Published: November 27, 2008 08:03 am            

READERS' FORUM 11/28 | ‘Suits’ should not be immune from givebacks

In response to Gene Vandenberg’s letter of Nov. 21 (“Auto workers union should offer givebacks”): How much more can the working and middle class give back?

I do not know the exact situation between the autoworkers and the Big Three, but if it is anything like the one between the steelworkers and “Big Steel” the drill is similar: Profits are down, business is slow, we need to be more competitive, etc.; we need the workers to take pay cuts, layoffs, concessions, et al.

Meanwhile, the top “bosses” continue to collect huge paychecks and bonuses and in some cases even receive raises or “golden parachutes” when they retire and/or leave.

Why is labor always the first to suffer cuts? Why does Vandenberg call on the unions to offer givebacks? Why not call on the overpaid “suits” to give back some of their bonuses and “extras”? Why not ask the arrogant CEOs who fly to Washington, D.C., in private jets and then drive to Capitol Hill in luxury cars to ask for a bailout to give up some of their toys?

No, it is easier to take more from the workers and blame them for all the trouble. But either way, we pay, through taking cuts or giving back or by paying higher taxes when government grants the bailout.

But if the government and “big business” keep taking from the working and middle class, soon there will be nothing left to give and those classes will disappear (if they aren’t already gone).

Mike McMonagle

Johnstown



Recent letters prove characterization correct

In the past few months, this area has been targeted as being home to a bunch of racist, gun-toting, religious freaks. After reading the Nov. 17 Readers’ Forum, it’s not difficult to see why.

Bill Gallus thinks that the Catholic church should outcast anyone not sharing his beliefs about abortion, forming a “nondebatable policy for Catholics to follow when voting” (“Where were bishops before election?”). I can’t decide if this mentality is arrogant or insecure, but this level of ignorance is terrifying.

It’s hard to argue against abortion when you realize that the planet would be better off without hatemongers.

It’s interesting that most of the opinions you hear are from men – men who aren’t living in poverty, aren’t pregnant and can’t understand any issue a pregnant woman might face. I would be more interested to hear from the women, and men, that any legislation would affect, rather than these Christian extremists.

Ron Marol would rather spend his time gay-bashing, stating “gays abuse drugs and alcohol because they are shameful” (“American family under intense attack”).

I fail to understand how he believes that someone else’s marriage will affect his.

People need to start worrying about the sanctity of their own marriages rather than pointing fingers.

I sincerely wish people would start thinking for themselves instead of letting a church or a book think for them.

Justin Slagle

Johnstown



McCain comments meant for him only

Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War. I would be interested in attending meetings of those organizations. A certain right-wing American Legion post meeting? I don’t think so. But thanks for inviting me.

I don’t need to speak anywhere now, as the American people have spoken for me.

Barack Obama, an African-American, will be the next president.

This election could be viewed as a victory over the deadly policies of the Bush regime, over white supremacist ideology, ignorance and bigotry.

Concerning my previous letter, my comments about John McCain were about him personally. I certainly do not think that the 55,000 U.S. servicemen and women, mostly working class and poor, killed in Vietnam got just what they deserved.

Actually, I think that the people who sent them to Vietnam should be punished for their actions. Also, I do not believe that McCain deserved to be treated in an inhumane fashion while a prisoner of war.

One person who responded to my letter claimed that I could be charged with treason. I think this sort of totalitarian mindset is more dangerous than anything I might have to say.

Others compared me to Jane Fonda. I am certainly no Fonda clone. She is a wealthy celebrity and had been married to media mogul Ted Turner, who is not my type.

Finally, to those who continue to believe that Obama is a socialist, the means of production will still be in the hands of the profiteers.

Nick Brisini

Hastings



Greed also shares in America’s woes

I am compelled to write after listening to the news on Nov. 20 concerning the “bailout” for the automobile industry.

The CEOs flew to their congressional hearings on three private jets. If the auto industry is in such financial difficulty, how can they afford to own jets?

I have to agree with Dorothy Ford’s Readers’ Forum letter, “Our world going over to the dark side,” on Nov. 20. It refers to scam artists. How true.

I will add my opinion to our country’s total situation with one word: Greed.

Elaine Sheehan

Geistown Borough

        

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