Proud PEF spoke out on war
To the Editor:
I can only assume the writer of a letter in the December/January issue of The Communicator objects to the PEF convention resolution opposing the war in Iraq, although he never mentions it and refers only to the “war on terrorism.”
Characterizing the majority of PEF delegates as “elitist” and “leftist activists,” he claims the war issue is irrelevant. This statement ignores PEF members serving in the National Guard or military reserves, as well as the diversion of government funds from programs that would benefit our members and all New Yorkers.
The writer recognized unions have historically supported progressive causes. The opposition of organizations such as unions helped end the disaster of American involvement in Vietnam.
I am proud PEF continues this tradition which has moved America forward since the birth of the labor movement.
If unions don’t speak out for the interests of the common man, who will? War is too important to us all to be left to the politicians.
WILLIAM SEATON
Goshen
Supports PEF’s positions
To the Editor:
Despite being number one on a Spanish-language state civil service list, and number 18 in the state on the “English only” equivalent, I waited almost exactly 10 years for a promotion to that title.
Yet some white males, bitter from being passed over, still complain that I must be “unqualified or under-qualified” based on my Hispanic surname alone. So, I fully support PEF’s efforts in this area.
As for the war in Iraq, our government is telling its workers there’s no money for better contracts, while burning money in an Iraq bonfire that does not make us safer, but imperils us further. So, again, PEF is on the right track.
TONY VAZQUEZ
Brooklyn
Vote on war was ill advised
To the Editor:
I am a faithful reader of The Communicator and always appreciate the efforts of PEF to promote or enhance the well-being of its members. However, often I am provoked or puzzled by what I read and, like many others, I usually remain silent.
The November issue reported delegates to the 27th PEF Convention were “Confronted with Resolution 18 calling on PEF to actively oppose the war in Iraq,” and the resolution carried.
It is my opinion Resolution 18 should not have been introduced and presented to the delegates for a vote. It can only serve to further divide the membership of PEF, and does not promote the “unity” I so often read about in the “The Communicator.”
Resolution 18 may have satisfied the need of some for a political statement, but did not promote the best interest of PEF and its membership. Also, this action may alienate the union from some political figures needed to promote our best interest.
I was never polled by any delegate regarding my views on the war in Iraq. It would have been more appropriate to poll the membership and the families of PEF members lost on Sept. 11, prior to a convention vote.
DAVID C. HACHEY
Tupper Lake
Member needs leave donations
To the Editor:
As council leader of PEF Division 299 at Auburn Correctional Facility I am seeking leave donations for PEF member Edward Kernan, a social worker for the state Office of Mental Health, who works here. He has been out of work for several months with a life-threatening illness and has used all of his leave accruals. He is married to a PEF member and they have two young sons. She and other members locally have donated, but he needs more help.
To donate, contact Wanda Paddock in the human resources department at Central New York Psychiatric Center at (315) 765-2924.
Thank you for any help you can give.
JOHN FURNESS
Auburn
The Communicator
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Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414
Email to Sherry Halbrook,
Editor or Darcy Wells, Editor-In Chief.
The
Communicator February 2006
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