Lorie,

While I don't necessarily agree with Joe's approach to inquiring about individual occupations, I can't say I entirely disagree with his motivation. Allow me to explain why.

Just last week, I was speaking with a professional acquaintance at a social gathering about the recent strike in South Butler. Immediately, his response was that the problem was greed on the part of teachers. The problem with his argument was that he was plainly wearing a $100 dress shirt, $100 tie, and $2000 suit. He sold tires for a living.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with entrepreneurial people earning money for their efforts. However, I think it's more than a bit hypocritical to accuse an individual of greed merely for attempting to negotiate a fair wage increase if your income far exceeds that of those in question.

In an earlier posting here, I also mentioned our society's assessment of value. I believe that teaching our children is perhaps one of the most significant endeavors one can undertake, although our society would seem to feel otherwise. However, I had to ask my acquaintance, did he really believe that selling tires was really more important to society than educating our children? Would it not be greedy to suggest that it is?

That's why I think it's important to consider our personal occupations when engaging in a debate over the worth of another's work. If you're proud of what you do and believe you're contributing positively to society, why hide it?

Judge not, lest ye also be judged, no?