Wisconsin and Entitlement Derangement Syndrome

It’s understandable that teachers wouldn’t like these changes. After all, they’ll lose money. But does that justify the reaction? Does that justify near-riots in Madison, with protestors comparing the governor to Hitler, threats of violence, and intimidating protests at lawmakers’ private residences? Does that justify fourteen Democratic lawmakers fleeing the state to prevent a vote on the governor’s proposals?

While watching this public employee temper tantrum (complete with school closings so that teachers can attend the protests), I’m reminded of last October’s French riots. For days, chaos gripped France as protestors surged into the streets by the hundreds of thousands. The fury was palpable as protestors blocked roads, battled with police, and waved their red union flags. The reason for their rage? The government’s proposal to raise the retirement age from 60 (one of the world’s lowest) to 62.

Welcome to the world of Entitlement Derangement Syndrome.