Anyone else agree????

[fireflymedic]

Seems perfectly logical to me. Fighting fires is what the firefighters do normally, right? I mean ... it's the reason the volunteer firefighters exist in the first place. They would do that anyway. So if you want them to go "above and beyond", you have them volunteer to do other stuff. Plus, I'm sure Disney would prefer that people not put themselves in danger for a Disney ticket. I mean yes ... the volunteer firefighters do that anyway, but can you imagine the publicity if someone said, "Yeah ... it was really too bad about Bob getting hurt like that. We were all at this fire, thinking that we'd be getting our free tickets to Disney World for the volunteer effort, and he fell off the ladder and broke both his legs."

Well in that case they better not have any one picking up trash beside the road because you could be hit by a car.

If they are wanting to reward people that give to the community they could not honor any one more worthy than a vounenteer firefighter, they will still be voulenterring long after the program is over. and if any one joined just to get the free day than stayed as a firefighter later I think in all the reading I did on this that was the plan or at least hope of Disney.

 

[badblackpug]

Well in that case they better not have any one picking up trash beside the road because you could be hit by a car.

If they are wanting to reward people that give to the community they could not honor any one more worthy than a vounenteer firefighter, they will still be voulenterring long after the program is over. and if any one joined just to get the free day than stayed as a firefighter later I think in all the reading I did on this that was the plan or at least hope of Disney.

I think that they may have said anything but firefighting to discourage untrained volunteers from attempting to fight fires. We all agree that firefighting is dangerous even for the properly trained.

 

[agoofybeast]

Ok, being the OP and reading this entire thread made me go back and reread my post. I now see where it looks like I'm saying that disney does not respect police, firefighters and emt because they do not give us a discount... that is not what I intended. I'm just saying that most places that I know of who offer a military discount also offer discounts to public servants and all I was suggesting is that Disney follow. I in no way was trying to degrade what the military do or have to go through. I have nothing but respect for them. I too would have enlisted but a medical condition kept me from persuing a path of my choosing in the military.

All that being said I appoligize if I offended anyone. But I also do not agree that cutting down trees is any comparison to police.

 

[Madisonsmom45]

Bottom line is...If Disney would cut their own costs, they wouldn't have to worry about filling the parks and everyone would be happy.

 

[Halbleib1]

Where I am from which is a small town in northeast pa teachers make good money. Most of the teachers that are my parents age (late 50's) have already retired. Where I currently live teachers are by no means underpaid. Most of them make more than my husband does as a drafter/designer. They also have great benefits which btw we have none. I do not understand how people can say that teachers do not make enough money. I have an aunt that teaches near Washington DC and yes the standard of living there is high but she makes good money. The school I went to growing up the teachers never ever had to buy their own supplies. I was shocked to hear people say that teachers have to buy their own supplies. Where are these people living that they have to do that. Also the only supplies we had to buy ourselves were notebooks and pens once we reached middle school. In elementary school they provided everything for us. Matter of fact they had a huge supply room where everything was stored-from glue to tissue you name it they had it. If teachers are having to buy their own supplies-which I do believe some are than I think someone is making bad financial decisions in the district.

As far as discounts go-anyone that receives one should be grateful that they got one. No one is entitled to it just because of the career they chose. They chose that career no one forced them into it. If they can not live with the demands of the job than they need to find another profession. If a spouse does not like it than he or she should not have married that person unless they were willing to compromise. For example: I knew as a teenager that I was never going to date/marry someone in the military as I knew that life was not for me. I would not ask the person to give that life up for me therefore I decided not to get involved with someone in that life. I had/have family members in the military and I saw how they lived and I knew it was not for me. Selfish maybe but my choice. That is not to say that I do not have respect for those that do serve because I do. They make a lot of sacrafices that no one should have to make.

 

[cat83]

My guess is that this issue is particularly strong for people who have family members in the public service professions. I hope you'd thank your brother and husband for their service for me, especially your husband as his military service defended the right and freedom your brother has, as a free American citizen, to choose his own profession.

Nope, I've got family in these professions, and I still don't think they are entitled to any extra discounts.

But I DO think that they have jobs they themselves describe as very cushy, in which they do an awful lot of leisure and recreation and a little bit of work.
And they already get huge discounts in the area on everything from food to furniture and appliances to cars. I'm talking up to 50% at most places.

Don't get me wrong I appreciate the work and the life-risking; but since getting to know several people in the police and fire industry, I've come to find out that they severely suffer from "entitlement" issues, and like many on this thread, think their jobs are so much more important than everyone else.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Where I am from which is a small town in northeast pa teachers make good money. Most of the teachers that are my parents age (late 50's) have already retired. Where I currently live teachers are by no means underpaid. Most of them make more than my husband does as a drafter/designer. They also have great benefits which btw we have none. I do not understand how people can say that teachers do not make enough money. I have an aunt that teaches near Washington DC and yes the standard of living there is high but she makes good money. The school I went to growing up the teachers never ever had to buy their own supplies. I was shocked to hear people say that teachers have to buy their own supplies. Where are these people living that they have to do that. Also the only supplies we had to buy ourselves were notebooks and pens once we reached middle school. In elementary school they provided everything for us. Matter of fact they had a huge supply room where everything was stored-from glue to tissue you name it they had it. If teachers are having to buy their own supplies-which I do believe some are than I think someone is making bad financial decisions in the district.

As far as discounts go-anyone that receives one should be grateful that they got one. No one is entitled to it just because of the career they chose. They chose that career no one forced them into it. If they can not live with the demands of the job than they need to find another profession. If a spouse does not like it than he or she should not have married that person unless they were willing to compromise. For example: I knew as a teenager that I was never going to date/marry someone in the military as I knew that life was not for me. I would not ask the person to give that life up for me therefore I decided not to get involved with someone in that life. I had/have family members in the military and I saw how they lived and I knew it was not for me. Selfish maybe but my choice. That is not to say that I do not have respect for those that do serve because I do. They make a lot of sacrafices that no one should have to make.

http://teacherportal.com/teacher-salaries-by-state

These aren't exactly stellar salaries. Our teachers have a small classroom budget. If it goes for tissues, then they can't buy books. How long ago did you go to school? I don't know any teacher living on their own salary who has retired that early. DH who isn't a teacher, but is an employee eligible for the benefits, opted out and for our own investments due to the potential loss of those state offerings. A much better and more secure choice.

As you said, everyone makes their own choices. Yours involves no benefits. Your choice.

eta: I had to get a PhD to make more than my BS husband...my choice!

 

[livie1205]

Nope, I've got family in these professions, and I still don't think they are entitled to any extra discounts.

But I DO think that they have jobs they themselves describe as very cushy, in which they do an awful lot of leisure and recreation and a little bit of work.
And they already get huge discounts in the area on everything from food to furniture and appliances to cars. I'm talking up to 50% at most places.

Don't get me wrong I appreciate the work and the life-risking; but since getting to know several people in the police and fire industry, I've come to find out that they severely suffer from "entitlement" issues, and like many on this thread, think their jobs are so much more important than everyone else.

police and firefighting as CUSHY? I do not not where you live but that makes no sense...there is nothing CUSHY about putting on a 30 pound belt,hot bullet proof vest and hoping that that car you are walking up to does not have someone inside that is not going to take a shot at you because they have a warrant.There is nothing cushy about all the gear firefighters wear everytime they go to a fire alarm because they have to suit up each time.It has nothing to do with entitlement....its very simple they would like to just have a thank you every so often from the people that go help just because they wanted to help, its NOT for the pay thats for sure! LEO here makes no where near 100,000 a year...not even close and we also have tons of firefighters that do not even get paid.These men and women have CHOSE to do these jobs yeh but someone has to or we would all be in trouble and not just anyone CAN do these jobs,most can not and it does take a lot of heart....
Not everyone can handle being a spouse of these men and women,they go through alot also...most can not handle the thought of maybe one day being that spouse to get a flag and hearing that unanswered dispatch call when the worst happens.
There is a reason these people get early retirment,its called high risk retirement.I do not know a lot of other jobs that they give high risk to and there is a reason for it.Its not entitlement ....our towns and cities can not run without these men and women.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

livie, I think that it depends so much where you live. You are obviously in a high risk area, and I'm sure it can be scary sending your guy out into the world. But here they are at very low risk. I don't live in high crime area, it has been 25 years since a leo was killed. He was an awesome sheriff, and the facility I work at is named after him. His son was given a full scholarship at the local four year institution, and his mom had her house paid off with donations, and is well cared for. It is small town life.

It is a nice job to have in this area. Firefighters are at a bit more risk, but are volunteer, and get treated like heros for being so. There is a huge waiting list to be on that team.

 

[Nancyg56]

The point I was trying to make is that police, firefighters, and emt basicly do about the same job that the majority of the military do without traveling away from home. They put their lives on the line every day.

I am not sure that those who have family members serving overseas for the majority of their commitment would agree. In my area we are served mainly by volunteers, my DH served for over 30 years, my brother as well. There is no comparison to the conditions that those military under.

Hmmm? Respect? Not enough respect? I am just as thankful for the job firefighters/police/other public service professionals do as the next guy.

I struggle to understand the comparison of someone who does their job, regardless of how dangerous, or important, or low-paying that job may be, to a service member who is in the military and defending our nation.

I am thankful for the work these brave people do, but this is a part of the job they chose to take and it was well known before they pursued the position.

My thoughts as well. I am so appreciative of the work that our first responders do in our country but I doubt that any would consider their jobs in the same light as those servicemembers who are camped out in sand pits in Iraq or up in those treacherous mountains of Afghanistan..

I think that they may have said anything but firefighting to discourage untrained volunteers from attempting to fight fires. We all agree that firefighting is dangerous even for the properly trained.

The company my DH volunteered for had very rigorous standards that volunteers needed to meet. All had to complete courses at the fire school and all needed to pass tests that certified them in different areas. This was not the case when he first began volunteering as an 18 YO young man who just wanted to help serve the community.

I think that Disney tries to show respect and appreciation to the service community in many ways. Giving discounts is not always the best way to pay respect to any given profession.

 

[cat83]

police and firefighting as CUSHY?

They themselves describe it as cushy, and joke about how they have found the greatest scam. Who am I to argue with them about their own jobs?
It has totally changed my perception- I used to think more like you. This is coming more from fire, but also partially from police as well.
And this is not just one, or two- but 8 members of my family, and all of their friends, all with the same mentality. It is really sad too to see the change in attitude in a few of them, before and after they took on these careers- yes especially the "entitlement" aspect.

I CANNOT generalize about every single city in America, but this is just my experience across 5 towns in 2 counties here.

 

[cat83]

....our towns and cities can not run without these men and women.

I'm not trying to pick on you- but our towns and cities cannot live without doctors, teachers, garbage collectors, government, farmers/food production, mechanics, etc etc etc.

 

[livie1205]

They themselves describe it as cushy, and joke about how they have found the greatest scam. Who am I to argue with them about their own jobs?
It has totally changed my perception- I used to think more like you. This is coming more from fire, but also partially from police as well.
And this is not just one, or two- but 8 members of my family, and all of their friends, all with the same mentality. It is really sad too to see the change in attitude in a few of them, before and after they took on these careers- yes especially the "entitlement" aspect.

I CANNOT generalize about every single city in America, but this is just my experience across 5 towns in 2 counties here.

Then maybe it is time for a job change, sounds like they are board.I do not know of any place that the LEO thinks its cushy or a scam...I think anywhere you live they have that danger.I live in Florida and we have a good amount of crime.I never let myself get comfy with my dh going off to work..i never let him walk out the door with a bad word...one of my best friends and LEO died 2 yrs ago and it was like any other day...it just turned bad.I know many LEO and firefighters and none of them feel entitlement for anything, they are greatful to have jobs in this economy.

 

[ShannonMB]

No way would they give up those jobs -- sounds like they've got it made!

I am just wondering what makes a person decide to go in to law enforcement or firefighting? Is it just a true altruism? Is there a family history of pride in the field? Is it machismo? Probably a combo. I doubt most are in it for the money, and I'm sure most love their chosen jobs. That in itself is a gift and they can consider themselves lucky for that. Lots of people I know HATE their jobs and ONLY do them to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. If you can really say you love your job, then Disney discount or no, you are sitting pretty in life, and whatever risks you take to do that job must be worth it to you.

 

[BlovesC]

police and firefighting as CUSHY?

While I would never, ever consider firefighting a cushy job, since the very definition of it involves danger no matter where you live, when it comes to law enforcement it CAN vary by location. I grew up in a small town where several of my HS classmates became cops, and the most danger they ever faced was papercuts from writing tickets. They were rarely shy about bragging on this fact, and as I worked for a tax firm for years, I got to see how much they made in comparison to our firefighters, teachers, nurses, etc.

This is why I keep saying; everyone has their own personal heroes. If YOU live in a high-crime area where you know officers who risk their lives trying to keep the peace and maintain order, then you're free to sing their praises. I have nothing but respect for cops, but I've never known any who have done anything so extraordinary that they command hero worship from me. I reserve that for the nurses who took care of my mother in her final days. You cannot sum up an entire profession for the entire world. There are brave, fearless, upstanding cops just as much as there are lazy, corrupt, resentful cops. The same can be applied to ALL professions; teachers who strive to make a difference versus teachers who hate their job, nurses who truly care for their patients versus nurses who are just in it for the paycheck, etc. "Hero" is in the eye of the beholder. You can't expect us to all feel the same when our scenarios may be entirely different.

 

[cat83]

Then maybe it is time for a job change, sounds like they are board.I do not know of any place that the LEO thinks its cushy or a scam...I think anywhere you live they have that danger.I live in Florida and we have a good amount of crime.I never let myself get comfy with my dh going off to work..i never let him walk out the door with a bad word...one of my best friends and LEO died 2 yrs ago and it was like any other day...it just turned bad.I know many LEO and firefighters and none of them feel entitlement for anything, they are greatful to have jobs in this economy.

I'm not trying to downplay the importance and danger of your husband's job, but express the mentality of the people I know from my experience. For the most part, this comes more from the firemen.
And I am very appreciative of the job and the risks your husband and thousands of others do and have (and am sorry about your friend)- but I still don't feel they deserve special "discounts". Honors, thank-you's, awards, recognition, etc- yes yes yes. But extra perks, for doing their job like the rest of us "normal" hard working people? No.

(especially when, like in my case, they brag about how money is basically thrown at them. My cousin the other day went to pick up a pizza on his way home from work, and was given his entire order free. In fact, him and others go out of their way to see how much will be given/discounted to them. He/they are not appreciative of it, but more along the lines of laughing at the situation: laughing at the poor "schmucks" who will give them discounts, making a game out of how far they can take it, and rubbing it in the face of others that our professions do not come with suck "perks".)

I am just wondering what makes a person decide to go in to law enforcement or firefighting? Is it just a true altruism? Is there a family history of pride in the field? Is it machismo? Probably a combo. I doubt most are in it for the money, and I'm sure most love their chosen jobs. That in itself is a gift and they can consider themselves lucky for that. Lots of people I know HATE their jobs and ONLY do them to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. If you can really say you love your job, then Disney discount or no, you are sitting pretty in life, and whatever risks you take to do that job must be worth it to you.

In my case- my generation in the family is the first to go into these lines of work (the oldest is 38). But once that one broke the ice, I think it was a family pride thing, definitely combined with machismo. And they definitely look down on anyone who doesn't choose that career- my brother in management, who is very happy with his job and life, is given a very hard time. Not jokingly either- they treat him like he is second rate.

As far as loving your job- I agree Being female, my pressure was to go into nursing (this generation of females in my family are in nursing while the guys go into firefighting/law enforcement). I also did not follow that path, and am given the same treatment (on a smaller scale). However, I've come to accept that I'm happier doing what I do than anything else I can imagine- and that's all that matters

 

[livie1205]

I'm not trying to downplay the importance and danger of your husband's job, but express the mentality of the people I know from my experience. For the most part, this comes more from the firemen.
And I am very appreciative of the job and the risks your husband and thousands of others do and have (and am sorry about your friend)- but I still don't feel they deserve special "discounts". Honors, thank-you's, awards, recognition, etc- yes yes yes. But extra perks, for doing their job like the rest of us "normal" hard working people? No.

(especially when, like in my case, they brag about how money is basically thrown at them. My cousin the other day went to pick up a pizza on his way home from work, and was given his entire order free. In fact, him and others go out of their way to see how much will be given/discounted to them. He/they are not appreciative of it, but more along the lines of laughing at the situation: laughing at the poor "schmucks" who will give them discounts, making a game out of how far they can take it, and rubbing it in the face of others that our professions do not come with suck "perks".)



In my case- my generation in the family is the first to go into these lines of work (the oldest is 38). But once that one broke the ice, I think it was a family pride thing, definitely combined with machismo. And they definitely look down on anyone who doesn't choose that career- my brother in management, who is very happy with his job and life, is given a very hard time. Not jokingly either- they treat him like he is second rate.

As far as loving your job- I agree Being female, my pressure was to go into nursing (this generation of females in my family are in nursing while the guys go into firefighting/law enforcement). I also did not follow that path, and am given the same treatment (on a smaller scale). However, I've come to accept that I'm happier doing what I do than anything else I can imagine- and that's all that matters

If they do that while these buisnesses are saying thank you..shame on them and it says a lot about them.My dh is not allowed to take perks but everytime it is offered he says thank you and he means it!I also said in a early post no I do not think we should get a discount a wdw...we already do with our APs.

 

[cat83]

If they do that while these buisnesses are saying thank you..shame on them and it says a lot about them.My dh is not allowed to take perks but everytime it is offered he says thank you and he means it!I also said in a early post no I do not think we should get a discount a wdw...we already do with our APs.

Hey livie I reread my posts and really hope you don't think I was slamming you, just describing those I know. They don't laugh to their face at those saying "thank you", but definitely don't appreciate it.
If you understand exactly how much these people frustrate me, then you understand why I don't think they deserve another discount to add to their egos. And its a shame your husband can't accept perks, you sound like the people who really appreciate it and deserve it!
To me, personalities and morals make a person more than their job.

 

[livie1205]

Hey livie I reread my posts and really hope you don't think I was slamming you, just describing those I know. They don't laugh to their face at those saying "thank you", but definitely don't appreciate it.
If you understand exactly how much these people frustrate me, then you understand why I don't think they deserve another discount to add to their egos. And its a shame your husband can't accept perks, you sound like the people who really appreciate it and deserve it!
To me, personalities and morals make a person more than their job.

thank you...my dh really loves his job and loves helping others

 

[WDSearcher]

Bottom line is...If Disney would cut their own costs, they wouldn't have to worry about filling the parks and everyone would be happy.

Have you been reading the news over the past year or so? All Disney has done internally is cut costs. Cutting jobs, cutting travel, changing purchasing systems to be more efficient, cutting back the number of Fant! shows, eliminating CM holiday parties, moving some attractions to more seasonal schedules, automating services that used to be run by people, simplifying menus to economize food purchases, eliminating some types of merchandise and on and on. What else, pray, would you like them to cut?