers of the Declaration of Independence there at Independence Hall in Philly understands the fortitude of character and values prompting their sacrifice. Tasco is a greedy, self-interested “public servant”.
In a sense, she is an “inside trader” finding a way to bail out of a system that is about to implode before the street workers realize she got out with their retirement money.