http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal...onsider-before-cutting-pension-benefits/

It isn't all about your envy over those who made logical choices based on the best info available at the time - when I became a public employee I thought the taxpayers would vote for responsible politicians instead of Democrats.

This is an excellent article! Thanks for posting.

The first point of the article says:

"1. Pensions aren't simply a gift from taxpayers.

"They're an integral part of total compensation, along with salary, health benefits and vacation. Unlike private sector defined benefit pension plans, most state and municipal workers contribute hefty amounts from their salaries."

This is so true, pensions ARE an "integral part of total compensation", a form of deferred compensation. As such, it is due upon retirement and it should not be reduced for existing members of the plan. Future members are a different matter as they have time to prepare for alternate savings.