Something Orchid said prompted me to start this thread. I did not do so to begin a debate, more or less to make a statement.

It has always blown my mind that professional baseball, football, and basketball players (let's don't forget hockey) get paid these astronomical amount of salary yet a policeman, fireman, and armed forces personnel can barely make ends meet with the salaries they have.

With all of the unions around, it looks like someone would organize a group to INSIST these people who protect us, care for us, rescue us, etc., are paid more and the ball players, less.

Is it just me? I know there are bad policemen and other officials; but aren't there bad atheletics as well? What about Vick? Or the ones taking steriods? Or the ones who murder others?

We had a policeman who was killed during the Christmas season. He had five young children at home and a wife. He was killed point blank by a man who suffered from PSTS. Sad...so sad. It made me stop and think.

I would like to know what you think...anybody?

I believe most of us are underpaid for the work we do. I see absolutely no excuse that a few people in the entertainment business, be it movies, television or sports, should make astronomical salaries, while the rest of the world barely make ends meet.

That being said, people in careers of service are not in it for the money. There are other aspects of the job that are calling people to these assignments in life.

As to unions - I was/am (?) a die-hard union supporter, but they aren't worth much anymore. I know my union has lost so much power and it shows in my paycheck and benefits package.

Oh gosh...how could I have forgotten the entertainment biz! Movie stars, show host, etc? Duh?

I totally agree that for the most part, people in service jobs are there because they want to be, because they care. God luv um!

It seems there is something wrong in a country that pays grocery baggers more than child care workers get. Doesn't this say something about our priorities? (or lack of?)

Amen...society has dictated that entertainment is more important...sad, isn't it?

Jaw Jaw,First I will confess that dancers that dance what I do, and concert performers make a lot of money.
That said, I agree with you TOTALLY!
Did you know that the military starting salary up to the rank of E4 are under the poverty line? It's true. They are making poverty wages, they are not above the poverty line until they have been in the militay for about 6 years.

dancer9

Oh my...I wasn't even taking into account that you were in the entertainment biz...forgive me for being insensitive here, dancer! It wasn't my intent.

I was actually comparing the poor policemen and firemen, mainly, and the military, with atheletics. I know there are tons of overpaid movie stars, and that was a good point that someone brought up. Also teachers. God love those dedicated teachers!

But as you've told us, you work very hard for your earnings and I'm sure you do not fall into this category. I would wager you earn every penny, and then some!

Again, forgive my broad generalization without taking into account the members here. Duh, on my part!

Mark Twain once said something to the effect, "If you always tell the truth, you don't have to remember what you said before."

Apparently, some politicians and those of power to do good don't know of Mark Twain!

Mustang Gal,
My grandfather, whom I loved very much and lived on the estate next to ours, told me that very thing!
I have lived by that rule all of my life and I have to say that it is true. To tell the truth makes life so simple and easy, you may talk to people and be completely open without worrying what you said before!
dancer

There's some new game/reality show starting soon (which I probably won't watch) where the contestants will be hooked up to a lie detector. Some pundit said, "It's too bad they can't get any politicians to play."

My thoughts exactly.

Love it Meredith. And to think they don't even have to pay into SS....that makes my butt want to crochet barbwire....

And MustanGal...I LOVE Mark Twain. I read and re-read his work all the time. Isn't he great?

Jaw Jaw,
It's fine that you posted what you did. It IS wrong for me to make the money I make while a teacher makes what they do. I might have worked harder and may have been educated long, and I might even work in the hardest sport there is, according to a Harvard study, it does not matter.

I do this to make up for it. I donate a TON. I teach in schools free and do so often. I have taught in too many schools to count to keep art in schools. I also choreograph their plays free of charge. I have had up to 500 children in a room with only me and a microphone!

I give A LOT away, you must trust me. I do so because I make the money to do so. I don't believe in taking more money than one needs.

I have sent women whom I hardly know to college. I have helped women who have left abusive relationships to furnish their homes for themselves and their children. I do every single fundraiser for the charities I believe in and have throughout my career.

Again, I have taught in many schools who have found that I am in town and I have NEVER charged a dime. I also put my shows in schools at times and give the ticket take to the schools drama department.

I have bought wardrobes for dozens of women who needed them when they got jobs they sorely need.

I donate so much that my accountant is always telling me to think of my old age and to STOP.

And I think that every single lucky person like myself out there that makes the money we can make on stage or in a movie ought to open their bank accounts and hand over the money like I do!
What's more, I tell them that! some do, you'd be surprised.

dancer

Anne3,
Thank you.
dancer