Good grief! You must be kidding! What kind of diversion is this? PERS has been "reformed" (benefits reduced) over 20 times since 1995. The last right-wing think-tank conceived "reform" and the legislature's ineptness and financial irresponsibility helped to lead to the crisis we face now. We've got to stop looking at old folks' pensions for a source of revenue and a way to balance the budget and as the answer to our problems. 

The imperfect but revisable Measure 97 on our November ballot is the only way before us to face, to deal with, reality. Grow up! This is serious business. We need to pass the measure, pay our bills, be honest and responsible, build for the future of Oregon, help our children to climb out of a situation in which we have one of the lowest graduation rates in the nation, and move forward. We should be arguing about how to revise Measure 97 so that it works more broadly and effectively for everyone.