THis is Why We Can't Have Nice Things

From the always insightful Digby, a chart that is at once fascinating...and profoundly depressing (click to enlarge).  This depicts the highest paid public employee in each state:

 

 

Her comment?

 



But we definitely have to cut back on elementary school teachers, bridges and firehouses. We just don't have the money.

Just to interpret a bit: in 40 of our 50 states, the highest paid public employee is a coach.  Not that I don't love me some sports, because I certainly do, but that sort of prioritization is screwed up.