Pension benefit earned

Rick Nelson (Letters, Feb. 2) claimed our government is bankrupt due to the wages and pensions paid to our past and present government employees. Why is it some people must resent what others have acquired as benefits over the years?

Out of every paycheck for well over 20 years I had a deduction as my contribution toward a pension. The Washington State Retirement Fund was much like Social Security where the funds were invested and earned interest to be available for pension at retirement. The only reason Mr. Nelson should be concerned would be the mishandling of the funds.

As government employees, Mr. Nelson, we worked for you many holidays and weekends while you probably enjoyed your leisurely time off.

And the nights while you probably were home in bed we were working. I am not complaining about the work schedule. I do feel my pension benefits were earned and should not be cause for resentment by those who feel we are an unfair burden.

Len Champion

Spokane