The comments by Mary and Len Herricks, teachers in Oshkosh, Wisc., are absolutely appalling ("Public Employees Rush to Retire," U.S. News, March 23). Ms. Herricks states: "Not only am I losing salary and benefits . . . they are taking away my rights." Contract negotiations between a union and the taxpayer aren't a "right"; they're a privilege.
The article doesn't bring up that the couple's combined salaries plus benefits total more than $190,000 a year. Where are the rights of the taxpayers who contribute to such a comfortable financial package? Where do we, as Winnebago County taxpayers, get to say "no more" to the ever-increasing demands in a state that is broke?
Dan Baird
Neenah, Wisc.
I don't begrudge these individuals at all; they have earned these benefits. However, they should appreciate what they have and be thankful they aren't in the situation of many private-sector employees.
David Kroon
Houston
The retirement of vast numbers of experienced educators may provide valuable data regarding their impact on education. If the teachers unions are correct about the value of veteran teachers, we should see a drop in Wisconsin students' academic performance. I think the results will be quite interesting.
Dave Rossow
Boylston, Mass.
There isn't a person in the private sector who wouldn't love having the option chosen by Mr. and Ms. Herricks: to be able to retire at 56 years of age with almost full income and medical benefits, plus $600 for every year of employment.
Susan Hernandez
San Diego
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 