I agree with the majority of your points.<p>I&#x27;d just say that 80% of the US population lives in urban areas (from the census information I found), which are likely to be served by larger public service departments with more unelected middle management. They may choose to side with the lowest ranks of police, but it&#x27;s not as bad as a simple &quot;my direct boss didn&#x27;t pay me enough, let&#x27;s all vote him or her out.&quot;<p>That said, the prosecutor-capture (especially since that&#x27;s a route for aspiring politicians) and state-supported-zombie points are well made.<p>But as a somewhat pro-union point, remember that public employees aren&#x27;t bonused anywhere near private sector employees. At least for teachers, which I&#x27;m most familiar with. The idea that one could be in the Top 10% of performers for your job and be making less than others simply because of seniority is... strange.