Libertarian Librarian

You may not have been following this if you don't live in Wisconsin. Heck, you might not be following it if you DO live in Wisconsin, but it seems that the UW school system has super golden parachutes available for some high level administrators and faculty members. Basically, back up jobs if you f-up your original job so badly the system has no choice but to fire you, or in case you need to retire but just can't get along on that pension. The idea is that back up jobs give these folks enough job security to not worry about being politically correct and immune to political and ideological pressures.

As with many well-intentioned ideas-- socialism, communism, the U.N.-- it is much better in theory than in practice. What it mostly has amounted to is allowing those eligible for it to suck of the public teat after they retire while still holding a job with the state. You get to collect your pension while you're still working! What a deal.

And then, of course, there's this. Don't ya just luv it? My favorite bit is this:

UW spokeswoman Kate Dixon confirmed Friday that Mary Lou Gritzmacher, the housekeeper at Reilly's official residence, was among the UW staff and administrators guaranteed a backup job - a three-year academic staff position.

The parameters of that job are unclear. Her duties and pay are to be determined if she moves into the job, Dixon said.

Well, maybe they can have her teach the students how to do their laundry and clean their dorm rooms. That would actually probably be pretty useful.

I also like Scott Suder's (R-Abbotsford) comment, "UW seems to hand out backup jobs like politicians hand out campaign fliers. Everyone gets one."

Well, everyone but me. Wonder where I sign up for that?