Has anyone read the new Army Times?

We were in the PX, when I saw the Army Times and had to buy it. I have not bought one of these papers since my husband had retired. I was not shocked by the cover story,so much I had to buy it. I was also in for another shock that they charged $3.50, for this little paper. Maybe a lot of the cost went to cover the paper in plastic, so know one could read it before buying.

The reason I did buy it, was because of what a military commission came up with, to reduce military spending. I will list them without explanation: Freeze military, retired military, and civilian pay raises for 3 years, raise the retirement age for our soldiers until 60, raise the cost of Tricare and the fees for copay. and combine the PX and commissary, and reduce everything they sell by 5%. All this when their are already families on food stamps.

I am so outraged by this. One of the wonderful things about being part of a military family, is you felt appreciated and taken care of. If they make these changes who in the world would want to sacrifice there life, all the moves, and separation from their families, to be slapped in the face. I am outraged by the suggestion of these changes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Freeze military, retired military, and civilian pay raises for 3 years,...

Isn't this already the second or third year retired yearly raise has been frozen?

The words that bothered me when I read this comment is "a military commission came up with this", what a slap in the face this will be if it is passed. Yep Larry, 2011 will be the second year my husband and the rest of you get zip in retiree pay. Hope they have the paper when we get into Tyndall AFB in a few days and now I have to tell my husband about this while he is watching NFL, maybe I better wait.

What is further a 'slap' is when you look at town employees and state employees (and retirees) that get automatic raises (by contract) and continue to get raises as if the economy is booming ... at least the private sector has to 'produce' to get more money, but the rest of the local governments (Some are union - like the teachers) and continue to receive raises no matter what happens to the tax base.

Even our home was taxed at a much higher rate than it's worth after RE tanked so the town can pay the raises ...

Did I write my "representatives"? You betcha ... Did it change anything? Not yet !! But it can change when those 'officials' are looking for a job next time elections come up to date.

If we get no raise - that's one thing - but don't tell me COL has not gotten higher when bread in a market is almost $5.00 (Wheat bread - one loaf, baked and unsliced - $4.89 in Publix Mkt today) ... and don't give others a raise when we don't - make it same for everyone ... Guess this is why we aren't supposed to 'talk politics' on these forums, as it only gets us riled up !! End of rant M44

monkey44 wrote:

What is further a 'slap' is when you look at town employees and state employees (and retirees) that get automatic raises (by contract) and continue to get raises as if the economy is booming ... at least the private sector has to 'produce' to get more money, but the rest of the local governments (Some are union - like the teachers) and continue to receive raises no matter what happens to the tax base.

Even our home was taxed at a much higher rate than it's worth after RE tanked so the town can pay the raises ...

Did I write my "representatives"? You betcha ... Did it change anything? Not yet !! But it can change when those 'officials' are looking for a job next time elections come up to date.

If we get no raise - that's one thing - but don't tell me COL has not gotten higher when bread in a market is almost $5.00 (Wheat bread - one loaf, baked and unsliced - $4.89 in Publix Mkt today) ... and don't give others a raise when we don't - make it same for everyone ... Guess this is why we aren't supposed to 'talk politics' on these forums, as it only gets us riled up !! End of rant M44

I agree about the real estate taxes. Our house in MD was appraised for more than we can sell it for. It is getting harder and harder to understand, the mind set of these officials. I can't help but to think of the statement that is said to be made by, Marie Antoinette, "Let them eat cake"

Has anyone seen wear the money went that was in my wallet, O that's right it went for taxes. When is payday?