The writer is commenting on the letter published in last week's paper titled “Welcome to reality” written by John Scalgione of Hardyston.

In agreement Bravo, Mr. Scaglione! It’s about time citizens got a wake-up about living within our means, in localities, states and the federal government. Ten percent of citizens pay 74 percent of the total tax revenue in this country. Forty-seven percent of citizens pay no taxes at all. If you can’t see the tipping point rapidly approaching, you need serious corrective lenses. Enough of the whining from school districts, teacher’s unions, civil service, et al. Outrageous compensation and benefit packages are bankrupting this country. Right now, the mean salaries of public sector union workers have surpassed those of private industry workers. The word “pension” is a complete anachronism, except in public sector unions. Here’s the reality: regular Joe workers fund their own retirements with savings plans (401K and others), with employers contributing sometimes, and sometimes not. Private industry has a 12-month work schedule of eight- to nine-hour days. No summers off. No spring breaks. No various and sundry paid non-work days scattered with ridiculous frequency throughout the year. In tough times, belts must be tightened. There is no free lunch. (Of course, the feds want you to believe there is a free lunch or at least free medical care. Wait a while until the cost and consequent tax increases kick in.) Government governs best that governs least. We are racing headlong toward our own fiscal destruction, unless this absurd entitlement mentality comes to an end. Thank you, thank you Mr. Scaglione, for having the courage to point out that the fiscal emperor has no clothes! Rosemary McClane Hamburg