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| www.nytimes.com |
SUMMARY:
There has been a recent trend of Republican governors in the Midwest, including our own governor Bruce Rauner, who are cutting public pensions but exempting police officers and firefighters from these cuts. It is assumed that one reason these groups are being exempt is because it would be a politically dangerous to attack them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on-the-job fatalities actually occur more frequently in the sanitation business than in the police labor force, and the same is true for power line installers and truck drivers. Yet, the public has more of a conscience towards those who work to protect us than other public workers. It has also been pointed out that by treating cops and firefighters differently from the rest of public labor may drive a wedge in labor, dividing and weakening labor unions. Finally, it is pointed out that police officers and firefighters are much more likely than other employees to be white and male, the demographic that Republicans draw their electoral strength from.
ANALYSIS:
I think that although at face value this could be interpreted as a thoughtful regulation, it truly shows the importance of reputation in politics. The older I have gotten the more I have become familiar with the idea that politicians usually have an ulterior motive. I find it unsettling that politicians make these sneaky moves in order to gain certain support and not truly because it is what may be the best option for our government. I also am impressed of how well politicians and their advisors know where their electoral strength comes from and how they can manipulate their agendas to please those particular demographics.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How do you think politicians weigh the importance of gaining electoral support versus doing what is right for their government?
2. Do you think that you realize when a politician is manipulating the public or a certain group of people?
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