You write, "As a taxpayer myself, I'd rather see the money go to my son's Social Studies teacher who asks him about his weekend every Monday, who brings the class treats on holidays..." Are you kidding me?!? Those two specific reasons you mention are appaling for why teachers deserve more money. If the teachers were worth anything, your son would be getting a quality education THE ENTIRE TIME he is in school. It is ridiculous how much time these teachers waste in school; time that is supposed to be "instructional time." If that time was used wisely without all the other chatter/treats/movies/etc, I would be more supportive of the teachers union. (And Ron, I agree with you letter.)