America's values all screwed up? Opinions?

Question

There's something I just don't understand. Singers, songwriters, actors, directors, etc. get paid mad money to shake their fanny in front of people or run around on a movie set. Yet military, cops, firefighters, teachers and even those in the medical field, in comparison, make crap. My father works for the Sheriff's office as a sergeant and he has 2 other jobs just so we can make the bills and have food to eat. We don't spend our money frivolously, we live comfortably. But he works 6-7 day a week shifts and we hardly ever see him. My uncle is a firefighter, and it's the same for him. Of course, we all know how bad the money is for teachers. I am going to be a nurse, and I know I'll make pretty good money....but my question is, why do the people who entertain us make more than those that teach the next generation and keep us safe and healthy? It seems like America values entertainment over safety, health, and education. Do you agree? If not, please tell me why. I want to know.

And just to clarify, I'm not saying I don't like America...I am very glad to have grown up here. I'm just asking for opinions on this particular subject.

An example...Orlando wants to spend about a billion dollars for a stadium that people can sit in and watch games...but they REFUSE to make up for the lost funds for the police force. I understand that yes, entertainment has it's values...but is it REALLY more important than safety? In my opinion, if you are for the stadium then you have NO RIGHT to complain when our police officers will have to stop some of their programs because they don't have the funds to support them

Answer 1

Its not our values that are screwed up, its just economics. Cops, firefighters, and teachers are all professions that many people want to be, hence the demand for workers is low and they are paid less. However, people who can fill a 80,000 seat stadium are in very high demand because theres big money in that. I don't think people value entertainment over safety, but superstar entertainers are much harder to come around than public safety workers. This being said, i still think we value entertainment too much and that the media is just out of control, but people will do whatever they can to get money. I'm sure if Superman showed up, he would make the big bucks...

Answer 2

Because America's values are based on the love of money and not the love of people such as our neighbors and so forth... I agree with you on the stupidity of what you are talking about here. It makes no sense and good people suffer, Americans suffer, because of ignorance, and perhaps, greed.
I was reading on the subject of legalizing Marijuana at, www.norml.org, in the USA, and I believe that just by legalizing Marijuana, (a plant/herb that never hurt anybody), this will help the American people see that we are "WE THE PEOPLE" and that we can change things to what makes sense in this country, in each state, and in our cities as well.
We must not continue going down a road with seemingly an unending number of wrong turns.
We can do a U-turn, (aka-YOOIE), and change directions for the better because we are "We The People."
You can read more about this subject at the website listed below.
You might find it helpful and enjoy some enlightenment of what's right, and what's wrong, along the way. These people are definitely professional about this and they know what they're talking about, too.
Sounds to good to be true these days, but it's for real.
Those seeking to legalize Marijuana, are only those that have enjoyed it and realize the harmlessness of it, not those that are ignorant of it and don't want to be around it. It's only going to be legal for personal use by adults, like beer and cigarettes. We aren't going to go around and try to force it on those that aren't interested. By the way, when was the last time someone was hurt by Marijuana, (harmless). And this thing that it will lead to harder drug use is stupid. too. I like beer, but not hard drink, (all legal), and I don't have a beer and think about having hard drink, either.
Most of why Marijuana was made illegal was hype and ignorance, and this is all so true with other situations in this country, too. Just think of all the very bad things that have happened to citizens in this country just because of making Marijuana illegal.
All the other things that we mentioned here are due to the ignorance and somewhat greed of a few, too. These things can be changed and made better for the American people.
Take care, Thank You, Ed

Answer 3

I worked as a cop for a few years but I decided to leave the filed because I wanted to make more money.

Actors and entertainers are able to command large salaries because their labor generates a lot of money. Millions of people will not pay money to see someone teach Geography or to put out a fire.

It has nothing to do with values and everything to do with money. Even in a communist society police, fire and teachers have to be paid for.

Answer 4

The entertainment industry MAKES money, loads of it. Essential services such as firefighting, teaching, nursing, policing SPEND money, loads of it.

Not about values, it's capitalism 'perfected' by America.

Answer 5

a 95% tax on income of over $100,000 would solve the problem. those who profit greatly by doing little need to movve back to the real world, they'll even feel better about themselves after the initial shock.