Why federal workers deserve their compensation

(The Washington Post)I bristled at your article ("Public servants feeling sting of budget rancor"). When health and retirement benefits are described as "generous," a "cushier deal" and a "real bonanza," it makes you wonder whether government-bashers and union-haters have won the debate.

The federal government, like all public employers, has an obligation to provide decent health care and pensions to its retirees. Language that scapegoats federal workers and their families is harmful in many ways.

Saul Schniderman, Takoma Park The writer is president of the Library of Congress Professional Guild (AFSCME).