Zach's mental math

Can you do this math problem in your head.  I sure can't.  But, Zach can.  Everyday him and I have this battle with math.  I want him to write it out so I can see how he got the answer and he doesn't see the point in writing it out if he can do it in his head.  By the way here is the answer:

Colleges, you better start lining up now!

Why collective bargaining for government workers is a problem.

Unions at one time were needed in America. They improved work conditions and gave workers a voice. Fast-forward, we now have laws in place that protect the rights of all workers - union and nonunion. So the union entity is almost irrelevant and has become a cartel that can bully it's agenda in the political arena.

In Wisconsin the biggest complaint from state workers is Governor Walker taking away most collective bargaining rights. They scream: "unfair, your are taking away my rights! My voice!" However, that is fundamentally untrue. As it is right now, state employees get to bargain on both sides of the table. As tax payers and as union members. Sure, they pay taxes like the rest of nonunion Americans, but here is the kicker, they get their taxes back in their pay check. It's like taking money out of one pocket and putting it in the other. Plus, they get payed from the tax payers. Sweet deal right?! For nonunion people they get payed from their private sector employer (who also pays state and federal taxes), taxes are taken out and given to the government to pay the employees. That is why government should never make more money than the private sector. This is basic economics that even my kids understand.

Now, back to collective bargaining. Here is a basic definition.

"Collective bargaining is a type of negotiation used by employees to work with their employers. During a collective bargaining period, workers' representatives approach the employer and attempt to negotiate a contract which both sides can agree with. Typical issues covered are hours, wages, benefits, working conditions, and the rules of the workplace. Once both sides have reached a contract that they find agreeable, it is signed and kept in place for a set period of time. The final contract is called a collective bargaining agreement." - Wisegeek.com As is clear, the collective bargaining "rights" are only held under the contract agreement. And the agreement is for a set period of time. It is not a right under state or federal constitutions.

With that definition in mind understand that the tax payers are the employer and the state workers are both employer and employee - since they both pay and receive tax money. So, government-tax-paying-employees who knows they will get their taxes back in their pay check will, of course, rally for higher taxes (usually on the "rich") at the bargaining table and rally for better benefits, wages, etc. at the bargaining table. That is double representation during collective bargaining negotiations.

Innocent childhood felon

Matt told the kids today that we want them to enjoy their childhood while it is still innocent.  Sam replies, "Is my childhood going to commit a crime?"
Best. Line. Ever.