After reading the Dec. 4 article, “Convicted ex-official can keep public pensions,” it’s clear the best thing to do is get elected to some high-priced public job, build up a good rate of retirement, then when you retire commit a major felony, then you’ve got it made. You end up in some country club prison with free food, free room and board, free medical care, access to TV and books, no work; just sit around and get tattoos. If you’re lucky, the bleeding hearts will probably help you get your voting rights back. Thanks to the ACLU.

If there was a contest for stupidity in the state legislature, this situation would be the winner hands down. Supposedly it costs $30,000 a year to keep a prisoner and we’re going to pay this guy almost that much in yearly retirement. What’s wrong with this picture?

Contact your state representative and senators. Let’s see if there’s any common sense and close this loophole.

Fred Thompson

Cedar Rapids