I think it's ridiculous to use stenudts as pawns in this fight. In most states we're talking about lowering teacher benefits, not salaries and classroom resources. I don't think that's a bad thing. Public school teachers almost always have an above average health plan, retirement, and other benefits compared to teachers in private schools and even many other careers. Do they deserve great benefits? Who's to say. According to some circles all Americans deserve the GREATEST benefits in the world. And everyone wants the president's benefits where everything is paid for completely at no cost to us. THAT'S NOT LIVING IN REALITY. There is always a cost to someone.We want to make everyone a hero and everyone is not a hero. We make choices in our lives and a teacher is no less of a choice than a firefighter, salesman, or a business owner. People get angry at the rich who have worked hard for what they have, but it's a choice. Teachers know going in that they probably won't be rich being a teacher. Being a business owner is very hard work and very long hours. Teachers would argue the same thing. Then why don't they become business owners? It's a choice. You can't have it both ways. A teacher's job is very noble, but it loses it's nobility when they scream and complain about not getting paid enough or wanting better benefits.