Supporting Teachers is Supporting American Workers

The protests in WI reveal the power that this type of public demonstration is having all over the country, and, for that matter, all over the world.  For too long the debate in the media about the value and purpose of teachers' unions has been centered on the argument put forth by GOP governors (Chris Christie, in particular), senators, and representatives (who support big business) as the simple fix to state and federal budget crises and with the problems of poor test scores in schools.  For this reason, I applaud the teachers in WI taking back their voice and their power by bringing this topic to the fore. They should be commended for what they are doing. FINALLY, the media is covering the REAL workers, the ones paying taxpayer money, working hard to make a difference in their community and in society everyday, and making barely a middle class salary. Teachers and schools are not the ones who are spending too much or putting us in debt.  In fact, this dedicated group of people pay more state and federal taxes in proportion to their income than any corporation, business, or wealthy 2% do. 

Further, while the debates over teachers' unions unfolds, there is NO discussion about the NFL, NBA, or SAG unions. I guess it is OK to demonize teachers and hardworkin­g barely middle class people, but honor and value and approve of the unions that represent athletes and actors. Nobody is discussing limiting their ability to collective­ly bargain!