After three years in the Army, I worked 12 years in the private sector, and then 33 years in the public sector, retiring at age 65. I receive a PERS check every month. I can claim that I "earned" it doing the work I did, but that's besides the point. The PERS system, as presently set-up, is financially unsustainable. And while it may be "legal", it sure as heck is not ethical. 
Times change. This isn't the economy of the 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's anymore. The needs of present day society are such that sacrifices HAVE to be made on the part of those who receive a generous public pension. We don't live in a vacuum. We're part of society. Schools, parks, roads, and other public sector needs go begging for money. We're robbing future generations. Tax payers have said they've had enough and I don't blame them. 
A fair and legal way must be found to curtail the more excessively generous PERS payouts. Politicians must summon the political courage to make these changes.