
Our cash-strapped nation emulates Phoenix,* broke and handing out raises
The Weekly Standard tells the sordid tale of Obama’s indefensible pay hikes for federal workers, judges, members of congress and even the clownish Vice President, Joe Biden — in the wake of “fiscal cliff” negotiations.
That cliff is suddenly beginning to resemble a bona fide hoax.
Obama’s 12-page executive order showing the hefty increases is available here. Check out the Biden’s tax 1040 form here.
And take the time to read FedSmith, for the in-depth back story to this outrage.
Earlier this month, Seeing Red AZ detailed the 33% pay increase* — an extra $78,000 a year — Phoenix City Manager, David Cavazos received, boosting him to a base salary of $315,000 a year, plus a $600 monthly car allowance, $35,000 a year in deferred compensation, and a $4,000 “longevity” bonus.
In 2010 cash-strapped Phoenix instituted a 2 % tax on food in order for the city to continue to function — or so we were told. The scare tactics and gamesmanship included threats to eliminate union firefighters, police officers and teaching positions, although they had recently been funded by a sales tax increase. But sticking it to the citizenry is nothing new for Phoenix, which hasn’t had a fiscally responsible mayor in years, with Democrats in charge.
In December 2009, with record job losses and homes in foreclosure, $14.3 million was paid in “retention bonuses” to nearly 14,000 city employees. This, as the City Council cut $270 million, or 22 percent, from Phoenix’s general-fund budget, including $156 million from programs and services in order, they claimed, to balance the city budget.
Whether on the federal or city level, or anything in-between, think of yourself as the gullible golden goose when you look in the mirror while getting ready for work each morning. If you voted for any of these people, that’s how they view you and you can surely do no less.