I do receive paid vacation days. I work 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year and get 3 weeks vacation. So 5 X 52 = 260 - 15 days vacation - 7 paid holidays for a total working days of 238 days a year. I am a salaried worker, working an average of 45 - 50 hours per week - with no overtime pay. I have 2 degrees and make $54,000 per year. Subtract $400/month for health insurance, $5/day parking (I work in Pittsburgh), 10% for retirement, minus all the other taxes - occupational privilege, blah, blah, blah, but you probably pay those too. So if we just forget those, $54,000 - 4800 insurance - 5400 retirement - 1300 for parking (my lease doesn't care if I'm on vacation or not), I make $42500 before taxes. Is that enough information for you?? Still, not even close to $70,000.

Why would I be jealous of you? I am an engineer in a prestigious corporation in Pittsburgh. You are a teacher who is dissatisfied with his job/pay and on strike. My problem with you is not jealousy of your job. Get real. My problem with you is your greed and going on strike.

Have you watched the news lately? The state is cutting workers left and right. Rendell just announced another whopping budget shortfall because people who have lost their jobs and houses don't pay taxes. Where will the money come from to pay for your increase in pay? What about all the state workers who have lost their jobs? You are so self absorbed you think you deserve not only to keep your job, but also get a raise, while the multitude gets laid off.

I think if you are dissatisfied with your job, don't go on strike, go back to school and get another degree, so you can get a job that you are satisfied with.

And I do think there should be universal health care. How many hospitals were in the news this week that are closing? The one on South Side and another in (was it) Alliquippa?

Why would hospitals go bankrupt? Because of all the people who go there without health insurance and then don't pay their bill. That's why my insurance is so high in the first place.

LOL - Jealous of you?? No! Sick of your greed?? Yes!