“No, part of the incentive for working a public service job is the pension plan upon retirement. Had these people, like teachers, firefighters, and cops, worked in the private sector they could have had a bigger pay off. But because of their dedication and professionalism, the promise of a retirement package is a moderate way to compensate the people who literally keep the community who are educating the future wage earners and entreprenuers, the people who are protecting the community, often with their own lives on the line... A decent retirement package is the least we can do for them. AND we ought to have a better retirement package for all workers. 401K's are a scam! Our baby boomers are feeling this now. Perhaps we need to expand social security in a way that allows for seniors retiring to live out their golden years without being in poverty.”