I read with great interest … and disappointment … the antics of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) in their recent picketing of the congressional offices of state Sen. Jennifer Beck in Red Bank, as well as state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (Middletown) and state Sen. Sean Kean (Wall Township), all Republicans, in protest of the latest three thoughtful and prudent legislative initiatives, S-1962, S- 1964 and S- 1969, which Sen. Beck has co-sponsored on behalf of the taxpayers of New Jersey.
While "picketing" is the right and privilege of all citizens … unfortunately, the spotlight this regrettable demonstration has focused on the NJEA only serves to highlight the perception that this group considers itself "privileged" in its fiscal demands … viewing their situation through a very narrow prism of selfinterest … and in so doing, totally ignoring the economic realities which the citizens paying the bills are forced to live within.
"Double dipping" and "multiple pensions" at the public trough are manifestly unfair to the public.
Furthermore … they are calculated via what appears to be a cleverly contrived formulary which was designed to invite manipulation and abuse … and which would never endure in the financially responsible private sector … the sector which is forced to shoulder these onerous and confiscatory obligations … better described as "moneygrabs."
Ill-conceived fiscal policies … such as these … are not in the public interest … and therefore beg for reform.
Finally, we see truly dedicated public servants, senators who takes their oaths seriously … challenge fiscal policies which can only be described as absurd; and the NJEA, in an outburst of farcical and embarrassing reaction immediately musters its troops … to intimidate and demagogue the issue with "double speak" and self-serving "logic" which, I’m afraid, only the mentally-challenged could embrace.
So congratulations to senators Jennifer Beck (no relation), Joseph Kyrillos and Sean Kean … as well as the other legislative supporters … for their fine efforts on behalf of the citizens and the state.
I believe it is high time that the NJEA reconsider its public relations position – and refrain from portraying itself as an "only child" in its fiscal demands – and further, that it conduct itself in a manner which does credit to its "educational mission" … and further, that it assume a more benevolent and thoughtful posture with the community it is privileged to serve.
Tom Beck
Red Bank