98103, I would like to apologize for my rant and generalization. Living here in California, I am deeply frustrated by our budget crisis and sick and tired of hearing everyone telling the media that their budget can't be cut for such and such reason. The BART issue really flipped me out because these people start at $84,000/year.

You and Channa are correct. There is abuse in the private sector as well and I think I mentioned that in my previous post. It's all people feeling entitled to this or that and it really makes me sick. I think the only thing we are entitled to is to pay taxes and die. If you want anything beyond that, then you have to earn it and that doesn't mean taking advantage of taxpayers, clients etc.

As far as hotel rates go, I've seen numerous government rates at Starwood that I would love to have. I'm not sure how or if they check ID's for that but I'm sure they do.

Here's the article I mentioned. There are several related articles...

http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12817593

Here's BART

http://www.contracostatimes.com/sear...costatimes.com

http://www.contracostatimes.com/sear...costatimes.com

My buddy's dad is an operator and and his mom thinks her husband is making too much money.

Sorry for the rant,

Frustrated in California.