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Letters to the Editor
Needing to Organize; Judge Vaughn Walker; District 10 Supervisor Race; NUHW Landslide ...
Feb. 09‚ 2010
To the Editor:
Great article!! Randy Shaw hit the nail right on the head. Organize, Organize, Organize should be our mantra. But like we have done after every movement in this Country, once we have win small battles we retreat and forget about the war, like the war on poverty, the war drugs and the war for civil rights etc.
I don't think it is an either/or regarding elections vs organizing it is both - we need new leaders and new policies and you must organize to do both. What made the 2008 elections so powerful was its ability to organize people around a set of values, not issues. Right after the 2008 elections, we went right back to issue campaigns and never shored up the base of folks who still believed it was about values. The teabaggers sure took notice and began a grassroots mobilization and now are organizing around their values.
Yes, I agree it takes money to organize a movement but we cannot wait for foundations to back it. They only represent 13% of the entire donor world. What if every so-called progressive donated $1 or more to the movement couldn't we fund our own movement? But you it can't be for issue based organizing that's too divisive, it has to be around a broad set values first!
Evonne Tisdale
Nashville, TN
To the Editor:
Congratulations on an excellent article. I am a grassroots organizer and communications professional and have long bemoaned that second-class stature of grassroots organizing, communications and mobilization.
Nowhere is this inadequacy seen more clearly than in the current debate on health care reform. I've seen up close through my work with charitable organizations that represent patients (e.g. Epilepsy Foundation, American Diabetes Association). Even though they represent millions of people, these organizations have a limited ability to mobilize their members in support of their advocacy objectives.
It's not for lack to trying, mind you. It's just that grassroots organizing has never been a very high priority. And look at where it's gotten us! Our health care system utterly fails many people with a chronic medical condition. We're on the verge of enacting historic reforms, but instead of mobilizing members to demand action, not much happens. I think many groups understand the value and importance of grassroots organizing. But when it comes down to it, there's a lot more we could be doing to advance our respective causes.
Joseph LaMountain
President, SparkLight Communications
Alexandria, VA
To the Editor:
I'm sorry, but I don't buy it. First, taking part in electoral work, as PDA and groups like it do, is organizing. It's not 'versus' organizing. We organize people to vote, fight to stop the wars and fight for HR 676, day in and day out. Because we engaged the election, we have three times the strength we had before. And we are not a 501C3, get no grants from foundations, and no one is paid. That's not something to want to continue, but it hasn't meant that we do little, less or nothing.
But it's true that we have fallen away from a 'culture of organizing' that we had in other times. We've got too many Lone Rangers. Ask how many people you know are socialists? Then ask how many of them belong to a socialist group of any sort? I'd bet it's one out of a hundred. You can't blame that on Obama, Democrats, voter registration or the smaller 'funds' from corporate 'foundations.' If you want to solve this problem, start by looking in the mirror. What are your base community groups? What is your socialist group? How many friends and contacts have you recruited. How many donations FROM THEM did you gather up?
I think we know a good part of the answer.
Carl Davidson
Aliquippa, PA
To the Editor:
Thanks for the story on Judge Walker. I kind-of agree, and I kind-of don't. From what I read, this was an open secret - Prop 8 attorney Andy Pugno knew it too, and my guess is that they already planned to use it in a big way if and when they lost the case ... I'm thinking it was better that it came out now, so the effect will be somewhat defused later. The Prop 8 side as much as admitted in the SFGate article that they planned to use it against us anyway.
J. Scott Coatsworth
El Dorado Hills, CA
To the Editor:
Editor,
The stakes are incredibly high - so I look forward to much more coverage of the race for a new District 10 Supervisor. Unfortunately you got it wrong in your article when you reported that I am among the candidates. I am deeply committed to my current work, and to raising my son as a well-loved Black child in this city.
I remain passionate about building the ‘new’ Coleman Advocates for Children & Youth, as a member-led multiracial organizing force in the city with a strong base of Black and Latino families fighting together to save our youth, the southeast, and the future of working families in San Francisco. We continue to deepen our roots, grow our base, and win the policy and budget fights that matter most to struggling families. It's a deeply inspiring place to be and I'm privileged to be able to continue leading the work.
Our sister organization, the Coleman Action Fund for Children (a 501c4) has prioritized the election of a strong District 10 Supervisor who will be accountable to poor and working class families – and especially Black families who’ve been ignored, betrayed, patronized and pushed out for far too long.
There is so much to be outraged about, but no need for despair. I have faith in our people’s ability to organize, fight, and win.
N’Tanya Lee
Executive Director
Coleman Advocates for Children & Youth
To the Editor:
I've been reading Beyond Chron for the past six months and think it's a wonderful online publication. Randy Shaw's coverage of labor organizing news can't be beat. However, I am concerned with the choice of photo in the article "NUHW wins landslide victory over SEIU at Kaiser." The photo is of houses caught in a landslide. In light of the current disaster in Haiti and in general good taste, I would suggest you change the photo to something a bit more appropriate and relevant to the article at hand. Otherwise, a wonderful resource for social justice news!
Jessica Edwards
New York, NY
You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to:
Beyond Chron
126 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-9850 (phone)
Fiscal Conservatives; Elaine Zamora; More on the Grammys ...
Feb. 08‚ 2010
To the Editor:
Where did you come up with "being fiscally conservative means we need to raise taxes to act responsibly"? That is the absolute craziest notion I have ever heard. Being fiscally conservative means a number of things like working within a budget (you can't spend what you don't have)and decreasing taxes, which will stimulate the economy and allow for more hiring by companies (real people want work not handouts) and spending by consumers, which in turn adds to the tax base. You make being "Fiscally Conservative" sound like the kiss of death, but history shows it is the only way for economic recovery and growth.
William Thomas
Chicago
To the Editor:
How strange that you see Elaine Zamora as a moderate candidate. She/s probably the most progressive of the bunch, if you look at if you look at what she's actually done. Her contributions from District 6 reflect the many people she's actually worked for. You know, the everyday folks who appreciate having clean and safe streets, the continued greening of the Tenderloin, the street fairs, the murals and especially the graffiti abatement. That's why there are so many $10 and $20 dollar contributions. No skirting around the campaign rules, hustling for money by running for DCCC. Elaine Zamora is an honest candidate who actually has accomplished real tangible things for the district she is running for. Please write about each candidate, what they've done for District 6 prior to running for office and where their money comes from. Then, we can fairly assess each candidate.
Kathy Looper
San Francisco
To the Editor:
I don't think you understand what being a fiscal conservative means. Being fiscally conservative is not just about raising taxes. It is about taking the longer view: looking out for the benefit of the whole group. This means raising taxes when its necessary, not just politically feasible. It means cutting programs that spend money but can't prove that they work. It means looking ahead and making hard decisions based on real analysis of the facts and data. It means not playing accounting games to make the budget balance. It means not spending money too make a deal. It means that sometimes infrastructure is more important than people. It means that you raise taxes to help people. It means that if you don't have the money, you don't spend it. Progressives and right-wing ideologues are both guilty of warping the definition. You both want to cherry pick the parts of the Idea that you like. Neither could live with the parts that they don't like. That's why you are called a Progressive or a Right Wing Ideologue, and not a Fiscal Conservative.
Walter Bell
San Francisco
To the Editor:
The mentality that perpetuates the vapid awards ceremony known as the Grammys is the same mentality that contributes to the decline of the relevance of this sappy pop spectacle. By further elevating this type of garbage, they are only hastening their own cultural demise. It's muzak for the masses. Why do all radio stations, decade after decade, still play the same few dozen "chosen" pop hits, while ignoring not only the other tracks on albums, but newer artists or acts that are more spontaneous and creative? Pop culture is perpectually regurgitating its rancid, force-fed foie gras. Music critics in all major publications are buying into it, reviewing the acts that they're told need to be hyped. I tune it all out and explore on my own via iTunes.
Mark Van Slyke
San Francisco
You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to:
Beyond Chron
126 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-9850 (phone)
Beyoncé Fans Speak Out; School Assignment System ...
Feb. 05‚ 2010
To the Editor:
Are you kidding me? Whoever wrote this article must have never been to Beyoncé concert. She is the closet thing to Micheal Jackson and boring Medley? What, you are serious! Yall are either looking for more hits for your website or completely delusional. That is all.
Sarah Green
Virginia Beach, VA
To the Editor:
Your article is very much laughable. You're just like any other person who claim that they appreciate true art, but in reality they look at music more than they listen to it. It was very funny reading the names of the artists who you mentioned in your article calling them soulful: Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson, wow! we can be very lucky if Janet actually sang live during her performances, then maybe we can debate if she's soulful or not. Your opinion is null and void, your definition of a soulful female artist is a women with black hair who is slightly overweight.
And because you look at music more than you listen to it you fail at realizing what Beyoncé embodies. Beyoncé embodies an excellent performer who has been called by many reviews as one of the best performers of all time. She embodies an artist with no gimmicks, who doesn't use her personality, or her private life to sell music which makes her very much authentic. She embodies a true artist who does whatever music she wants, whenever she wants to, because that's what a true artist does. She embodies a raw performer who reminds us of a previous generation of performers who don't need tigers, beers, cars, 300 dancers and fire on stage to put on a good show but only need to rely on their voice, dance moves, and stage presence.
Beyoncé is not her hair, she's not her extensions, close your eyes and listen and you will realize that Beyoncé is in fact full of soul. But I know that you won't do that, and it's ok, because Beyoncé doesn't need you. There are millions of people in the world who understand what she represents including Michelle Obama. I applaud the effort you put into trying to find excuses in your head justifying the reason why Beyoncé re-wrote yet another page in history by winning six Grammys in one singles night.
Hajar Amel
Rabat, Morocco
To the Editor:
I guess I just don't understand why a school assignment system has to be so complex. Why look at what census tract a student lives in? Why look at race? These are just less-than-accurate proxies for poverty and wealth. Family income is the single most accurate predictor of student achievement, isn't it? Get the damn income data on each family, assign an equal number of poor students to each school, and be done with this b.s.
Dana B.
San Francisco
You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to:
Beyond Chron
126 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-9850 (phone)
Republican Voters; Europe Book Review; Feedback on School Beat ...
Feb. 04‚ 2010
To the Editor:
The Republicans have become a party of "no." A recent poll shows Republicans beating Democrats 45 percent to 42 percent in a generic congressional vote. Therefore, the Republicans believe that constant opposition will pay dividends at election time. When Republicans vote "no" in unison, then every Democratic vote becomes crucial, and every Democratic senator can demand to be bribed. Senator Nelson, for example, voted for Obamacare only after being promised that other states would pay for Nebraska's extra Medicaid costs for ever. Such unscrupulous behavior turns off voters. Look what happened in the Senate race in Massachusetts. The Republican "no" strategy is irresponsible. An opposition that never compromises means gridlock. Half of Americans are angry at both parties, according to a CNN poll, but only one in ten are angry only at Democrats. Thus, this Republican "no" strategy may backfire at election time.
Ralph E. Stone
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Yes it is unfortunate and deplorable that many Republican voters falsely believe that President Obama is a racist, socialist or not an American citizen. Nonetheless, certain of Obama's associations and comments during the 2008 campaign were certain to have alienated rural conservative voters, such as his comments at the Pacific Heights fundraiser about conservatives being "bitter" and clinging to their guns, or Obama's long association with the Reverend Jeremiah ("God damn America") Wright.
If it had been perfectly legitimate for Hillary Clinton as primary opponent to raise concerns regarding Obama's being an arugula-eating elitist who is out of touch with the concerns of older, less affluent rural voters in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas and West Virginia and more comfortable hanging out with the Harvard crowd, then why should if be off-bounds for Republicans to make the same charges? I'd bet that, if you asked a lot of Hillary's supporters in those named states privately whether they thought Sarah Palin was more qualified to be President than Obama, you'd be surprised by the answers. Anyway, if the word "terrorists" in the polling question had been meant to include Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and the other TARP beneficiaries as terrorist organizations, then I too would have to agree that the terrorists had won. I would also have to agree that anyone who supported TARP (including former President Bush
Colin Gallagher
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Thanks for the review of this book -- it's exactly what I'm looking for. I think a book with a similar topic came out a couple years ago and I couldn't remember the title or author. I mentioned "Americans and the European Way" to a friend and he also recommended "The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger," by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett. Europe (and even Canada) is deliberately ignored in mainstream discussions of health care, education and other important issues. I get the feeling that to middle America, Europe is a communist country that we will need to invade someday.
Mark Van Slyke
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Great School Beat article. Thank you for covering this story. Look, le\'s not be squeamish, the data is pretty straight forward. A concentration of poor children in any school means lower academic performance for all there, lowest of all for the poor children. Here's a radical solution: Instead of a lottery and instead of busing every child around the city, close the schools in poor neighborhoods. Bus the poor kids into other schools. Make every school accept a similar percentage of poor students. Then keep doing all the other things we've already implemented -- the teacher training, pay increases, enrichment, First Five, etc. Guess what? SFUSD might even entice middle class parents and wealthier ones to send their children back to public schools again. That would improve the classroom learning environment for all.
Dana B.
San Francisco
You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to:
Beyond Chron
126 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-9850 (phone)
Obama's Shift; More Howard Zinn; Some Readers Don't Like Tommi ...
Feb. 03‚ 2010
To the Editor:
Obama's shift from Health Care reform to Jobs betrays his intention of never having being a champion of a health care reform. He knows very well that Americans are hunting for bargains at Wal-Mart and One-Dollar stores, therefore Jobs will be going to China where those goods are manufactured.
To make matter worse our infrastructures are dismayingly rusted. Even if we want to train our youth to do manufacturing jobs there are no infrastructures where they can produce competitive products.
Labor: Alas the rank and file are remotely hardly aware of the responsibilities and duties of being a Union member. The leadership knows that very well, which makes them compromise with the powerful at the expense of the rank and file.
Climate change: When capitalism cried for help Congress robbed at gun point the american people and in one week they gave banks a trillion dollars. When in Copenhagen mother Earth asked for help, everyone yawned.
Transportation: The money that will be waisted on High Speed trains should go to fix and expend our rickety Public Transit in our major cities. Just today, for the hundredth times, a door of the L-line was jammed. We wasted so much time waiting for the door to close.
Democrats are the surrogate for the Republicans. They are happy and taciturn while the GOP is doing the dirty job for them.Nafiss
Nafiss Griffis
San Francisco
To the Editor:
I was very disappointed at the minimal coverage / attention afforded Howard Zinn's passing. I wish that 40 years ago, when I attended college, I was aware of Professor Zinn. I would have done anything to attend Boston University, just to attend his classes. It wasn't until the 1980's before I became a Howard Zinn enthusiast. His writings, books and CD's have been a treat for me and my wife / friends. We will miss him. A truly great mane. Thanks for your comments.
Bob LaFayette
Stillwater, MN
To the Editor:
What a waste of a good website to post such silly stuff that is only to gratify your own anti-Christian views. I look forward to reading this site in the morning for a thoughtful progressive discussion of current events. This is masturbatory nonsense.
Niels Teunis
San Francisco
You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to:
Beyond Chron
126 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-9850 (phone)
Obama's Question Time; The Democratic Agenda; Super Bowl Ads; More on Howard Zinn ...
Feb. 02‚ 2010
To the Editor:
I voted for President Obama, and I'm proud of it. However, it's time tor him to face down and challenge the Democrats also.
Daniel F Murray
Boston, MA
To the Editor:
I don't know about some other parts of the agenda but the "Employee Free Choice Act" is a job killer. All we need is something like that to send more employers overseas. The unions may need it and want it, but if we are smart they won't get it.
David Denholm
Vienna, VA
To the Editor:
High speed rail is a great way to approach climate change that doesn't depend on regulation or further enriching Wall Street through a cap-n-trade scheme. Now I wonder if there would be a way to link high speed rail and other forms of mass transit to national security by arguing that reducing our reliance on foreign oil serves the same purpose of making us safer. Maybe large amounts of funding for high speed rail and mass transit could be included in the homeland security budget. The original rationale for the interstate system was directly linked to national security, in that tanks and other vehicles would be able to quickly move around the country.
Daniel Krause
San Francisco
Co-Founder and Vice-Chair of Californians For High Speed Rail
To the Editor:
You people have no tolerance for groups that think differently than yours. Why can't Focus on the Family pay for their opinion just like any other?
John Cullen
Long Beach, CA
Ed. Note: Ironically, the article in question that this reader objects to talks about a TV ad for a gay dating website has been censored from the Super Bowl - while CBS will air an ad from the anti-gay Focus on the Family.
To the Editor:
Howard Zinn was a good friend and colleague over the past 50 years of "combat" to subvert a truly Fascist, secrete, imperial, racist government. Also, Howard ALWAYS ANSWERED my many letters and notes from Berkeley to Fern St. in Auburndale, Ma. He was a joy to be with and laugh with as no matter what, he had a sense of humor and believed always in letting "right be done" ... He leaves us at a momentous time as there is no one, no one, like him to step up and lead what is necessary to save this country in the 21st century. Our generation -- who lived through a massive depression, nearly getting the government changed forever, a giant war and more killings, and then the Bushs and Cheney!!!!--is dying out.
Jack and Harriet Chamberlain
Walnut Creek, CA
You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to:
Beyond Chron
126 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-9850 (phone)
Readers Speak Out on Howard Zinn; Europe's Promise ...
Feb. 01‚ 2010
To the Editor:
I really appreciate Randy's passionate testament to the significance of the life and work of Howard Zinn. As a busy union organizer, I did not have the chance to take stock of the significance of this loss last week. Randy makes a good point about the NY Times center stage tribute to the life of JD Salinger while punting Zinn's obit to the sidelines. Zinn came through Austin Texas speaking at many forums against the Vietnam War and for social justice throughout the 70's and 80's. His voice will be missed. We can each of us help continue Zinn's work by dusting off our copy of A People's History and sharing it with a young friend.
Glenn Scott
Austin, Texas
To the Editor:
In the years since the first edition of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States was published in 1980, it has been used as an alternative to standard textbooks in many high school and college history courses; A Peoples History routinely sells more than 100,000 copies a year. The book is one of the most widely known examples of critical pedagogy.
The basic tenet of "critical pedagogy" is that there is an unequal social stratification in our society based upon class, race and gender. Critical pedagogy reminiscent of the Hebrew symbol of tikkun, which means "to heal, repair, and transform the world, all the rest is commentary." Critical pedagogy considers how education can provide individuals with the tools to better themselves and strengthen democracy, to create a more egalitarian and just society, and thus to deploy education in a process of progressive social change. It involves teaching the skills that will empower citizens and students to become sensitive to the politics of representations of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, and other cultural differences in order to foster critical thinking and enhance democratization.
Today, that's what our students and society as a whole need.
Ralph E. Stone
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Howard Zinn was not a great man, just one that hated his own country. A country that provided him with everything. I heard him say in an interview with Dennis Prager that, "the world would have been better off, if the United States had never been." He was a fraud that fed fools. And I have read his books, his view of the U.S. is the same one a Proctologist has of the human body, he got the notice he earned.
Brian Astley
Sacramento, CA
To the Editor:
Thank you for the book review of "Europe's Promise" by Steven Hill. Through many different sources, I had already found out that Europe's social policies are vastly superior to those of this country. I had also concluded that there is no likelihood of USA ever replicating the kind of safety net that they have in most of Europe at least as long as I am alive. (I am 58 and expect to live another 20-30 years.) In my spiritual group is a woman who is Dutch and moved here as an adult. She stays because her grown children are here. Her conclusion was that media manipulation makes it impossible for the social democratic policies to ever happen here.
Chris Darling
Richmond, CA
You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to:
Beyond Chron
126 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-9850 (phone)
Oregon Election; Reducing School Achievement Gap; More on NUHW Victory at Kaiser; "Phedre" Review; More on Howard Dean ...
Jan. 29‚ 2010
To the Editor:
With all due respect to wishful thinking. The citizens of Oregon have faith that their government will not squander the money it receives. Here in California that is not so. Watching our state and city governments in action is to watch money thrown down a toilet and flushed out to sea.
Walter Bell
San Francisco
To the Editor:
You could give every 49'er an additional million dollars and the still would have won the same amount of games. My point is, until you yourself have managed to navigate a child that's in the controlled group through this process, then your writing is just OPINION. I believe this opinion piece would have more weight if the writer was a parent with real life/time experience. Futhermore, until you address the one thing that is constant in this whole process are teachers and their unions.
Omar Khalif
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Blah, blah, blah. What about the fact that OVER ONE-THIRD (1/3) of all school age children in San Francisco attend private schools? One reason is because the current system doesn't allow a child to attend a NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL. That's right, if you live across the street from a good school, there's no guarantee you'll get in. IF the board doesn't change that, then parents will continue to forego public school. Limiting the percentage of low income families won't change that.
B.F.D.
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Wonderful article about NUHW's victory at Kaiser. It mirrors the joy I felt when I got a text telling me that the last ballot had been counted. I got on the phone, forgetting that everyone would be at the victory party. I had to express my joy to every rank and file member I could find in my house. Telling them our turn is just around the corner ...
Toni Rangel
Hawthorne, CA
To the Editor:
It was apparent in the beginning that SEIU will be packing bags out of Kaiser. The election at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital was a clear signal that International President Andy Stern's apparatus in California is failing. I call on other SEIU Local union leaders in California to abandon Mr. Stern's failed leadership. It's time for a change. We need new leaders in Washington, D.C. before this union will completely disappear.
Andres Bonifacio
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Phedre at the A.C.T. was the most BORING play in history! I went on a day where all the students attended. Every time I would look around, I saw students asleep on their chair. On top of it all, the students and myself would start laughing at the so-called most DRAMATIC moments. This was a waste of money. Don't go see it.
Bella Eclipse
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Right on. I am a huge Howard Dean fan. Obama should jettison Rahm Emmanuel. I am giving up on the Democratic Party, and will support Dean's org and Move On. The Dems are clueless, and many just as hostage to special interests as Republicans. Thoroughly disgusted.
John Marksbury
Palm Springs, CA
You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to:
Beyond Chron
126 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-9850 (phone)
Infuriating Washington Politics; NUHW Victory at Kaiser; Hope for Obama; More on Massachusetts ...
Jan. 28‚ 2010
To the Editor:
I hate to say this, but I think that George W. Bush had more effective control over Congress than Obama does. Bush would have NEVER let his agenda (domestic or foreign) get filibustered. Obama needs to be more like Dubya when it comes to our healthcare, or lack thereof.
Kevin Bard
San Francisco
Dear Paul:
Thanks for all you are doing. You inspire me to hang in there. I am distraught by the way the Obama Administration has blown 2009, and are well on to wrecking 2010 and November. I thought the whole fucking awful Primary battle with Hill/Bill was to rid ourselves of the 90's Clintonistas and their ilk. To wrestle control of the Party away from them.
Nope. Barack from day one just loaded up on their ilk. He is paying the price now. He is now just an average Dem President. When - when we HAD to have an FDR type moment - he punted. We just have to elect better Democrats - that is the Daily Kos mantra and has been a long while and that it would take nearly a decade starting with 2006 to accomplish. Barack though taking a chapter out of the Clintons book called "How to Kick the Progressives to the Curb" has been most devastating. I'm already sick of Barack's constant "every-day" public pontifications. All Yak and not much Do. Not on the scale that is needed nor to keep the Republicans down. They can smell blood in the water right now. Barack and Company will reap what they've sown.
Austin McDonough
Oakland, CA
To the Editor:
Many Public sector chapters in SEIU would like to go with NUHW. NUHW is what SEIU once was, a union that was Member Driven. A Union that believed in Democracy. SEIU is a good lesson of what happens when the top becomes so big that they believe their own lies. SEIU has had to lie to the members and raise their Dues in order to continue the fight against NUHW. SEIU is using Eastern Local's dues monies to fight NUHW in California. I think that what is happening in California will spread through-out the country. "POWER TO THE PEOPLE."
Harry Gamotan
Salinas, California
To the Editor:
I could hardly wait to get up this morning to check the LA Kaiser Hospital election results in BeyondChron. I was downright exuberant with the Kaiser workers and the NUHW leaders and organizers over the tremendous victory. That overwhelming win was rightly attributed to the profound commitment and conscientious organizing by the rank-and-file leaders and members themselves (not to minimize the crucial role of the Union leaders and organizers, of course.)
That reality reflects what I experienced in the early 90s when I worked here in San Francisco as a union organizer for the Health Care Workers Union (Local 250): That union, under Sal Rosselli's visionary leadership, was a strong democratic union, one in which the members always played a vital role in decision making, To this day, nothing has changed in that regard. Congratulations to all around. And now, forward to many more such victories!
Forever in solidarity,
Sister Bernie Galvin, cdp
San Francisco
To the Editor:
As a refugee from the trusteed UHW, I am not at all surprised that the NUHW is beginning to clean SEIU's clock regularly now that they have carved out a base, and once given "permission" to vote by the NLRB, tens of thousands of workers will become part of the wave. The IU is running out of staff from around the country to throw into the grinder, and some of the rank and file is getting hot about dumping their dues and staff on Andy's Adventures.
A perfect storm is brewing for the purple plague: As the NLRB runs out of reasons to collaborate with SEIU to block dozens of elections, the flood of losses will be growing while their Ralph Kramden scheme to take over UNITE HERE will go belly up and peter out as it wreaks whatever havoc they can manage going down. Meanwhile, the bosses can go from a focus on burying EFCA to an opening to take the offensive with fresh meat on "Union corruption and twisted democracy" supplied on a platter by the former boy wonder of Labor.
As the author noted, just the base of his handpicked SoCal team, entrusted by him to protect and defend the rights of over a hundred thousand workers (Flim Flam Freeman and Annelle Grajeda in LA and now former Corporate lawyer Sharon Frances-Moore in San Diego) has been removed (or "resigned") and are under investigation for grotesque corruption and/or anti-democratic practices that would make the cast of On the Waterfront proud -- and no one with a working brain thinks Stern could be shocked, shocked about real Trouble in River City after countless reports from members, leaders and even his own IU staff.
Stern is now a dilettante who became infatuated with his "rocket age" ideas and persona (which consequently diminished his desire and capacity for critical evaluation) which were once cutting edge bold yet practical and ethical. Like too many other great minds with potential, he got lost in his own ego, masked as a vision of the greater good, leading inevitably to contracting his circle of trusted advisers and valuing loyalty more than even basic competence.
More importantly, fight backs by NUHW, UNITE HERE, other Unions and allies of Labor will force a change in the movement, albeit at a pace more slowly than had SEIU not gone plumb loco and forgotten every one of their former principles. While for now they wade neck deep (with awesome powers of denial) into the Big Muddy, even the biggest gator in the swamp faces his day of reckoning -- and that right soon.
Mike Wilzoch
Aurora, CO
Dear Rochelle:
Thanks for not giving up on OUR PRESIDENT. After all, everything did not happen over night that has brought us to the state that we are in -- and surely it will not end over night. Sure statement have been made by the President what he wanted to happen, I think that it was naive on his part but not in his heart. Good thing is going to happen, but if we all pull together and stop blaming each party - Each of us have a part in making a hold body, and we can help. My heart goes out to the people in Haiti - I have given my monies and I know it will/can be rebuilt. Let us all pray.
Bobbie Earsey
San Francisco
To the Editor:
During the presidential election, Obama won Massachusetts with 68 percent of the votes. Yet, enough Massachusetts Democrats and Independents, who I imagine are mostly moderate to progressive, cut off their noses to spite their face by voting for Scott Brown. Now Massachusetts citizens -- and the rest of the country -- have a Senator to the right of his own party. Guess how much progressive legislation will be passed without a filibuster-proof Senate? Talk about voting against your own self interest to make a point. Way to go Massachusetts. (And I was born in Worcester, Mass.)
Ralph E. Stone
San Francisco
You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to:
Beyond Chron
126 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-9850 (phone)
Obama's State of the Union; Newsom Wants a Date; NUHW and Kaiser; District 10 Race; Chocolate Milk ...
Jan. 27‚ 2010
To the Editor:
I too will not watch Obama's speech, because I feel that every time his lips are moving he is lying.
James Ricciuti
Waynesburg, PA
To the Editor:
Good article. I too will skip the speeches. Now you are catching on, I recognized the empty campaign promises for what they were during the presidential campaign (nothing new about that). News flash, the elitists are going to discover how many intelligent people in this country have been paying attention since the media fueled 'mass' hysteria of the election. Most of the midterm election voters have very low expectations and will tip the scales in favor of political gridlock. We can't afford any more 'help' from the government.
Keith Beattie
Greenville, TX
To the Editor:
I have been writing this same message to the President since last March. I have asked him, time and time, to mount his horse and take out his Saber. So far, no warrior has appeared coming out of the White House. My fear is that the President just does not know how to fight. His next chance at getting things done may be his last. Time is running out. Good article, and the beginning of the next phase of history.
John Holter
Baltimore
To the Editor:
Randy Shaw is either naive, far too entrenched in his own ideology, or both. Primarily, he sites the unions as the sole representation of the middle class. As a card carrying member of the middle class but not a union member, my taxes will foot the bill for my middle class peers who are union members to maintain their cadillac plan. Perhaps that plan was over generous in the first place. My coverage is just average and it will do.
I don't expect any of the union members to pick up my tab. As for the war. When each President hits the world stage and becomes privy to the intelligence, complexities and subtleties of diverse cultures and their intentions, conflict historically becomes a part of the formula to maintain balance. Since the beginning of humankind there has been war somewhere. A sad commentary on humanity and our ability to coexist. We must be ever vigilant in trying to improve our efforts to negotiate a win win for ourselves and others. In the mean time we must do the best we can to at least maintain.
Barbara Kern
Indianapolis
To the Editor:
Excellent Article!! You have put "the obvious" into words, and yet most of the news media do not want to say it! Thank you for showing that the 'individuals of millions' don't have to say to themselves. "Am I the only one who sees it this way?" Keep up the great reporting!
Steve Tuz
Charlotte, NC
To the Editor:
Barack Obama is exactly who he represented himself to be. Those that were delusional are the ones disappointed. This is the poorest /shallow excuse of reasoning I have read in some time. Grow the %$#@ up! We have plenty of children voicing thier opinions already.
Timothy Counts
Hayward, CA
To the Editor:
You hit the nail on the head by pointing out the difference between the "sayer" and the "doer." The sad truth (for those that support Obama) is that he will always be in "campaign mode."
Mark Simons
Martinez, CA
To the Editor:
I can understand and appreciate the frustration with the Democrats and the Obama Administration. I too have felt the anger over the lack of movement on any of the polices that they were elected to implement.
But I am from the generation that watched this same anger and frustration toward the Democrats in the 60's that led to the election of Richard Nixon. That election led the United States through 40 plus years of the "dark ages" of our political system. Republicans have learned that to divide is to conquer. And unfortunately, we have not learned how to push for change with the current Administration, without dividing and destroying our own purpose.
I agree with most of the challenges we have faced in trying to create change. But we are too eager to forget all that Obama has done that we would never have seen with a Republican Administration. I have witnessed personally many people who after being laid off, only having to pay 1/3 of the COBRA for their Health Insurance -- this would have never happened with a Bush or McCain administration.
There is more. We must remember that we can work for change with the Democrats but we cannot work for change with the Republicans. We must learn new methods of becoming more a part of making change with the current Administration then being disappointed, angry and allowing another Republican to take another House or Senate Seat -- another 8 years of "Bush" type governing and its all over.
Nancy College
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Brother Shaw, your writing and criticism are well placed, so how about you proposing some ideas to the President that will make things better? Do you believe that McCain would have even tried to get a health plan for uninsured Americans? How can we have two wars going and not take care of our own peoples' health? May I have your take on the recent decision by the Supreme Court to allow companies to spend as much as they want to get an candidate elected? Doesn't that sound a little like a banana republic's way of conducting elections?
Please, give us some positive ideas. We're listening!
Andre LaRochelle
Santa Rosa, CA
To the Editor:
I always felt Obama was too conservative for my support. Now, I guess, everyone see he is not the liberal progressives were looking for. Live and learn. It's too bad -- there was so much optimism after the election. We lost health care reform because the Democrats and Obama were too weak to get it through even if they were in the majority. At the end, they compromised so much that the only winners were the insurance companies.
Maggie Carmody
Foster City, CA
To the Editor:
This says A LOT about Newsom's leadership philosophy, or lack thereof. He is so afraid to be in the same room with people who disagree with him that it's shocking. If this job development plan is so great, Newsom should be willing to fight for it IN THE BOARD CHAMBERS!
Kevin Bard
San Francisco
To the Editor:
I have some concerns about innaccuracies in this article. Rank and file members were included in the pension bargaining sessions. I am one of 4 elected rank and file members who participated from UHW. NUHW supporters chose to boycott this bargaining, with the hope that Kaiser would wait until they had their former leaders in a new union (NUHW). Kaiser was unwilling to wait. 29 unions in the Kaiser Coalition, not just UHW, were at the table.
The lump sum was reduced because of the pension protection Act requirements to keep it 80% funded. In order to do so, the rate by which the lump sum was calculated was changed from the T-Bill to the CBR. As you may or may not know, there is an inverse relationship with rates and payouts. The lower the prevailing rate, the higher the payout. If Kaiser had continued the use of the T-Bill, the lump sum payout would be so high it would drain the fund. We did bargain an enhanced "pop-up " survivor benefit, to make the lifetime annuity more attractive. I have even more details if you are truly interested in accuracy.
Trez Fleming
Placerville, CA
To the Editor:
Great analysis on the District 10 race, but don't assume a field full of African Americans insures that an African American candidate will win the race. The shrinking percentage of Black voters in the district coupled with a divided candidate field may result in a dynamic similar to what occurred in D4 with the Ed Jew race. So many Chinese candidates entered the race that an Arab man lead the run off. Ed Jews surprise win was totally unpredicted. Look at the potential for candidates of Asian ethnicity or a White female to gain foothold.
Ahimsa Sumchai, MD
San Francisco
To the Editor:
As a nutritionist and long term school nutrition advocate, I agree completely with the arguments presented in this article. The priority is to improve the amount of body building nutrients students get. These include calcium and protein. Chocolate milk is a means to that end. I applaud the responsiveness of Berkeley Farms,and hope that they will revisit the issue of amount of sugar in their product as they get input from parents and students. Thank you, Dana Woldow, for taking a complex issue and making it understable and accesible to us.
Laura Brainin-Rodriguez
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Choco milk - the great distraction: "Identifying the barriers which keep students from eating the cafeteria meals, and overcome those barriers, is vital to getting more students to eat school lunch. The barriers include stubborn issues like the stigma some students feel when they accept a 'free' meal; or getting teenagers to remember to dig the meal application out of their backpack (where it has fallen to the bottom and been crushed into an accordion shape)"
I think those examples say a lot -- if a child is hungry or ill-nourished, he/she does NOT routinely lose a meal ticket or refuse to eat in the school cafeteria. What we have here is another costly program that needs to be pared back to address only those students who truly need it. And as for schools providing nutritious food -- if you really want to change matters, offer nutrition and cooking instruction along with free food to the moms, dads, and grandparents who can put good practices into effect at home.
This school lunch business is just that -- a business opportunity for non-profiteers and government employees to punch their time cards. These people are benefiting from a system that does not want poor people to change their own lives. If poor folks did so, THAT would be radical and empowering. Changing choco milk -- 'very empowering' indeed.
Dana B.
San Francisco
To the Editor:
Yeah to the work of Dana Woldow and the others. It may be a small victory, but it is a victory!
Patricia Gray
San Francisco
You can submit letters to the editor by clicking on this link: feedback@beyondchron.org or by writing to:
Beyond Chron
126 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-9850 (phone)
Feb. 04, 2010 -- Crucial Moment for Affordable Housing in Silicon Valley
Feb. 04, 2010 -- Diverse Applicant Pool Critical to Success of Redistricting Commission
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Feb. 04, 2010 -- Republican Voters; Europe Book Review; Feedback on School Beat ...
Feb. 03, 2010 -- Supervisor Candidates Find Ways to Skirt Around Limit
Feb. 03, 2010 -- Poll: Large Portion Of GOP Thinks Obama Is Racist, Socialist, Non-U.S. Citizen
Feb. 03, 2010 -- Chronicle Falls into Right-Wing Frames on Deficit
Feb. 03, 2010 -- "I Heard That": Obama “I Don’t Quit!”; Black History Month; Lorraine Hansberry Theater’s New Home!; Blues for Charles Sullivan ...
Feb. 03, 2010 -- Obama's Shift; More Howard Zinn; Some Readers Don't Like Tommi ...
Feb. 02, 2010 -- Obama Revives the Dukakis Presidency
Feb. 02, 2010 -- Obama’s SOTU: Now “We are all Republicans”
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February 9, 2010
