The best minds are not in government

It was recently reported that the MBTA's payroll jumped by 14% last year and that 441 employees made over $100,000. This is the perfect illustration of the point that no government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. How can it be possible that 441 employees made over 100k last year for a company that announced a $160 million deficit on Monday??? Can anyone honestly tell me with a straight face that there are 441 employees at the MBTA that would demand a fair market value of 100k/year in the private sector? Plus benefits and pension? Judging by my experiences on the MBTA I do not think there is one.

We are in the throes of dramatic recession; the stock market, for the first time I think, has a negative 10 year return; unemployment may be headed for double digits and trillions of dollars of wealth has been wiped out in the last 14 months, but yet somehow the MBTA grew 14%. Is there anyone who can explain this to me? How can we the people continue to support such graft, waste and mismanagement? Last November we had the chance to eliminate the state income tax but the government warned that if the state income tax was eliminated there would be massive cuts and cessation of local aid. I would submit that is exactly what is needed. Furthermore, the true cost to the tax payer is significantly higher than we think at first glance. Think about the inane and asinine pensions these state employees will be receiving upon retirement, all funded by yours truly. So the 441 people who "stole" over 100k last year (yes stole, they did not make/produce anything. I defy you to show me what they "made") really comes at a cost much greater than that. If you do not believe me simply ask any actuary but the true cost to you and I is otherworldly and unacceptable.

In December of 2008 in response to the financial crisis FedEx announced a 5% pay cut to its employees, no bonuses and no company match on its 401k in an effort to cut cost. To an average middle manager making 45k/year that is a savings of 2250.00 in salary, roughly 3000.00 in bonus and 3.5% on the 401k match saves another 1575.00. That makes a total savings of about 6825.00 for a run of the mill employee. One of the most well respected international companies is reducing its operating expenses by several thousand dollars per employee during this crisis while one of the most poorly run entities in the world increases its payroll by 14%. Is it any wonder that Ronald Reagan once said "The best minds are not in government. If any were, business would steal them."?