Monday, December 27, 2010

Pension Warnings

  • PRICHARD, Ala. — This struggling small city on the outskirts of Mobile was warned for years that if it did nothing, its pension fund would run out of money by 2009. Right on schedule, its fund ran dry.

    Then Prichard did something that pension experts say they have never seen before: it stopped sending monthly pension checks to its 150 retired workers, breaking a state law requiring it to pay its promised retirement benefits in full.

Go read the entire article and wonder how retirement is going to look in a few years.

We are headed for massively rough times in short order.

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150 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is just the beginning. The whole financial system will crash and it will happen in 2011. Russia and China already dumped the dollar as their trading currency and other countries will do the same. Once oil is sold in currency other than US dollar the shit will hit the fan big time. International banking cartel is taking over the world. Greece, Portugal, Spain, Ireland and other countries are already screwed. Don't believe the thieves from Wall Street as they are the ones stealing from you, me and all others. Federal Reserve is a private bank designed to bring us all down, crash the financial system worldwide. It is happening already. They made their way into the US treasury. Wake up people and do what's needed to secure your future. If you want to keep your savings buy GOLD or SILVER ASAP. Look at the prices of precious metals and who's buying them now. The dollar is a piece of paper and will be worth nothing soon.

12/27/2010 12:17:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The ONLY benefit of this job is the pension. If thats gone we have no social security. Just a bunch of armed homeless pissed off retirees. Why did I take this job.

12/27/2010 12:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To bad we couldn't just not contribute and put our money somewhere else.

12/27/2010 12:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The jobs are leaving the country and with it goes the tax base.

Where's the money going to come from to support not only public pensions but even the social security system as well? Wal-Mart? ha. Thank NAFTA and don't stand in the way of free trade as the mantra goes.

Every time you read a story with the spin how the layoffs or cut backs enables some outfit to "save" you should figure the lost tax dollars, lost social security and lost trickle down economics that goes with it -- then ask yourself if the savings for a handful of exec's is good for the community.

The canary in the coal mine may just very well be the teacher's pensions in Illinois... have you seen...

---clip---

[...]“It seems likely that, at some point in the future, the TRS second-tier plan will no longer meet the requirements for FICA (Social Security) tax exemption,” says the report from Buck Consultants.

Teachers now don’t participate in Social Security. Their pensions — paid for by their own contributions, funding from state government and investment income — meet the minimum standard, or “safe harbor,” for retirement income. That allows teachers to be exempted from the Social Security system.

“In eight years, it’s possible that people — it’s probably more than probable — aren’t going to be accruing a benefit that would make the minimum,” TRS general counsel Tom Gray said.

“The IRS and the Social Security Administration are going to be aware of it. There’s a big interest by the IRS and the Social Security Administration in collecting taxes and Social Security taxes from state and local governments.”

The federal government periodically reviews pension plans to ensure they qualify for exemption of employees from Social Security, Gray said.

more >> http://www.rrstar.com/news/x1882983039/Report-Illinois-pension-bill-may-cut-too-deep-for-teachers

Yeah they're saving $220 billion over the next 25 years - What's the lost to the economy when that money is taken out of the system? It's gotta come out of someones pocket!

12/27/2010 12:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please we need to march and demand change. Rahm is not the answer nor are any of the other ones. We need to step up to the city and tell them we will not sit by and watch them fuck us over any more.

12/27/2010 01:08:00 AM  
Blogger It's McTwitter! said...

I'm very worried. I believe the free medical insurance for 55 and over is not going to last; the city will run out of money and shaft the retirees who retired under this program. These retirees will have to pay for their insurance.

Those of you who say the city can't do it, just watch the next 18 months; Illinois will file for bankruptcy and will be followed by many municipalities. Including Chicago.

We're not alone. The entire country is bankrupt.

SCC is right. The are massively rough times approaching rapidly.

12/27/2010 01:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

In Illinois, jeopardizing pension funding for the men and women who protected our communities is the norm for ensuring the animals and savages with lengthy criminal records continue to receive free section 8 housing, free Link card food and free cell phones.

12/27/2010 01:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The promise of a pension is what keeps most of the nonclouted blue shirts from seeking more fullfilling employment. I forsee lots of turnover once folks realize that we won't have much of a pension. This will be a time when management is more important than ever.
CPD is doomed !

12/27/2010 02:09:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Chicago Sub-Times story presents a valid question. In these times of cut backs and manpower shortage should the taxpayers continue to fund security details for many of our public officials?

Isn't it interesting that we read in this story about two-man security details being expanded to three, four or more men.

Hey, but crime is going down according to the ivory towers - the city is safer according to the ivory towers. So why are the number of bodyguards for these people increasing?!

Should we pay for the Mayors protection once he leaves office when we are short manpower and the pensions are going broke?

----clip-----

The Watchdogs: The cost of public officials’ security details?

http://www.suntimes.com/news/2990247-417/security-detail-police-state-county.html

12/27/2010 02:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The city not paying their fare share was the MAIN reason. Public and politicians are now. jumping on the bandwagon. Now I am questioning our secure future. Maxed out deferred from day #1, and recommend all to do the same. Invest in the future or you will be left behind. Don't leave it up to someone who don't care about you !

12/27/2010 02:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can you imagine giving this city/police depatment 30 years of YOUR LIFE and then they basically saying F YOU?..WOW

12/27/2010 03:03:00 AM  
Anonymous This Economy Sucks, said...

OK Daley!

You're not funny and stop planting stories in our blog!

12/27/2010 04:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Having read the article, I see we have a few options :
bankruptcy? welfare
low paying service job
crying at council meetings
dieing in place
suicide
fucking the fuckers and their decendants.

We did not do this to our selves. We fulfilled our obligation and those who employ us chose not to fulfill theirs.
Every decision has it's consiquences.
SCC, you are warning of more than pension failure !

12/27/2010 04:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

chicago will be next fuck daley

12/27/2010 05:33:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good read.

Link : http://www.suntimes.com/news/miller/3004206-452/public-firefighters-workers-chicago-committee.html

12/27/2010 05:41:00 AM  
Anonymous West Side, Inside Do-Nothing said...

Yes, SCC, we ARE headed for massively rough times in short order.

This is why coppers had better educate themselves regarding the state of our pension and the intricacies of our contract at large. Get to a FOP meeting or three. Read the newsletter. Stop in a pension board meeting a few times a year. Ask a few of what's left of the old timers for their opinions and advice...they've been in this game a lot longer and know a lot more than you'd think. Whatever knowledge you gain is more than you would've had by not going to any meetings or asking questions you may think are "dumb".

And most importantly, do your homework with the upcoming FOP elections. Which candidate will have the best grasp of pension-related knowledge??? PENSION REFORM IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE NEW FOP. (Enter Mike Shields, hopefully?)

Get involved. Stay involved. Get educated on the topics that will effect you and your family for a long time into the future. The ONLY issue more important than this is officer safety.

12/27/2010 06:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

once again thanx to the all-stars on MSF who turned a ghetto bar fight into a clusterfuck.

12/27/2010 06:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I read the article and my first thought was thank god I got into Deferred Comp. Got on the job in '90, opened the Deferred Comp account in '91. Wife got 15 years in her 401k and when you throw in the Roth, at least we'll have something when we retire.

12/27/2010 06:34:00 AM  
Blogger john said...

I have posted about the pension problem for 2 years. Not many responses except for a few making fun of them. I will stick by my prediction.

Earliest -2018
Latest - 2022
Dates the pension fund will be belly up. As stated before, this should have been the major concern during contract negotiations instead of worrying about some chump change retro check.

old retired guy

12/27/2010 06:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For all you new guys out there, put as much as you can into deferred comp. Take out an annuity, an IRA or Roth. DO SOMETHING! Hell, put money into a savings account. Don't rely on the city to support you when you get ready to retire.

I feel sorry for those who through the years laughed about doing any other planning for their retirement other than the pension. I remember a few who acted like that would be like taking food off the table.

For most, it's not too late. It's your retirement. Do something now. The Credit Union offers retirement seminars. Take advantage of them. Especially if you have not been working any side jobs that would have contributed to your SS fund.Do not rely on your pension as your only source of income.

And, if by some MIRICLE they fix the problem, you'll have more money at your disposal if you start putting away now!

12/27/2010 06:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mount Carmel Police Department Officer Kenny Lunsford, left, was one of four officers from the 12-county East Tennessee region to be named ‘Officer of the Year’ by the Governor’s Highway Safety Office. GHSO Director Kendall Poole presented Lunsford with his award earlier this month iMount Carmel Police Department Officer Kenny Lunsford, left, was one of four officers from the 12-county East Tennessee region to be named ‘Officer of the Year’ by the Governor’s Highway Safety Office. GHSO Director Kendall Poole presented Lunsford with his award earlier this month in Greenevillen GreenevilleMount Carmel Police Department Officer Kenny Lunsford, left, was one of four officers from the 12-county East Tennessee region to be named ‘Officer of the Year’ by the Governor’s Highway Safety Office. GHSO Director Kendall Poole presented Lunsford with his award earlier this month in Greeneville 68 year old Lunsford retired from Chicago PD in 2005.

12/27/2010 07:59:00 AM  
Anonymous rosco said...

Why should one be allowed to retire at age 55? In most European countries you'd keep working til the end. You might slow it down a little. The American way of live is quite different from the rest of the world.

12/27/2010 07:59:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Can you imagine giving this city/police depatment 30 years of YOUR LIFE and then they basically saying F YOU?..WOW

12/27/2010 03:03:00 AM

They do it when an officer gets injuried. I've been off since last December and alredy getting t he shaft

12/27/2010 08:02:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Illinois state rep Kevin McCarthy stated that he will introduce legislation in Springfield shortly that will effect every current police officer and firefighter's pension . Changes are coming for those still working

12/27/2010 08:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your worried about your pension? There are way bigger problems in Chicago.
`WORST THING' FOR THE CITY
The "Rev. Sen." James Meeks gave his first sermon since dropping out: "No African-American makes the runoff -- that would be the worst thing that we could possibly do for our city."

12/27/2010 08:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is why coppers had better educate themselves regarding the state of our pension and the intricacies of our contract at large. Get to a FOP meeting or three. Read the newsletter. Stop in a pension board meeting a few times a year. Ask a few of what's left of the old timers for their opinions and advice...they've been in this game a lot longer and know a lot more than you'd think. Whatever knowledge you gain is more than you would've had by not going to any meetings or asking questions you may think are "dumb".

And most importantly, do your homework with the upcoming FOP elections. Which candidate will have the best grasp of pension-related knowledge??? PENSION REFORM IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE NEW FOP. (Enter Mike Shields, hopefully?)

Lets talk about the elections. What experience does Shields have? He has been on the pension board for 2 years. What has he accomplished in those 2 years. Someone told me he has only 7 years on the job. Why should we go with such inexperience in these times?

12/27/2010 08:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And soon early next year ALL Chicago will stop and honor the legacy of King Richard of Shanks Short, applauding the hour long speechs by Burke & 49 other thieves.
FKing Democrats, theyre pensions are safe.
Thanks for your 29 years of service Officer, here's your plaque & wooden stick. That's all folks.
GottaRun.

12/27/2010 08:49:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

West Side, Inside Do-Nothing said...
Yes, SCC, we ARE headed for massively rough times in short order.

This is why coppers had better educate themselves regarding the state of our pension and the intricacies of our contract at large. Get to a FOP meeting or three. Read the newsletter. Stop in a pension board meeting a few times a year. Ask a few of what's left of the old timers for their opinions and advice...they've been in this game a lot longer and know a lot more than you'd think. Whatever knowledge you gain is more than you would've had by not going to any meetings or asking questions you may think are "dumb".

And most importantly, do your homework with the upcoming FOP elections. Which candidate will have the best grasp of pension-related knowledge??? PENSION REFORM IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE NEW FOP. (Enter Mike Shields, hopefully?)

Get involved. Stay involved. Get educated on the topics that will effect you and your family for a long time into the future. The ONLY issue more important than this is officer safety.

12/27/2010 06:26:00 AM
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mike thanks for the self promotion. In Nov. we needed you in Springfield not at the union meeting electioneering. Answer one question? What pension bill did YOU formulate and get passed? I admit that you are good with a digital recorder and a Blackberry, but how would you handle a shooting in which IAD says you have little knowledge so they exclude you. Do you get to sit in the corner and turn blue because my freedom may be on the line? As of last week you still did not have a full ticket. Glad to see some of the older guys say no to you for now. Maybe in a few years when you know where to be as our pension rep you’ll be ready for President. Till then do the job you are elected to now. Protect the pension. Otherwise you will just be like Obama - the accidental president.

12/27/2010 09:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Read "Culture of Corruption" by Michelle Malkin. Lots of Chicago players named in there. Details how these people steal your money, tear the country down and make themselves rich at the public trough. They need to be stood up against a wall and shot for treason.

12/27/2010 09:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pritchard Ala (Thanks to Wikipedia:

The median income for a household in the city was $19,544, and the median income for a family was $23,519. Males had a median income of $26,543 versus $17,040 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,626. About 31.8% of families and 35.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 47.8% of those under age 18 and 25.8% of those age 65 or over.

12/27/2010 09:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Illinois had better get these free loading scum bags off the entitlement programs. I am sick of paying for link cards, sect. 8 housing free breakffast and lunches, and after school programs. The schools are draining us, when are these politicians going to have the balls to say it like it is...this is nothing more than a glorified baby sitting service. For generations, this has been expected and we the tax payers have had no choice but see our taxes increase. Never do I hear these scum bag politicians say that we are raising taxes to continue the failing entitlemet programs for people that we have shown they don't need to get off their ass,and get a job. They say we want...we give. Keep blaming tax increases on the pensions of CPD and CFD. If these pensions were funded as they were supposed to be and Daley's friends didn't have their hands in the cookie jar, we wouldn't be in the mess were in.

12/27/2010 09:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When a governing body chooses not to meet its obligations to its people, it is time for revolution.

Hang them all!

12/27/2010 09:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/16-u.s.-cities-that-could-face-bankruptcy-in-2011-535744.html

"16 U.S. Cities That Could Face Bankruptcy in 2011"

I didn't read the whole thing but it includes both Chicago and New York.

Remember NYC is being mayored by a supossed "genius" too. I hear the same shit about Rahm, though Rahm's college degree, believe it or not, in in Liberal Arts. Bloomberg is immersed in finance. Apparently, it matters little.

12/27/2010 09:41:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Chicago Sub-Times story presents a valid question. In these times of cut backs and manpower shortage should the taxpayers continue to fund security details for many of our public officials?

Isn't it interesting that we read in this story about two-man security details being expanded to three, four or more men.

Hey, but crime is going down according to the ivory towers - the city is safer according to the ivory towers. So why are the number of bodyguards for these people increasing?!

Should we pay for the Mayors protection once he leaves office when we are short manpower and the pensions are going broke?

----clip-----

The Watchdogs: The cost of public officials’ security details?

http://www.suntimes.com/news/2990247-417/security-detail-police-state-county.html

12/27/2010 02:16:00 AM
True! Here is a point daley helped about 15 years 3 of his old security detail guys to get city and state multi-million dollar no-bid contracts SMG security group maybe they could be utilized to provide security guards at $8,00 per hour to guard the elite! Would save us millions and keep the pension from paying out extra payments at the D-3 (political) rates!

12/27/2010 09:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Seiser says buy land in Kentucky.

12/27/2010 09:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A silent terrorist bomb, waiting to go off in a city or town near YOU! And this is a HOMEGROWN terrorist action, compliments of you local politicians. And who says we won't have riots across the USA like Greece, if this shit spreads? Many Federal, State and municipal employees who are counting on this retirement nest egg, which may not even be there. "Hide your kids, hide your wife," people are going to SNAP if this stuff continues to spread.
For those of you who think this is a Dem/Repub party blame game, think again. They're ALL to blame for passing the buck on this lack of funding for many years. Our economy will remain in the toilet for many years, well past the 2012 elections.

12/27/2010 09:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If and when the police pension fund runs out of money, do you really think that the city is going to kick in the funds needed to keep paying the retirees? Do you really think that the state will step up and give funds to pay the retirees? Do you really think that the state will sue the city to force them to pay into the fund? Do you really think any of this is going to happen? If things are not changed soon, the retirees will be forced into bankruptcy very soon after the funds dry up. The city also will not be able to pay for the self insured medical. As you will find out, a fact many Illinois state retirees are finding out, no on wants to take your medical insurace because of slow payments. The state takes 8 month to pay the mnedical bills which forces many doctors and hospitals to make your plan ( Cigna in the state's case) out of network. That dramitically raises your out of pocket costs. The city and state are self insured. That means if the city and state do not pay the managing company ( Cigna and BCBS), there is no money to pay the hospitals and doctors.

12/27/2010 09:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And all those ass kissers who vote for the democrats keep saying Rahm is the best alternative. He's already said that he wants to take our pensions away.

But don't worry. If you kiss his ass just right, he'll give you a spot. Idiots.

12/27/2010 10:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What is going to happen when the retired Officers have to go on welfare and the state comes for their homes that have been paid for. You can't collect welfare if you own a home, have to give up everything first. I am not going to go down like that on welfare after serving 25 plus years on this job. Have gun and ammo lots of ammo come and try and take my home.

12/27/2010 10:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can you imagine giving this city/police depatment 30 years of YOUR LIFE and then they basically saying F YOU?..WOW

12/27/2010 03:03:00 AM

I don't need to imagine it, it's happening as we speak.

12/27/2010 10:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Watch some of those future of the world movies where there is no order and just chaos. Like The Postman or even Escape from New York. It is comming so be ready. I give it 10 more years tops. We will have more to be afraid of than no pension....

12/27/2010 10:38:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!

12/27/2010 10:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

listen hair gels , you're hoping we lose our free medical insurance.
If city breaks that part of contract you can be sure that current members will lose benefits like paid medical insurance , duty availability , 13 holidays , 1 year paid medical , 12 days a year sick days would be fair like every other city employee .
I think city will pay our insurance but remember no insurance for future retirees after June 2013 .
No matter who the new mayor is cpd will lose benefits in the next contract , FOP opened door with the two tier pension plan .
the days of 4 personal days , 6 bfd's are gone . City employees are taking 24 unpaid days a year and cpd is selling back extra days off . The honeymoon is over .

12/27/2010 10:49:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Same thing happened last year in California. The reduction of benefits was not allowed. Seattle has become a "pay as you go" pension plan. The City of Seattle must pay the payments to retirees.

12/27/2010 10:52:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When the State go under and it will, when the pensions go under and it will.....expect and believe that every other off setting investments that you have will take a death dive with it....If you don't have your deferred comp money out and in your pocket or bank, trust me it will nose dive into the murky depth of some financial bottomless hole. Everything is tied together, one go....they'll all go, if you can get wiped out in the market, samething can happen with deferred, roths and any other accounts.

12/27/2010 10:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Westside inside do nothing: going to flop meetings isn't going to make a damn bit of difference. And it doesn't matter who is in charge of the pension board at this point. That is like reading the user's manual for the lifeboat as the ship is sinking. And your deferred comp isn't going to be worth anything during the next market collapse. Buy gold, silver, ammo, and canned food. It's going to be a rough ride.

12/27/2010 10:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

PENSION REFORM IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE NEW FOP. (Enter Mike Shields, hopefully?)

Oh here we go grandstanding Mike Shields for FOP president. This was his goal the entire time sitting on the penison board and look at what happened there?

12/27/2010 11:00:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can you imagine giving this city/police depatment 30 years of YOUR LIFE and then they basically saying F YOU?..WOW

Ha Ha.. Its only been 15 and they have already done that.

12/27/2010 11:07:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"The Sky Is Falling, The Sky Is Falling" !!!!
Henny Penney.
PS: Have A Nice Day ????

12/27/2010 11:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OT - A quick question for our beloved FOP, I just received in the mail my ballot for me to choose who I would like the FOP to endorse for Mayor. Please tell me where the oval is for None Of The Above. There is not one person on this ballot who I want as Mayor and I personally do not want my FOP to endorse any of them. I am a registered voter and I always vote!!!!

12/27/2010 11:25:00 AM  
Anonymous HATER said...

MIKEY SHIELD IS LOOKING FOR DONORS!

THOSE MAILING DONT COME CHEAP EITHER.

AS SOME OF U HAVE SEEN MANY OF THE CURRENT F.O.P BOARD R RUNNING AGAIN
U JUST CANT PASS UP THE 100k PLUS SALARY. WHY DO U THINK A BOARD MEMBERS WOULD RUN FOR 3RD VICE PREZ AND THEN 2ND ITS FOR THE CASH NO TERM LIMIT.

SOME OF THE BOARD CANT EVEN PUT A RESUME ON THE WEBSITE BE PROUD TO HAVE A G.E.D.

100 OF MILLIONS
IN PLAY WITH PENSION -RAISES- HEALTH CARE AND PEOPLE ELECT THE GUY WHO CAN WIN A FISHING TOURNAMENT.

WAKE UP BOYS AND GIRLS!!!

THE SOFTBALL U ELECT WILL COST UR FAMILY MONEY.

12/27/2010 11:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

have two questions to ask Appears the pension fund does not pay out too much to retirees, but on the pension fund financial statement there are 2 liabilities I don't quite understand. 1st Trade accounts payable-due to brokers $144,123,721, 2nd Securities lending cash collateral $376,098,401 Those two make up almost 99% of the pensions liability anyone understand that?

12/27/2010 11:33:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just remember starting in 2015 the city by law will be forced to pay in their fair share, although that will really hit the property tax payers hard because the new law dictates the money must come from only tax levies placed on property tax owner in Chicago, thats why Daley said property taxes might go up 60% but dont understand if the 60% is only on the city share of the Cook County total property tax bill

12/27/2010 11:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Only Mama Knows said...

To keep pensions in tact, monies should be taken away from the sick social experiments (aka welfare, link, pay grandma to watch the illegitimate grandchildren from public funds.)
I may be mistaken but teachers, in Chicago, barely started to pay something into their pensions within the last 15 years. Think about the pensions of all the U of IL professors with the 6 figure salaries. There are thousands of them that will have pensions.
Yet, a group of 20,000 police and fire people are the ones being held up as sucking the state dry with our pensions. Class warfare again, the DEMO strategy.
God bless deferred comp.

12/27/2010 12:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
To bad we couldn't just not contribute and put our money somewhere else.

12/27/2010 12:57:00 AM

Like where Donald Trump? I have been here over 10 years and counted on this pension if I were a great investor I would have never taken this job or lived in this city. I'm sure a Warren Buffet like you would be super rich by now if you were handling your own investments.

12/27/2010 12:45:00 PM  
Anonymous Hair Gel-itis said...

What are the rumblings we're starting to hear about the Wonder Kids over at MSF fucking something up regarding a fight at a bar??????
Did the Hair Gel, always liberally applied, once again seep into the grey matter, perpetuating and allowing rash and ignorant decisions and actions to take place, hmmm???
Could all this have been avoided, if say, there were someone on scene with more than 6 years on the job? Someone with experience to take control of the scene before it blew up???
I've seen you clowns in action...You guys are indictments and civil rights violations just waiting to happen.

12/27/2010 12:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Phil Schitz here said...
I'm very worried. I believe the free medical insurance for 55 and over is not going to last;
********************

Once again, for those who just tuned in, HEY KID, YOU AREN'T A COP!

Your "I'm worried" means nothing here, since you have no business concerning yourself with what actual police have to deal with in their job.

Get a life, stop trying to play like you're a cop, 'cause you're not.

12/27/2010 01:04:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

But yet not ONE, not a single DEMOCRAT politician, will call for cutting the freebies to all the fucking non-contributors. Let's severely cut, or all together eliminate: WIC, LINK, section 8, subsidized utilities, school vouchers, school lunch programs, grants and tuition breaks for illegals, FEMA flood relief for any jagoff that stood in line even though they don't own or rent and/or didnt get a drop of water on their belongings because THEY LIVE ON THE THIRD FLOOR?!?!?!!!...etc...etc. They have the cash to build how many new schools in black and hispanic areas of the city? new buildings for those that pay the LEAST taxes and who dont use the schools anyway.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! WAKE THE FUCK UP PEOPLE...ITS HIGH TIME WE QUIT PRODUCING FOR THESE MOTHERFUCKERS WHO DONT LIFT A FINGER TO DO THEIR PART, LET THEM FEND FOR THEMSELVES...CUT OFF EVERY PENNY AND GO BACK TO SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.

12/27/2010 01:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To John the old retired guy...we've heard your predictions. Big F#*king deal! I've been saying there was problems with the pension formula/system since 1992. You are the greatest financial mind in the history of the police department. Are u satisfied now? You're the greatest! Now go take your geritol pill and hit the blue light dinner special in florida. Oh and don't break your arm patting yourself on the back. Please go away...

12/27/2010 01:19:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You must read this:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/miller/3004206-452/public-firefighters-workers-chicago-committee.html

12/27/2010 01:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Buy gold or silver"

Really? Do you plan on keeping it at your house? Or will you have a sheet of worthless paper that says you own it? It really doesnt matter does it? Take your money and buy a clue.

12/27/2010 02:48:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where do I go to enroll is deferred comp??

12/27/2010 02:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ummm is gold really worth anything if its valued in dollars. Think about it.

12/27/2010 03:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can you imagine giving this city/police depatment 30 years of YOUR LIFE and then they basically saying F YOU?..WOW


-------

They told me that my first week in the academy . . where do you work?

12/27/2010 03:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

O.T, I apologize, but I have a question, why is Lt. M.Z. from 19 voluntarily working days when she is the bid Lt. on afternoons.
The fair Lt. (Who neither watch really wants) complains every time her precious Lt.'s contract is violated, yet she violates it every day she works days.
The fair Lt. says the Lt.'s union does not mind, but I wonder if this firebrand of union radicalism (she was married to the first union president) should be violating her contract when it is good for her.
But for all you bosses who can't get time off on 3rd watch, call Lt. M.Z. and ask her to go back to her watch so you can take a day or two off.
Thank you.

12/27/2010 04:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please we need to march and demand change. Rahm is not the answer nor are any of the other ones. We need to step up to the city and tell them we will not sit by and watch them fuck us over any more.

12/27/2010 01:08:00 AM

Who do you propose steps up? This is the heart of the democratic party. We will be told who our representitives are

12/27/2010 04:44:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

rosco said...

Why should one be allowed to retire at age 55? In most European countries you'd keep working til the end. You might slow it down a little. The American way of live is quite different from the rest of the world.
*********************************
Obviously, you don't read very much or listen to the radio to make a statement like this. They had riots in France because they had the temerity to raise the retirement age to 62. There were riots in the street in England because they tripled the tuition on government-run universities to nearly $15,000 per year. Europeans enjoy many weeks vacation and shorter work weeks than Americans. Americans are among the hardest working people on the planet, not only do we work a bit harder than others, we work more hours per week and work more weeks per year than people in other countries.

If we don't stop wasting money like a bunch of drunken fools, we will be screwed. Our elected representatives seem to think that in order to be compassionate, they need to give away money. We as a nation, have to live within our means. Didn't your Grandmother or Grandfather tell you to save for a rainy day? My Grandmother took great pains to tell me over and over and over again about how bad the Great Depression was and how it could happen again. I told her it couldn't and she gave me a look like I was a poor misguided soul. But I did allow this seed to take root. I like my job here, I like the thought of a pension and the hope I will receive the lousy 40% payout of social security. But I also have deferred comp and a small IRA. I have some money in the bank, also. Didn't anyone older tell you to save at least 10% of your pay and to NOT use it for goodies. Save it for investment or that house you want, but don't waste it. If you have some of your own money set aside, you won't be looking at eating dog food because you just don't have any money for the damn electricity.

We are going to be shit on by the politicians. So, just keep electing these bastards that can't say no to anyone. And we'll be screwed because at some point they'll say we're greedy or that we already got ours and tough shit for us, we have enough!

Look at your December 16th pay stub and tell me that you couldn't have saved some of that large number of dollars earned. And then, wake the hell up and vote for people who will bring sanity back to our finances before this damn ship sinks. The first step is to vote these bastards out in Illinois and then that messiah in DC. They don't have the correct philosophy to fix what is wrong. The correct philosophy is to tax less and spend much less.

12/27/2010 04:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Put money in Deferred comp, IRA and money in the bank. Didn't your grandparents tell you to save money for a rainy day? Well folks, its funking raining in sheets out there. We need to get rid of tax and spend liberals and put in their place fiscal conservatives. Mark Kirk, Mr. Obama, Dick Durbin, Luis Gutierrez, Danny Davis, Bobby Rush, Pat Quin and this Jan Shikowski (I really don't like her and don't care that I don't know how to spell her name) are THE PROBLEM, not the answer. We just had an election and most of these felons were re-elected. How the hell can we fix the problem if we just keep doing the same stupid thing time and time again?

12/27/2010 05:00:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I sell my personal days and Baby furlo days back and put most of the money in my IRA now. I am not looking forward to what's next because whatever is next, I just know screwing us is part of it.

12/27/2010 05:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you want to keep your savings buy GOLD or SILVER ASAP. Look at the prices of precious metals and who's buying them now. The dollar is a piece of paper and will be worth nothing soon.
-----------------

Everyone, be very careful with following this sort of doomsday prophecy. It's being flogged by tremendously unsophisticated "investors" who approach the process with very little knowledge and understanding, save for the belief that everything is about to blow up and gold/silver is the only way to preserve your capital.

Yes, commodity prices- including historical inflation hedges like precious metals- are up right now. It's possible they have more headroom. God only knows that every mania signal is present in gold, from posts like this to little corner shops popping up everywhere offering to buy the stuff, just like it was 1981 all over again...

Still, there are even better ways to hedge against currency fluctuation (including outright currency meltdown) or bad inflation. Commodities, certain equities and ETFs, etc. Please, everyone be sure to employ a dynamic strategy here. The guys who bought gold in the early 80's at the last peak are still stuck big when you adjust for inflation, even at today's prices.

We are in for a ROUGH go to be sure, but your way to salvation isn't necessarily in hammering your life savings into little metal discs and burying them into the backyard.

12/27/2010 05:46:00 PM  
Anonymous killology 101 said...

2010 10:20:00 AM

Anonymous said...
What is going to happen when the retired Officers have to go on welfare and the state comes for their homes that have been paid for. You can't collect welfare if you own a home, have to give up everything first. I am not going to go down like that on welfare after serving 25 plus years on this job. Have gun and ammo lots of ammo come and try and take my home.

12/27/2010 10:32:00 AM

Before going on welfare I will rob the dope dealers and any rich fuck I encounter. For I will survive!

12/27/2010 05:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lets talk about the elections. What experience does Shields have? He has been on the pension board for 2 years. What has he accomplished in those 2 years. Someone told me he has only 7 years on the job. Why should we go with such inexperience in these times?

12/27/2010 08:48:00 AM

Anyone, but Bella and Aguilar! Hell, I'll take Nolan as FOP president again.

12/27/2010 05:56:00 PM  
Anonymous think twice said...

/2010 10:32:00 AM

Anonymous said...
Can you imagine giving this city/police depatment 30 years of YOUR LIFE and then they basically saying F YOU?..WOW

12/27/2010 03:03:00 AM

I don't need to imagine it, it's happening as we speak.

12/27/2010 10:36:00 AM

And it happened to me!
Before you commit to logging into clear and submitting your retirment date; think really hard about leaving this job. Then think about it again. I have come to regret my decision!

YOU CAN'T BACK OUT! That is something few will tell you.

If you need time to make up your mind: Hit the medical until you know what you want to do.

It is too late for me. I'm fucked.
But it is not too late for my brothers who are still on the job.

12/27/2010 06:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

this is one of the reasons why the founding fathers saw fit to ensure the second amendment

12/27/2010 06:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Go to the FOP web site and read RAHMS answers to our pension questions put to him by the FOP. He states he will get rid of what we have and start over with higher contributions by the retirees and lower contributions by the city and cutting the amount you would get at a older age elligble retirement more like 60 & 20 than 50 & 20! And no guarantee of pensions at all!

12/27/2010 07:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

listen hair gels , you're hoping we lose our free medical insurance.
If city breaks that part of contract you can be sure that current members will lose benefits like paid medical insurance , duty availability , 13 holidays , 1 year paid medical , 12 days a year sick days would be fair like every other city employee .
I think city will pay our insurance but remember no insurance for future retirees after June 2013 .
No matter who the new mayor is cpd will lose benefits in the next contract , FOP opened door with the two tier pension plan .
the days of 4 personal days , 6 bfd's are gone . City employees are taking 24 unpaid days a year and cpd is selling back extra days off . The honeymoon is over .

12/27/2010 10:49:00 AM


You are wrong, wrong, wrong. Got it? Wrong.

FOP did NOT open door with the two tier pension plan. FOP had NOTHING to do with the two tiered pension plan except to fight so it would not be worse.

FOP did not agree to it and didn't have to agree. Pension is not in the contract. there are a few sentences regarding pension fund contributions for officers hurt etc. but the pension is part of state law, not the contract between the City and the FOP.

Why do so many of you blame everything that happens on the FOP? Daley is an asshole, damn FOP. Legislature passes a two tiered pension plan, damn the FOP. It rains, damn the FOP. It doesn't rain, damn the FOP.

Whether or not any provisions of this contract are modified the next time remains to be seen. The worst that can happen is it goes, once again, to an arbitrator and losing wholesale benefits as you describe is going to be very tough for the City to get any arbitrator to award.

And the FOP cannot and did not "open the door" to any two tier pension.

What the FOP did do is to fight to keep the two tiered pension from being worse and to fight to included the language for funding.

You better stick to getting event numbers.

12/27/2010 07:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What has Shiels done in the last TWO years on the pension board but collect a check and expense account. NOTHING! Show us what you have done MIKE! If you want my vote again!

12/27/2010 07:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wonder if this an attempt by the Democratic party to create "A NEW WORLD ORDER"? Collapse the currency of Europe i.e. the Euro, and then the Dollar and create a totally dependant society on the Government?

Seems like my standard of living has been one of belt tightening for the last several years. The only jobs being created at Federal jobs- and taxes go up, unemployment raises.

Something has to give.

12/27/2010 07:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The city not paying their fare share was the MAIN reason. Public and politicians are now. jumping on the bandwagon. Now I am questioning our secure future. Maxed out deferred from day #1, and recommend all to do the same. Invest in the future or you will be left behind. Don't leave it up to someone who don't care about you !

-----

Not true. The city has never missed a pension payment for police and fire.

The amounts contributed by BOTH the city and the employees have been based on 1980 standards that have never been adjusted.

The city needs to contribute more AND so do the employees.

12/27/2010 07:40:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did Quinn ever sign the pension bill that would force the City to make our pension whole, and begin the two tiered system? I haven't seen anything on this recently, or is the media and FOP going to allow this to die, along with possibly our pensions?

12/27/2010 07:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shields ran for pension board promising action on fucked up funding levels. He hasn't done shit, folks. He hasn't even tried. He is straight up BULLSHIT.

12/27/2010 08:22:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

f city breaks that part of contract you can be sure that current members will lose benefits like paid medical insurance , duty availability , 13 holidays , 1 year paid medical , 12 days a year sick days would be fair like every other city employee .
I think city will pay our insurance but remember no insurance for future retirees after June 2013 .
No matter who the new mayor is cpd will lose benefits in the next contract , FOP opened door with the two tier pension plan .
the days of 4 personal days , 6 bfd's are gone . City employees are taking 24 unpaid days a year and cpd is selling back extra days off . The honeymoon is over .

12/27/2010 10:49:00 AM

Listen up, dipshit. CITY retirees are covered by a lawsuit settlement that expires in 2013. OUR CPD retirees, if they stay till 55, get free healthcare till medicare you fucking moron. FOP got that in our contract. It's not part of any lawsuit settlement. Is that you, Mike Shields?

12/27/2010 08:28:00 PM  
Anonymous 29 and a day said...

What is going to happen when the retired Officers have to go on welfare and the state comes for their homes that have been paid for. You can't collect welfare if you own a home, have to give up everything first. I am not going to go down like that on welfare after serving 25 plus years on this job. Have gun and ammo lots of ammo come and try and take my home.

12/27/2010 10:32:00 AM



Youre an idiot

12/27/2010 09:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm very worried. I believe the free medical insurance for 55 and over is not going to last; the city will run out of money and shaft the retirees who retired under this program. These retirees will have to pay for their insurance.

Those of you who say the city can't do it, just watch the next 18 months; Illinois will file for bankruptcy and will be followed by many municipalities. Including Chicago.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Hey Phil Shitz,

You are an idiot. Knock off the gloom and doom nonsense. The City is nowhere near bankruptcy - you are a fucking idiot. The City CAN afford for 55 and out free health care. You make me think you are Mike Shields , what with all your "give it back" and "we got too much" attitude. Fuck that.

12/27/2010 09:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Fall of Rome folks,history has a funny way of repeating itself.

12/27/2010 10:11:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All the political corruption,entitlement programs,affirmative action,irish welfare are collpasing.

12/27/2010 10:12:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lets talk about the elections. What experience does Shields have? He has been on the pension board for 2 years. What has he accomplished in those 2 years. Someone told me he has only 7 years on the job. Why should we go with such inexperience in these times?

What has any one with time on the job done to correct the pension problem ? I believe that Mike Shields is the only person at this point in time who has the experience to make an attempt at fixing this problem.

I only have 14 years on the job, but I have seen what the guys with time on the job do when they become FOP. They sell all the other po's out just so they can get their own. Daneen, Nolan, Donahue all had time on the job and who did they help other then their-selves. Nolan and podgorny should be in jail for what they did to the po's. So stop the hype about old timers having the experience, if they have so much experience, why is the department in such shambles?

Sure we can blame Daley for alot of the problems, but not all of the problems. Many were caused by greedy self serving old timers that only cared about what they can get and did not give a shit about the collective benefits for each and every po on the job and to be on the job.

12/27/2010 10:35:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

848am -
If you can't figure out how to verify how much time someone has on by now then just stfu and waste your vote on Bella.

12/27/2010 10:47:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And 910 am -
Have another cocktail. Wtf are you talking about - iad excluding the Fop rep because they don't know enough? Kind of like how Di Maria knows the contract, right? Like when an officer has to blow?

12/27/2010 10:50:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dont let the politicians lie about not being able to fund the pension.
There are many officers left on this job who count soley on that pension. Daley made officers retire at 63 because of a pension.\
Should taxpayers contribute, damn right. Why? because when officers took this job and the pension, there was a time they didnt have a 401K (our def. comp)like private business that also matches contributions, so taxpayers who enjoyed that benefit should not now be complaining, they dont want this job! Fix it yes. Maybe 50% pension, cap on gold stars, higher contributions, whatever it takes. As well as the cheating politicians paying their fair share.

12/27/2010 10:56:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Google: unified quest 2011

12/27/2010 11:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the license plates

that read
cpdrn
or
cpd
with the law enforcement plate
really nice

why dont you wear your fucking uniform home on top of that.. and oh yeah stop at duggans for 1 or better yet teasers

12/27/2010 11:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"They have the cash to build how many new schools in black and hispanic areas of the city? new buildings for those that pay the LEAST taxes and who dont use the schools anyway."


That's not true! They're used as a canvas for tagging, a site in which to commit burglary and as gang recruitment centers!

12/27/2010 11:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"...starting in 2015 the city by law will be forced to pay in their fair share..."

Did Quinn sign that bill?

I know Tricky Dick Daley spoke out against it, which is just one more reason to support it!

Shouldn't Daley just fade off into he sunset already!? Look at the legacy he's left; one of the greatest cities in the country on the brink of financial collapse.

12/27/2010 11:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why should one be allowed to retire at age 55? In most European countries you'd keep working til the end. You might slow it down a little. The American way of live is quite different from the rest of the world.

================================
in Europe they work ALOT less than we do here. i know from experience. they lay around alot and bitch. in this country its nose to the grindstone for many years...thats why. Oh and maybe thats why everyone in the world wants or at least wanted our way of life and left places like Europe

12/28/2010 12:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wonder if this an attempt by the Democratic party to create "A NEW WORLD ORDER"? Collapse the currency of Europe i.e. the Euro, and then the Dollar and create a totally dependant society on the Government?

Seems like my standard of living has been one of belt tightening for the last several years. The only jobs being created at Federal jobs- and taxes go up, unemployment raises.

Something has to give.

12/27/2010 07:38:00 PM

If the Dollar and Euro go under then prepare to speak Chinese or becoming a muslim.


to secure your future. If you want to keep your savings buy GOLD or SILVER ASAP. Look at the prices of precious metals and who's buying them now. The dollar is a piece of paper and will be worth nothing soon.

12/27/2010 12:17:00 AM

You can't eat gold or silver. I hope you like to garden on a big scale

12/28/2010 01:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Why should one be allowed to retire at age 55? In most European countries you'd keep working til the end. You might slow it down a little. The American way of live is quite different from the rest of the world.

12/27/2010 07:59:00 AM"



yes, it has been quite different.

and, since misery loves company, the rest of the world strives to drag us down into their miserable life styles.

fuck the rest of the world.

and fuck you.

12/28/2010 02:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Seiser says buy land in Kentucky.

12/27/2010 09:43:00 AM"


Seiser must own lots of land in Kentucky.

12/28/2010 02:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"The "Rev. Sen." James Meeks gave his first sermon since dropping out: "No African-American makes the runoff -- that would be the worst thing that we could possibly do for our city."

12/27/2010 08:40:00 AM"



your city, mister meeks, not mine.

12/28/2010 02:41:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"OT - A quick question for our beloved FOP, I just received in the mail my ballot for me to choose who I would like the FOP to endorse for Mayor. Please tell me where the oval is for None Of The Above. There is not one person on this ballot who I want as Mayor and I personally do not want my FOP to endorse any of them. I am a registered voter and I always vote!!!!

12/27/2010 11:25:00 AM"


since there is no 'none of the above' listed candidate on the ballot and, since one of the names listed will be our next mayor, i suggest that you reconsider your perspective.

12/28/2010 02:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!

12/27/2010 10:42:00 AM"


it may not be falling, but my spendable income sure is.

12/28/2010 02:44:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

" Otherwise you will just be like Obama - the accidental president.

12/27/2010 09:10:00 AM"



but, he's still the President, right?

12/28/2010 02:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"..they'll all go, if you can get wiped out in the market, samething can happen with deferred, roths and any other accounts.

12/27/2010 10:58:00 AM"


time to stock up on shoe boxes.

12/28/2010 02:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Take your money and buy a clue.

12/27/2010 02:48:00 PM"



so, is 'a clue' now code for guns and ammo?

12/28/2010 02:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Where do I go to enroll is deferred comp??

12/27/2010 02:53:00 PM"



121 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL


5th Floor


wander around and ask the first person who'll stop and listen to your ramblings.

12/28/2010 02:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Get a life, stop trying to play like you're a cop, 'cause you're not.

12/27/2010 01:04:00 PM"



but, but, he plays one in his fantasies.

you mean that doesn't count for something?

12/28/2010 02:56:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Other dispatches from a dying America --

Crime Wave Delivers Deadly Punch To Clairton

By Jill King Greenwood
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, November 16, 2007

Signs welcoming visitors to the Mon Valley town of Clairton call it the "City of Prayer."

The Rev. Richard Zelik of St. Clare of Assisi Parish said he believes the struggling mill town needs more than just prayer -- in the wake of six shootings and a stabbing in recent weeks that have killed two people and injured several.

On Thursday, police charged a teenager with the most recent shooting Tuesday -- the fourth youth arrested in the recent deadly violence.

"It's a different world today, and we're trying to raise children using ideas for a world that doesn't exist anymore," Zelik said.

"People are scared," one resident said, while pouring coffee for customers and wiping down the counter. "You can't even walk around here in the daylight and feel safe. This town is dead."

Betty Caton, 73, has lived in Clairton for more than 40 years and reared four daughters, including Cathy Straub, 46. Reminiscing in the diner, both women recalled a different city than the dilapidated homes, abandoned storefronts and trash-strewn yards visible through the restaurant windows. They watched bored children wander the street in the middle of the afternoon.

The bluff overlooking the coke works, though, shows signs of a prosperous time -- large, brick homes with well-kept yards and gardens.

Many people here are retired, and those who work have jobs in other towns, Virgona said.

"There used to be three movie theaters, so many jewelry stores, restaurants, beauty shops, banks and grocery stores," said Straub, who now lives in West Homestead. "Now, there's not even a grocery store here. People go to Glassport for that. And they have to go somewhere for everything else. Everything here is gone."

Straub, who was laid off with hundreds of others from mill jobs in the early 1980s, said that was the start of Clairton's downward spiral.

"That was just the beginning of what was to come," she said.

"The steel mill died, the businesses left, families broke down," said Virgona, a 73-year resident. "It's deplorable. There's nothing left. And how can you get new places to come in and invest when they're surrounded by decay and death?"

http://www.pittsburghlive.com
/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_
538260.html

12/28/2010 02:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! WAKE THE FUCK UP PEOPLE...ITS HIGH TIME WE QUIT PRODUCING FOR THESE MOTHERFUCKERS WHO DONT LIFT A FINGER TO DO THEIR PART, LET THEM FEND FOR THEMSELVES...CUT OFF EVERY PENNY AND GO BACK TO SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.

12/27/2010 01:09:00 PM"



since they want communism, give them, and only them, communism.

collective manufacturing of the clothes they wear, the food they eat, the structures they live in, the vehicles they drive, the furniture they furnish their collective built domiciles, etc., etc., etc..

total communistic living.

hell, even include the 1 person, 1 baby practice so well applied in China.

they want communism, give them communism.

right up their asses.

12/28/2010 03:02:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Please go away...

12/27/2010 01:19:00 PM"



after you.

no, after you.

no, no, after you.

12/28/2010 03:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Ummm is gold really worth anything if its valued in dollars. Think about it.

12/27/2010 03:09:00 PM"



only if you use it to cast bullets.

12/28/2010 03:05:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"....but your way to salvation isn't necessarily in hammering your life savings into little metal discs and burying them into the backyard.

12/27/2010 05:46:00 PM"



oh shit, gotta move the boodle again.

12/28/2010 03:07:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Before going on welfare I will rob the dope dealers and any rich fuck I encounter. For I will survive!

12/27/2010 05:54:00 PM"



now there's a plan.

why wait?

12/28/2010 03:08:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"this is one of the reasons why the founding fathers saw fit to ensure the second amendment

12/27/2010 06:46:00 PM"



the 2nd Amendment is only ensured by the living.

12/28/2010 03:09:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Something has to give.

12/27/2010 07:38:00 PM"



no, some have to stop giving, via egregiously excessive taking, via taxing.

it's either stopped at the ballot box or at the working end of a firearm.

our founding fathers had to make that choice.

is it now our turn?

12/28/2010 03:14:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"He is straight up BULLSHIT.

12/27/2010 08:22:00 PM"


you should know, being an expert and all.

12/28/2010 03:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Youre an idiot

12/27/2010 09:01:00 PM"



i know you are, but what am i?

12/28/2010 03:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"The Fall of Rome folks,history has a funny way of repeating itself.

12/27/2010 10:11:00 PM"


yep, funny as a heart attack.

12/28/2010 03:18:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"All the political corruption,entitlement programs,affirmative action,irish welfare are collpasing.

12/27/2010 10:12:00 PM"



it's taken long enough.

12/28/2010 03:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is a little more to the Prichard story. This link might explain it.

http://theothermccain.com/2010/12/23/pensions-bankruptcy-and-racism/

If Chicago looks this way in a decade...

12/28/2010 05:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey dumbass, deferred comp is based on the financial market and ebbs and flows of it, if the economy tanks so does your deferred comp, f'ing retards.

12/27/2010 02:43:00 AM


The city not paying their fare share was the MAIN reason. Public and politicians are now. jumping on the bandwagon. Now I am questioning our secure future. Maxed out deferred from day #1, and recommend all to do the same. Invest in the future or you will be left behind. Don't leave it up to someone who don't care about you !

12/28/2010 07:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCC- kudos to you. I don't know how you can read all these posts from moronic f'ing coppers. I would love to know what our mean IQ is for the CPD. I'm guessing we're at the low end of the bell curve

12/28/2010 07:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Read the contract and get back to me said...

O.T, I apologize, but I have a question, why is Lt. M.Z. from 19 voluntarily working days when she is the bid Lt. on afternoons.
The fair Lt. (Who neither watch really wants) complains every time her precious Lt.'s contract is violated, yet she violates it every day she works days.
The fair Lt. says the Lt.'s union does not mind, but I wonder if this firebrand of union radicalism (she was married to the first union president) should be violating her contract when it is good for her.
But for all you bosses who can't get time off on 3rd watch, call Lt. M.Z. and ask her to go back to her watch so you can take a day or two off.
Thank you.

---------

If the employee and employer agree to working another watch..
There is NO VIOLATION.
Only the employee can file a grievance.

ALSO, an employee CAN NOT violate a contract.
Only the employer can.


I hope you are not a lieutenant.

You sound pretty stupid.

12/28/2010 08:38:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why should one be allowed to retire at age 55? In most European countries you'd keep working til the end. You might slow it down a little. The American way of live is quite different from the rest of the world.

I have to admit, you are right. I have about 13 years to go until mandatory retirement. I wouldn't be surprised if that was raised in the time I have left.

12/28/2010 08:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What is going to happen when the retired Officers have to go on welfare and the state comes for their homes that have been paid for. You can't collect welfare if you own a home, have to give up everything first. I am not going to go down like that on welfare after serving 25 plus years on this job. Have gun and ammo lots of ammo come and try and take my home.

12/27/2010 10:32:00 AM



Youre an idiot

12/27/2010 09:01:00 PM

I don't think so but only time will tell. Ask the people in Alabama especially the former police captain working at Walmart with no pension. I bet he would say you are the idiot. Take the blinders off, your pension is paying for section 8 Link, etc etc. Good enuff for them good enuff for you thats what people are saying outside Dugans. look outside the window. The public is not on our side they believe we have been living high on the hog. They would rather point the finger at us because they fear the animal and would rather use funds to passify them than pay us. Is that real enuff for you. Idiot

12/28/2010 10:12:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Check out the site Illinoisisbroke.com. They have everything but a simulated public employee burning at the stake!According to this site, we are responsible for the state's financial woes.

12/28/2010 10:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Will they raise mandatory retirement to age 67?

12/28/2010 10:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Enough already, those of you still working get off your lazy asses and start writing tickets. All of the slow downs/ lazy attitudes has contributed to this problem. No money in no money out.

12/28/2010 12:11:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A very nice op-ed piece in today's trib. John McCarron speaks the truth!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-oped-1228-mccarron-20101228,0,351806.story

12/28/2010 01:05:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Most of the CPD only finanacially plan what they want to do with their retro check every 3 - 4 years. Plan a second career, take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program, save to start a business. Heck just read the material available on the pension website-have you used the pension calculator to ballpark your pension estimate?

http://216.119.131.18/

Quit whining and take charge of your retirement instead of crying in your beer!

12/28/2010 01:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The two tier pension bill was passed on 17 Dec- it was sent to the Governor's desk- and most legislation becomes law after 60 days unless Quinn veto's it.

It saves your pension and holds the city accountable for the cash they owe the fund-call your state representative and let them know you support.

12/28/2010 01:25:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Why should one be allowed to retire at age 55? In most European countries you'd keep working til the end. You might slow it down a little. The American way of live is quite different from the rest of the world.

12/27/2010 07:59:00 AM"

Hey dipshit, European union countries also get 2-3 months of vacation a year and unheard of maternity/paternity time for the birth of a child. A well rested employee is better than a stressed out pissed off one. Crawl back under your rock.

12/28/2010 03:05:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember NYC is being mayored by a supossed "genius" too. I hear the same shit about Rahm, though Rahm's college degree, believe it or not, in in Liberal Arts. Bloomberg is immersed in finance. Apparently, it matters little.

**********************************

Rahm's undergraduate degree is in Interpretive Dance..... HE IS A FUCKING BALLERINA WITH A LAW DEGREE. NOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND HIS ANGER ISSUES!

12/28/2010 03:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

"The Fall of Rome folks,history has a funny way of repeating itself.

12/27/2010 10:11:00 PM"


Rome is falling again? What happened? Where did it fall? Is everyone all right?

12/28/2010 04:43:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OBAMA will save us!

12/28/2010 05:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Channel 9 News reporting just now that Gary, Indiana is laying off 34 firefighters, about 20% of the work force.

...and just as I finished typing that they reminded us of the "penny rides" that will turn the CTA into even more of a complete rolling animal house on New Year's Eve.

The city's annual holiday gift to its very worst citizens.

12/28/2010 05:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Enough already, those of you still working get off your lazy asses and start writing tickets. All of the slow downs/ lazy attitudes has contributed to this problem. No money in no money out.

12/28/2010 12:11:00 PM"



so, you take public transportation to work, do ya?

12/28/2010 05:58:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"They would rather point the finger at us because they fear the animal and would rather use funds to passify them than pay us. Is that real enuff for you. Idiot

12/28/2010 10:12:00 AM"



ammo still is far cheaper.

if only there wasn't a law......

12/28/2010 06:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"I would love to know what our mean IQ is for the CPD. I'm guessing we're at the low end of the bell curve

12/28/2010 07:36:00 AM"



do the math.

12/28/2010 06:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember NYC is being mayored by a supossed "genius" too. I hear the same shit about Rahm, though Rahm's college degree, believe it or not, in in Liberal Arts. Bloomberg is immersed in finance. Apparently, it matters little.

**********************************

Rahm's undergraduate degree is in Interpretive Dance..... HE IS A FUCKING BALLERINA WITH A LAW DEGREE. NOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND HIS ANGER ISSUES!

---

He is not a lawyer. His BA is in liberal arts .. his MA is in speech.

So he's a talking liberal.
And then he got 16 million setting up some type of insider deal for Com Ed.

What a fucking scam.

12/28/2010 06:04:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Rome is falling again? What happened? Where did it fall? Is everyone all right?

12/28/2010 04:43:00 PM"


yes, snooglepuss, everyone is alright, now, get back into your snooglie hole and count coconuts.

12/29/2010 12:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
"I would love to know what our mean IQ is for the CPD. I'm guessing we're at the low end of the bell curve

12/28/2010 07:36:00 AM"


80

12/29/2010 08:27:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
What is going to happen when the retired Officers have to go on welfare and the state comes for their homes that have been paid for. You can't collect welfare if you own a home, have to give up everything first. I am not going to go down like that on welfare after serving 25 plus years on this job. Have gun and ammo lots of ammo come and try and take my home.

12/27/2010 10:32:00 AM

Its called reality.Too many that hold the precious beleive they are owed everything.

12/29/2010 08:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My house is nearly paid off.Is yours Irish Welfare recipients???When there is little or no pension,what will you do???

12/29/2010 08:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
"Ummm is gold really worth anything if its valued in dollars. Think about it."

12/27/2010 03:09:00 PM

Glenn Beck thinks so…So I bought $40K worth…I wear it on my wrist as a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar...

12/29/2010 04:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

over half the current retirees will be deceased in ten years and our pension fund will be good if FOP can use lobbiests to get rid of gold braid pension for exempts and captains that did not pass a promotional exam , the captain rank is a merit political appointment

12/29/2010 11:48:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

over half the current retirees will be deceased in ten years and our pension fund will be good if FOP can use lobbiests to get rid of gold braid pension for exempts and captains that did not pass a promotional exam , the captain rank is a merit political appointment

Half of the retirees dead in 10 years! Really? Me thinks you are on crack or just don't know what your talking about. What about their widows? Are you planning to go on a killing spree to help the pension? Stay off the blog PLEASE!!

12/30/2010 02:47:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Read the contract and get back to me said...

O.T, I apologize, but I have a question, why is Lt. M.Z. from 19 voluntarily working days when she is the bid Lt. on afternoons.
The fair Lt. (Who neither watch really wants) complains every time her precious Lt.'s contract is violated, yet she violates it every day she works days.
The fair Lt. says the Lt.'s union does not mind, but I wonder if this firebrand of union radicalism (she was married to the first union president) should be violating her contract when it is good for her.
But for all you bosses who can't get time off on 3rd watch, call Lt. M.Z. and ask her to go back to her watch so you can take a day or two off.
Thank you.

---------

If the employee and employer agree to working another watch..
There is NO VIOLATION.
Only the employee can file a grievance.

ALSO, an employee CAN NOT violate a contract.
Only the employer can.


I hope you are not a lieutenant.

You sound pretty stupid.

12/28/2010 08:38:00 AM


Yes an employee can violate the contract. There typically is no recourse, no grievance. They violate the contract to the detriment of their co-workers.

Other unions had something called peer pressure. An employee violated the terms of a hard fought contract and other employees were hurt, that employee better watch out.

Not here however. Here is is every man for himself. (insert proper gender) So the membership violates the contract if it suits them. So it goes.

12/30/2010 09:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

"Ummm is gold really worth anything if its valued in dollars. Think about it.

12/27/2010 03:09:00 PM"

only if you use it to cast bullets.

12/28/2010 03:05:00 AM


Jesus H Christ. There is a whole world out there, they buy gold in other countries of the world, they pay with their currency by figuring the exchange rate.

If the dollar collapses relative to other currencies the world's reserve currency will be switched to something other than dollars.

Don't think that plans to do this are not already in place.

12/30/2010 09:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Look what Indiana is doing.


http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/local/bankruptcy-bill

This bill would allow cities to declare bankruptcy.

12/30/2010 10:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OT re lts in 019, just hang on boys and girls, 13th period always has all the 2nd watch lts/capt on furlo, so somebody has to fill in fr the other watches unless the powers that be f..k over lts from other districts! Lay blame at the deputy 'door for this bullshit, can't happen without him. Silly shit in a silly district. Let me pour more shit in the game. What happens to lt joe when furlo ends and CR# for his drunken one man freak show at Cristmas party knocks him out of the box as w/c, who will take over days?? DD r u coming back. seems like a logical trade now doesn't it?

12/31/2010 11:22:00 AM  

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