Columnist Bill Neikirk really lays it on the line (Chicago Tribune, Dec. 21) about those hard-working federal government officials, members of Congress, etc., who are angling for juicy, bloated pay raises with the help of some faceless commission. I believe we have the same routine here in the State of Illinois. A ”commission” makes the profound recommendation for pay raises, then the raises rise up through channels (all properly greased, of coures) and the feeders-at-the trough are all set until the next poor-mouth go-around.
It is curious and interesting how government employees–local, state and federal–all seem to survive and multiply on the job. They get their periodic pay raises and cost of living allowances while private industry is paring payrolls to the bone–and most of those who are able to keep their jobs find their wages frozen.
