Commentary by Eugene Paslov: Destroying the American dream

I've often been curious why those who claim public sector employees make too much money and have too many benefits don't aspire to acquire similar benefits for private sector employees. Why do some think it advantageous to lower public sector standards rather than raise private sector wages and benefits? I suspect it has nothing to do with affordability. It has to do with profit margins and reluctance to increase taxes. Both sector wages are too low. If you can keep wages low and reduce or eliminate tax burdens (services) you can increase profit margins. That may, indeed, be the underlying rationale for cutting everything but corporate profits.

I was recently criticized as "elitist" for suggesting that state employees (teachers as well) tend to have more formal education than those in the private sector. Traditionally, state workers had slightly better job security and benefits than their private sector counterparts, but were paid less, regardless of their educational level. It was a trade-off that was understood. Teachers have never been well paid, based on their educational accomplishments and their levels of responsibility, but have had job security, adequate wage and benefit package. Now those who say they are concerned about deficits attack public education, public employees/benefits, women's health, and even PBS. They want to eliminate bargaining and job protections, reduce wages and benefits. I believe actions like that will drive good employees and employers away and deter new, competent employees and employers from coming to the state.

I spent more than 12 years as a full-time undergraduate and graduate student. I had the G.I. Bill to help me in both undergraduate and some graduate work, but also had to work part-time jobs to make ends meet. I was living the American dream. I wanted to become better educated to achieve a better life. I became a teacher and eventually moved up in both the public and private sectors.

My wife and I attended the student rally on March 21 along with the 1,500 or so college and university students. Those students too were asking to participate in the American dream. They want a better life for themselves and their families. They also are working multi-part-time jobs to make it possible. However, the governor is making it virtually impossible for these young people to fulfill their dreams. University budget cuts can unravel the American dream.

And if the students do make it through the university they will expect to be paid more than those who didn't. Meritocracy. They also risk being called "elitists" by the uninformed. Too bad. Let's keep the American dream alive, including for those who are struggling to stay in college.

• Eugene Paslov is a board member of the Davidson Academy at the University of Nevada, Reno and the former Nevada state superintendent of schools.