Use of martial terms insulting
To the Editor:
I was shocked when I read the April issue of The Communicator. The article titled “PEF sending first heroes into national political fray” was a slap in the face to soldiers and veterans. 

Equating voter registration with heroism was revolting. In contrast to Afghanistan and Iraq, where real heroes are doing heroic things every day, this was a tasteless and lame attempt to let union activities ride their coattails. The article’s use of martial terms — boot camp, deployment, hero, etc. — to elevate them and their work to heroic proportions was an insult.

“Hero” is misused too often and the article prove this. That you could compare getting shot at, wounded, killed, and living under extremely adverse conditions in faraway places where lots of people want to kill you to voter registration is ludicrous.
BRIAN PERAZONE
South Kortright

Wants to survey nurses on BSN
To the Editor:
I am responding to the February article “Proposed BSN requirement could worsen nurse crisis.”
I support the proposed BSN (bachelor of science nursing degree) requirement.

I feel (opposition to) this is another example of “dumbing down” in the American education system. If nurses don’t raise the professional education requirement, we will never raise the profession to be on a par with other medical professions such as occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist, registered dietitian and registered pharmacist — some of which require more than a four-year degree for entry level practice. 

Possibly, if we raise and equalize our educational requirements, it will raise nursing to a standard that will interest young people to enter the profession. We have the opportunity to enroll in a degree program for skills and experience.

I have spoken to other RNs who feel as I do. I’d be interested in seeing a survey from professional registered nurses on this topic. I believe RNs will be in favor of changing the educational requirement to raise the profession to where it should be.
BONNIE DEMIANCZYK
Nassau

Thanks for help with promotions
To the Editor:
PEF President Roger Benson’s hard work in pushing the promotions for myself and some other scientists at the NYS Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) through the bureaucracy has finally paid off. 
Without his efforts and the support of PI Director Dr. Cournos, it would not have happened. Roger is doing a great job and trying as best he can to help the members. 

I am much appreciative of PEF’s support and thank Roger for helping this promotion go through. 
BASALINGAPP HUNGUND
Tappan

The Communicator Letters policy
We welcome letters to the editor about union issues and events relevant to PEF's diverse membership.

All letters are subject to editing for space, fairness and good taste.

Please keep them brief (up to one page, double-spaced or a maximum of 250 words), and please include your name and phone number for verification.
Send letters to:
The Communicator
Public Employees Federation
P.O. Box 12414
Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414

Denyce Duncan Lacy, Executive Editor The Communicator and
Director of Public Relations dduncanlacy@pef.org
Sherry Halbrook, Editor of The Communicator - shalbrook@pef.org