I respect your service, you've given much where most haven't. We are the government, so making government employees suffer would be to make ourselves suffer. We (and by that I mean our government) have overspent beyond what our economy in terms of tax revenue can support, and that must be brought in balance. But it is about sacrifice, you've done it, I won't go into it but I've done it, the private sector has done it, public unions and employees need to as well. We are a great country because we govern ourselves, and are free to differ in the process of finding better solutions for all. Where and how that sacrifice is distributed is and should be up for open discussion, but must be done fast as no one has bothered to address seriously until now...for fear of not getting re-elected.
Yes, things are much worse all over the world, but we are American, and we set and live by our own standards because we are free (because people like yourself) have stood up to keep it that way. Wanting and expecting more is what fuels our country's success, and what sets us apart from other nations.
