Why are Athlete's Paid More Than Teachers?

I recently got involved in a discussion on Facebook on this exact topic. It seems like these are always the two occupations that are compared. The answer is relatively simple, although unpalatable to school teachers. I have to say that the teachers in this discussion were honest about the realities of their profession, although unappreciative of the athlete's. I enjoyed the discussion and thought I might work through my thoughts in greater depth here. Facebook is so limiting.

How is a salary determined on the free market? The basic answer is whatever one has to pay to get the needed number of people with those skills to do the job. That number is affected by the skills or investment that is required to be trained for the profession and the risks involved. How strongly society desires and invests in a profession is also a factor. The professional athlete has skills that only a few people in the country have and the needed dedication to develop them. We desire to see the very best play a sport and are willing to pay good money for that opportunity. Businesses realize that and pay good money to advertise in the sporting arena. An athlete needs to demand his share of the pie. He will be at the top of his ability for only a few short years. The average NFL player is in the league only about 3 years. If he plays more than five years his expected lifespan drops to around 50 years. Many people want his job. If he drops in his ability the slightest bit, he will be out on the street. But for the time he is at his peak, it is worth it to the team owners to pay him his perceived value and he is deemed to be worth it. The risk is high so the reward should be great to those who take it. We can argue whether society should appreciate football or other sports so much, but that is a different discussion. In a free market, citizens are allowed to decide how to spend their time and dollars as they wish as long as it is not illegal or immoral.

Teachers.... Their profession does not participate in the free market system. Most schools are run by the government. Teachers themselves belong to a union, which determines their wages irregardless of their performance. There is no motivation, other than internal self-motivation, to improve their skills and performance. Once they are given tenure, they can't even be fired for poor performance.

When the pilgrims first came over, they set up their fields and gardens according to socialistic principles. Everyone was to work hard and then they would be given what they needed without respect to what they contributed. All history students know what resulted... 'the starving time'. The following year they went to a free market system where everyone was responsible for their own plots of land and gardens, they had a bountiful harvest and that was followed by a great thanksgiving celebration.

Going back to my original thesis, teachers are paid what they are worth. If you doubt this, think what would happen if every teacher quit at once. It would not take long before all the positions would be taken by other people at the exact same wages and benefits. Teachers get other benefits that make their occupation attractive. First, their schooling is not difficult to attain or accomplish, there is little risk, they work a great schedule and it works well for parents who want to work the same schedule as their children's schooling. They also get great benefits.

If I were an exceptional teacher, I would be discouraged by this. I might know I am worth so much more because of my great ability and dedication. I would probably be upset at the poor quality of teaching my own children received from other less competent teachers. (This was true in our FB discussion.) There is always homeschooling, but we won't consider that in this discussion. ;-) The only way to get paid what you are worth as a teacher is to return education to the free market principles. The unions must be disbanded and the government schools privatized. Then the schools could bid for the best teachers. The best teachers would earn the highest wages. The schools with the best teachers would be able to attract the best and brightest students and largest student bodies. Teachers would work at enhancing their skills and demonstrating their teaching abilities, commitment and creativity so they could move into these better paying positions. However, this is not the way it is in the teaching profession. Those that join the teacher's ranks know the reality and still choose this profession. They have therefore lost the right to complain about their situation.

The number of people able and willing to do a job is the limiting agent on wages. We are seeing the effect of this in our country. Many industrial jobs are being shipped overseas as the economy goes global. There is a large supply of people able and willing to work for much smaller wages than most Americans are able to afford to so we have lost those jobs overseas. Most occupations today, other than working for the federal government (which is growing at a prodigious rate), are in the service industry. If someone wants to increase their opportunities to earn a larger wage then the best route is still the entrepreneurial one. Think of something that needs doing, put your skills and capital at risk and go for it. WARNING: Today, you must be a bit more cautious. Our federal government is making onerous regulations and legislation which are impairing the opportunities that once were available. We have a household that exists on two sole proprietory businesses. I know of which I speak.

America is still the land of opportunity! The people desiring to come here still greatly outnumbers those wanting to leave.

What are your thoughts?

~Mom

Good-bye, for Awhile.

Ted, Mir, and the children, have flown off to Manila. Wednesday night, before they left, we had them and the children to dinner.


We had garden vegetable soup, salad, biscuits, roast chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn cut off the cob, and Michelle made lemon pudding from scratch, gently sweetened with honey, fresh blueberries, and whipped cream. Oh so yummy!

In the evening Josh and Katie came over and played, while their parents did paper work. I wanted to take pictures, but trying to take their picture almost required a movie camera. They were vibrating and couldn't be still. I finally got one where I timed her movement with my camera. They were happy, but so excited.

It was good for the cousins to get some last time together.

Everyone was excited but a little sad at the same time.

Katie even let Josh hug her.

Thursday morning was D-Day (departure day). The plan was to leave the house at 11 AM to catch a 1:30 flight. Most of the packing was very last minute. We were filling suitcases and repacking as we sought to balance them out so every bag weighed 49.5-49.9 #. As each bag reached the requisite weight, they were hauled out to the van.

When they were all filled , we started on the carry-on bags. We didn't finish the little bags until about 10:45.

At 10:55 the airline called to tell them that their flight had been changed. They were being entirely rerouted. Now they were scheduled to fly out at 12:25.

Suddenly the race was on. We gave quick hugs good-by and got out of their way. They pulled out at 11:08 and raced to the airport. They arrived at 11:35. The airline had arranged for a cart to be there to pick them up, take them to their gate, and rush them through security.

They got to their seats two minutes before take-off. They arrived safely. They are now working very diligently to pick up the vehicles they will use and to set up housekeeping. The boxes they had sent ahead had arrived. They are trying to get adjusted to a time change of 12 hours.

Please pray for them as they go through these adjustments and have so much to do.

Josh and Katie also have coughs. Pray that they would get well quickly.

For those wondering, they have a family house sitting for them while they are gone. They moved in on Friday morning. Such a busy time.

Super Independence Day!

We had a wonderful but very busy Independence Day. This is one of those slightly narcissistic posts that only family will probably want to wade through. I understand.

My DH was the speaker on Sunday along with another brother. They spoke re the faith of our Founding Fathers. The closing thought was, "What are you willing to die for?" Something we all need to consider.


After church, one of the families from church, invited everyone over for a picnic at their home. It was great! Hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. People brought salads and side dishes. All very yummy.

They had a nice tent set up for shade. It was over 90 degrees and only a slight breeze. It was a good time of fellowship.

Their backyard ends on a small lake and all the children enjoyed getting out in the kayaks and canoes.

The cousins visited and enjoyed some nice time together.

Everybody who brought a suit or who managed to borrow one, went swimming. Elizabeth enjoyed swimming in a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket was required of everyone in the water.

After the picnic we went to Sally's first birthday party. My sister was happy to get away from the truck and jungle themes she used for the boys and instead went with butterflies. Sally even had a butterfly pacifier.

We are losing our resident photographer, as Ted and family will be moving to the Philippines this week. (Thursday)

The house won't be empty long, as the people who are 'house sitting' for them, are moving in on Friday.

Joy and Sally

They had a little kiddie pool set up in the back yard for the children, They enjoyed running in and out all evening.

We enjoyed the cool of the evening and the back yard is well shaded. We had a good time visiting and hearing more about the Eich's plans and progress in their move.

The cousin's

T-Bob and Katie are good buds. They are three months apart.
It's hard to imagine all the events and changes that will happen in our lives as we won't see each other for two years. It seems like a long time right now. We are thankful for e-mail and skype to help keep in touch, as well as blog posts.

Sally did a wonderful job eating her cake. Elizabeth enjoyed feeding her. That is why you have the appearance of a spoon hanging in space.

Mostly Sally fed herself, sometimes with her spoon, but often with her fingers. She had cake from the top of her head to her toes when she was finished.

After the birthday party we went to the fireworks. Some of us were 'sensible' and sat about 200 feet from the firing zone. The rest went right up close. Only about 20 feet from the safety line. It was a wonderful display! Over 30 minutes of non-stop action. It is always with mixed emotions that I watch them. I feel like I have to go, as our tax dollars paid for them, but at the same time I hate to see our money going up in smoke. People come from all over to watch our community's fireworks as they really are great.

Happy Birthday America!

May we work hard to maintain our independence for a long time!

God Bless America!

~Mom

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Residence

I had a friend tell me about a neat field trip she went to at Fort Meigs. It was used in the Battle of 1812. We like to go to different places for summer fun and learning excursions. I went on the internet and found that our desired location was closed Monday and Tuesday. In my on line hunting I found that an Ohio Historical Society family membership gives you free entrance in about 50 historical sites around the state as well as a magazine that covers Ohio history. It cost us $55 for the membership (it includes 2 adults and children under 18 in a household), and gave an additional $5 off for educators. What a great deal! I hope to use it several more times this summer and throughout the year.

We selected the Rutherford B. Hayes Library,residence, and Museum. This house was the home of the president and his family for quite awhile. His uncle had it built for him. When asked, He said he wanted a porch with a house attached. The house was added to three times. We had a very knowledgeable tour guide. She talked rather fast as she had so much information to

impart. You are not allowed to take pictures in the house. President Hayes lived here before and after his presidency. It has some of the most amazing woodwork I have ever seen. It has 18 bedrooms. Back them it was out in the country and guests would come and stay for a spell. The Hayes had 8 children, 5 who reached adulthood. It sounded like a very happy, busy family.

My friend Kay came with us. We toured the home first, and then the museum/library.

Outside the house, are the graves of Rutherford and his wife, and several other family members. Hayes fought in the civil war and was wounded 5 times. He moved up through the ranks and ended up as a general.

Behind the family cemetery were two small rocks that mark the spots where two of his favorite horses were buried. I think the children were more fascinated by the two simple rocks than the fancy burial vault.

The presidential library and museum contains a lot of information about his life and the house there on the property. They also had a good sized room that contained information on all the presidents and had some memorabilia that was either given to him by them or that he had collected. There were some interesting tidbits. He had also collected a lot of native American artifacts which are displayed. Some of his children's toys and wife's dresses are there as well .

In the basement there is a large collection of weapons and things collected by his grandson during the Boxer Rebellion in China. Mr. Boots found it quite fascinating. There was also a big room with displays on croquet and its history.

On the front lawn they had a croquet game set up. They also had another game set up that was a cross between croquet and golf.

It used colored soccer balls. The balls could be kicked or hit with over-sized mallets. The wickets were extra large too.

It was different than croquet in that everybody played the same wicket. You played teams. There was a good amount of strategy. It was a lot of fun.

They have tournaments here on the weekends. This site also fields an old-fashioned baseball team. Check their schedule for these games in the summer.

The Ohio Historical Society Membership was more than paid for with this one outing. It would have cost us $64 to go in with everyone. We are looking forward to going to Fort Meigs later this summer.

~Mom

How Does a Sugar-holic get on the 'Wagon' ?

This post is in response to some of the questions asked in the comments of the previous sugar posts. I am a carboholic. I crave sugar like crazy. Once I start eating it, I have a hard time stopping. It is delicious. So how do I control my sugar intake? I don't keep it in the house. My husband had some health problems about twelve years ago and they motivated him to change his diet. He said he ate enough ice cream and candy in the first thirty-five years to last his entire life. He is therefore supportive. If you don't keep it in the house, when you want it you would have to work hard to go and get it. I can resist a car trip to the store a lot easier than a short walk to the cupboard or freezer. I also remind myself that sugar feeds cancer cells and that it can be a major factor in Alzheimer's. This usually motivates me enough to stay away from it. I really like having healthy children.

I have worked hard to teach the children the correlation between eating sugar and not feeling well. When they don't feel well, we look at what they have been eating. Invariably, they have been enjoying too many sweets somewhere. We do not use any artificial sweeteners. Most of them are neurotoxins that have harmful effects. Many of them have splendid ad campaigns, but most of it is bunk. Remember, If you talk to any one older than 60, they can tell you of the ads, from their youth, run by the cigarette manufacturers extolling the health benefits of cigarettes.
If you want to see a lot of good articles on the artificial sweeteners, check out Joe Mercola's site at www.mercola.com. He had an article today on the problems with Agave syrup.

We try and limit anything in the dessert line at our house. It seems the more you have, the more you want. That is another problem with the artificial sweeteners. It keeps that sweet tooth alive and well. It is kind of like giving an alcoholic 'near beer'. It is too close to real beer and the next thing they know their will-power has gone out the window and they are hitting the bottle. Sugar junkies need to stay away from sweets - Period! I know, you think you don't have a problem. Try giving it up for a couple weeks and see how easy it is. It does take three weeks to get through the sugar craving issue. While going through that stage, try eating crunchy things, like celery with peanut butter or half an apple and a piece of cheese.

This was on the table at the wedding we were at last Saturday. Every table had a big bowl (like about 12 oz.). Some tables ate every single one and others were more reasonable. Some people were cruising other tables looking for more. Honestly, I ate one. It was a green one.

Here is the truth. I LOVE chocolate. I have NOT given that up. I have just adjusted my tastes to like the really dark stuff. I have my own private stash. I only do 70% or more cocoa. I also try and limit myself to just occasional treats. I can make a chocolate bar last a couple weeks.

I try and stay away from desserts. If people bring them to our home, I serve it and then send it home with them. It can't stay in our house. I do not feel guilty throwing sugar away either.

Here is a funny story.... An older friend of ours thought that we were neglecting our children by not giving them sugar. He brought us a dozen chocolate eggs and put them in an egg carton. I took it with a smile and somehow it got put in the refrigerator with the other eggs. I go to an Amish farm and buy eggs in large quantities and then sell them to friends. A friend of ours bought several dozen, and got the chocolate ones in their pile. I got a funny phone call a couple days later. This friend wondered if this was my private stash. I told him honestly, "no, there weren't any missing, were there?" I told him to just throw them out, and I would give him some real eggs the next time I saw him. I take better care of my stash than that.

The key to getting rid of sugar, is to just do it! Your body will thank you for the rest of your life. If you fall off the wagon, and you probably will, just dust yourself off and try again.

~Mom

Going Away- Filippino Style

My sister, Mir, and her husband and children are leaving for the Philippines in the next week. Last weekend, we had a going away party for them. Many friends, from church and the home school group, came to say their good-byes for two years. Apparently, the theme of the party was 'The Filipino Rainy Season'.
We had the party at a friend's place that had noisy chickens and a rooster. It gave it that Filipino feeling. The temperature was over 90 degrees and the humidity was about 100%. Definitely a tropical feel.

The children watched some of the adults play sand volleyball and the young men play touch football. There was a lot of food preparation and set up going on.

Everybody seemed to have a good time. The Eichs (my sister's family) had been the commander of our church's AWANA group and headed up the annual VBS. They had a big impact on a lot of people's lives.

As people arrived there appeared big thunder clouds to the NW. It didn't start raining until people started sitting down with their plates of food.

Then the skies opened and the monsoon struck. There was thunder, lightening and lots of wind.

The tents started blowing down and the tarps flapped in the breeze. Everybody headed to the house. The rain was coming down almost sideways so the pavilions were of no help. People were quickly soaked. A lot of the children ran around in the rain despite the lightening.

The kitchen helpers served up the food, as people brought it. Everything was delicious!

After the rain the children went out to the sand volleyball court and made sand sculptures. They had a lot of fun.

They did end up rather dirty. Fortunately, sand does wash off easily. It was still warm, so a lot of little ones were just hosed off before they could ride home.

We will miss the Eichs. We are praying for them as they start off on this new adventure. Joy will be going to school for the first time as a 9th grader. The other two will still be home schooled. Pray for my sister as her role will really change. Running a household is a lot different over there and she doesn't speak the language. They are hoping to work with a local church and interact with the Filipino people. Pray for their health. My sister needs to be on a totally gluten-free diet. She will need to find new sources for her food needs. TB is also endemic at the school Ted will be working at. They will need to learn a new culture.

~Mom