Do you think that Soldiers should get paid as much as pro athletes?

Question

Pro athletes get paid way to much for what they do and most of them arent even role models but our troops are putting there lifes in danger everyday. Why don they get paid more. If they did ,dont you think that there would be more people signing up to defend our country?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, in a capitalist economy, people aren't paid for the importance of their labor, but by how much their labor produces in revenue and more importantly - how replacable they are.

Pro athletes get paid astronomical salaries, because what they do brings in mega-astronomical revenues for the team owners. Also, they are not easily replacable, not any number of people who can perform at thier level.

Soldiers get paid what the government feels the tax paying public can afford and will tolerate. Fortunatley, salaries have been going up lately, as well as benefits. Of course, in terms of straight compensation for risking one's life it isn't adequate. That is why the private contractors in Iraq make upwards of $250,000 a year (of course they get no retirement, va benefits, etc).

I beleive that men and women sign up for the military out of a sense of patriotism and civic duty. So long as the salary is enough to keep food on the table and roofs over the heads back home, most are satisfied.

Answer 2

Same with singers and actors - why should they get paid for singing and acting? Atheltes like other entertainers. Many people can sing, act or play basketball. But only very few in millions are good enough that people want to watch them. People pay to watch them. So every pro ahelete or singer has a talent that is rare - I think it is a good thing that he gets to make money using it, rather than doing an average joe's job that he may be only average at. I sincerely respect soldiers. Being world police is a dangerous job and often under-appreciated. I do think they deserve better. How much others make really shouldn't be relevant.

Answer 3

I wish our men and women in uniform were paid as much as athletes, they and their families deserve it.

But like someone above said, where will the money come from? Athletes get paid by numerous investors, sponsors, and owners...

Unless you're willing to pay A LOT more taxes, it just won't happen. It's a bad fiscal idea...but a good, cool and justified patriotic fantasy.

I do believe men and women in the military should receive unquestioned access to health care anytime they need, and that they should receive a small but helpful monthly pension for the rest of their lives. With or without 20 years.

Answer 4

No. I think soldiers should get paid MORE than pro athletes get paid. We all need the soldiers. The pro athletes are as important to America as the Pee Wee athletic leagues. They are fun to watch and cheer for, but not "necessary" to keep the country going.

Answer 5

No, pro athletes should get paid what soldiers get paid

Answer 6

You're on the right track, but in my opinion, while military should definitely be paid more in line with what they do and the hours they put in, along with teachers, firefighters, and police officers, pro athletes shouldn't get paid a fraction of what they do. Neither should actors and actresses. It is ridiculous the compensation they receive in comparison to the service they provide. They aren't all that special and shouldn't be treated that way.

Answer 7

Have you ever been to a football or baseball game? Ever watched one on TV? How about looked at the sports section? Watched the sports segment of the news?

Now, have you ever donated money to the armed forces? Or the charities that support them? Have you done it as often as you do some of the things from the first paragraph?

I agree, they should be paid more. But who's going to do it? Pro Athletes are the result of the American People. And a great example of capitalism at that.

Answer 8

No. I think pro athletes should get paid as much as us and see if they still play.

Answer 9

I think we get paid alright. my hubby is in 12 years(almost. ) we have nice housing new car ,a harley the bills are paid and we still have money to do something with the kids.
but it would be nice if the pros get paid as much as a soldier.

Answer 10

I see how you feel but, no, having the soldiers be paid as much as the celebrities would surely BANKRUPT america, Of Course I Respect all of the soldiers across Seas fighting for us, but, also think, majority of them are not in the front, not fighing but infact 100 miles away in a tent pullin RECON, which, is still a NOBLE thing to do for the grunts fighting, also.......think, A LOT of GANG BANGERS are in the ARMY, I mean HELLA LOT are in the ARMY, they deserve to get paids millions?, Wat about the COWARDS that run but we never find out that they ran, do they deserve it? And Of course more and more people would sign up which would give us a lot o people not suitable for the MILITARY......just think about it in both was next time.