Letters by Others
Unions
As is my morning habit, I read letters to the editor. I must respond to the letter of Feb 20th, criticizing unions.
Labor unions maintain and improve the work conditions of it's membership. They provide benefits such as training, health insurance, retirement benefits to name a few.
Yes, unions do organize strikes and lockouts, for particular goals to enhance the members lives.
Union members are well trained through apprenticeship programs and are offered and encouraged to take specialized classes for the benefit of their employer after becoming journeymen.
Labor unions have also brought an end to child labor practices, improved workers safety, raised the standard of living and reduced the hours in a work week for both union and non-union workers. Unions cover a wide variety of careers and I am not going be the one to tell millions of members they are wrong.
I personally was a union member for thirty years and never regretted it. I now receive retirement benefits (from my investments through the union) and do not depend on friends, family, city, county, state or government for help.
Please get your facts straight before hearing from you again. Auto workers did not lose their jobs because of union affiliation, the auto manufacturers, who after producing autos in this country for over a hundred years, still don't cater to the buyers needs. Don't blame the messenger.
Union membership is not for everyone. Union membership is NOT a free ride. A union is only what it's members make it. What you get out of it, is only because of that work you are willing to put in.
~Bob Erb, Chino Valley AZ.~
American Vets Speak
I haven't personally spoken to an Iraq veteran about this subject, but I can tell you from my own experience as a Vietnam veteran, that Congress' or the publics support of the war had zero effect on our morale in the combat zone.
We were there for each other and to perform our tasks to the best of our ability, period. And we were proud of our efforts regardless of what was going on back in "the world," where there was no warm welcome for us on our return. Maybe today's soldiers are different from my generation, but I doubt it.
Don't let somebody who hasn't worn the uniform or been there speak for the troops, and don't let such people hide behind them.
~GARY HALL Los Angeles~
February 23, 2007
I served in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 101st and 82nd Airborne divisions. I am proud to be a veteran and, because I served, I have a strong solidarity with the men and women currently serving in our nation's military.
I oppose this war, and I oppose the president's plan to send more troops to Iraq. This was my message when I spoke last week in Congress, and this is why I voted for the resolution that passed the House of Representatives on Feb. 16.
The president should listen to the American people and work with Congress on a plan to start to bring the troops home to their loved ones, where we will thank them for a job well done.
~JOE BACA - Rialto CA.~
February 23, 2007
For many stalwart "hard-righters," more than 10 years in Vietnam wasn't enough.
My own son was a two-tour Army sergeant in Vietnam. I'm a World War II retired Navy fighter pilot. We support our troops but do not support unnecessary wars. War protesters are right and necessary. The military-industrial complex President Dwight Eisenhower warned us about owns us.
~TOM L. CROCKETT Sun City~
As is my morning habit, I read letters to the editor. I must respond to the letter of Feb 20th, criticizing unions.
Labor unions maintain and improve the work conditions of it's membership. They provide benefits such as training, health insurance, retirement benefits to name a few.
Yes, unions do organize strikes and lockouts, for particular goals to enhance the members lives.
Union members are well trained through apprenticeship programs and are offered and encouraged to take specialized classes for the benefit of their employer after becoming journeymen.
Labor unions have also brought an end to child labor practices, improved workers safety, raised the standard of living and reduced the hours in a work week for both union and non-union workers. Unions cover a wide variety of careers and I am not going be the one to tell millions of members they are wrong.
I personally was a union member for thirty years and never regretted it. I now receive retirement benefits (from my investments through the union) and do not depend on friends, family, city, county, state or government for help.
Please get your facts straight before hearing from you again. Auto workers did not lose their jobs because of union affiliation, the auto manufacturers, who after producing autos in this country for over a hundred years, still don't cater to the buyers needs. Don't blame the messenger.
Union membership is not for everyone. Union membership is NOT a free ride. A union is only what it's members make it. What you get out of it, is only because of that work you are willing to put in.
~Bob Erb, Chino Valley AZ.~
American Vets Speak
I haven't personally spoken to an Iraq veteran about this subject, but I can tell you from my own experience as a Vietnam veteran, that Congress' or the publics support of the war had zero effect on our morale in the combat zone.
We were there for each other and to perform our tasks to the best of our ability, period. And we were proud of our efforts regardless of what was going on back in "the world," where there was no warm welcome for us on our return. Maybe today's soldiers are different from my generation, but I doubt it.
Don't let somebody who hasn't worn the uniform or been there speak for the troops, and don't let such people hide behind them.
~GARY HALL Los Angeles~
February 23, 2007
I served in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 101st and 82nd Airborne divisions. I am proud to be a veteran and, because I served, I have a strong solidarity with the men and women currently serving in our nation's military.
I oppose this war, and I oppose the president's plan to send more troops to Iraq. This was my message when I spoke last week in Congress, and this is why I voted for the resolution that passed the House of Representatives on Feb. 16.
The president should listen to the American people and work with Congress on a plan to start to bring the troops home to their loved ones, where we will thank them for a job well done.
~JOE BACA - Rialto CA.~
February 23, 2007
For many stalwart "hard-righters," more than 10 years in Vietnam wasn't enough.
My own son was a two-tour Army sergeant in Vietnam. I'm a World War II retired Navy fighter pilot. We support our troops but do not support unnecessary wars. War protesters are right and necessary. The military-industrial complex President Dwight Eisenhower warned us about owns us.
~TOM L. CROCKETT Sun City~
posted by wmjr at
5:00 AM
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