Austinist: Cockfight Ethics: Print First, Pee Later

El_Chupacabra

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:05:35 -0600

Whiner. Many other employees endure criminal background checks, drug tests and credit checks in order to be trusted with much less valuable things than children. Get over yourself.

LoudMouth

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:03:49 -0600

I can't stand it when I hear teachers complaining about their jobs. If you're not in it all the way then get a job as a sales clerk or a gas station attendant. They demand so much praise and whine so much for doing a jobs where they are well paid to work only 8 months out of the year. "But we have to wake up at 5:00!" So does a garbage man and I don't hear them complaining. "It's a tough job!" but it's still just a job and if you don't want to do it there are probably 2 other people that do.

romygarcia

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:41:57 -0600

TAAS? That's SO old school. Our current torture is TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills). Regarding teacher salary, remember, Texas teachers are required to pay into the state Teacher Retirement System (TRS), with no matching. It's a percentage off of every paycheck (about 7%?). These funds are not transferable for purchase of a first home, medical bills, or other catastrophes. Also: due to the way TRS pensions are doled out at retirement, congress recently passed a windfall amendment which equates a TRS pension with a "windfall," thus putting one's Social Security in jeopardy. Combine that with the fact that may school districts in Texas don't contribute to Social Security, teachers are left with a pretty unimpressive retirement plan. As far as longterm investment goes, the $39K isn't worth much.

Iron Clad Ben

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:44:50 -0600

CIVIL LIBERTIES! LET'S KEEP EM!