Letters to the Editor

Unions' role

This letter is in response to the article titled "Big labor places a bet on Obama as a union man" by Mallory Factor. Imagine that, a president who would look out for the working people and not just corporations.

Mr. Factor points out that labor's agenda is to get the Employee Free Choice Act passed, which is true. If a majority of employees have signed cards saying they want a union, it doesn't end there. They would then be allowed to have a fair election process and not be lied to, harassed and fired.

Mr. Factor voiced concerns that people who do not want to join a union would be forced to join and pay dues if a union was voted in by a majority.

In a right to work state such as South Carolina, the union is forced to represent everyone in the bargaining unit. This means that everyone benefits, not just those who choose to pay the union dues for the benefits they receive. (If you think this is fair, let's try running our government this way and see what happens.)

Mr. Factor also seems to have a problem with the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act. He states that public-safety employees would no longer be permitted to bargain individually and could be forced to accept a union's representation. Do local governments have the manpower to negotiate a bargaining agreement with each employee individually, or would it be more effective if management worked with employees to come up with a wage and benefits package?

The reason behind any organization or club is the strength in numbers, and it works in the workplace, too.

Unions brought 40-hour work weeks, health insurance, child-labor laws and other employee benefits.

ERIN McKEE
President
Charleston Labor Council
Short River Court
Mount Pleasant

Reinstate column

I am very disappointed to learn that James Beck is no longer writing a tennis column for The Post and Courier. There has been little tennis coverage since before Wimbledon, and the Charleston tennis community has been abuzz on what to do about it.

The column had a good balance between international and local tennis news. It provided interesting insights into the professional tennis scene, as well as updates on the latest USTA programs.

Mr. Beck was always fair, giving all the local centers, clubs and teams their share of coverage and program promotion. He covered everything from college teams to the latest information about young people who had excelled in the inner-city tennis program for youth.

I have been involved with tennis programs in Charleston for many years. I am, therefore, often stopped at stores and restaurants by tennis players and non-tennis players to discuss the latest tournaments or tennis news. Many times, the topic originated from Mr. Beck's tennis column in The Post and Courier.

I would like to urge you to reinstate the tennis column. The tens of thousands of Charleston-area residents who are interested in tennis miss the much needed information.

PEGGY BOHNE
Tennis Manager
City of Charleston
Recreation Department
Farmfield Avenue
Charleston

Trash and litter

The Aug. 5 Post and Courier article titled "Curbside clutter sign of the times" and the accompanying photos provide evidence of a chronic problem for much of peninsular Charleston.

The trash and litter are often connected to transient residents, such as college students, who dwell among us in such large numbers. Exacerbating this is the apparent inability or unwillingness of city government and others to take on this disgrace with resolve. It is, indeed, depressing when you see a sofa sitting on the curb, and it's been rained on.

Imagine how depressing it is to permanent residents with a vested interest in their neighborhoods.

I'm well aware that the city has a livability unit to deal with such issues. But I'm also aware that it is understaffed and, all too often, there are no consequences for persistent violators.

If the city is concerned about this, what is it doing to strengthen laws to hold landlords and residents more accountable?

Assuming the city government acknowledges this to be a significant issue, what steps can it take to strengthen enforcement?

How about more appearances in Livability Court and fines of $1,100 for such abuses on a regular basis?

That would surely get the attention of scofflaws and the indifferent, whether landlords or tenants.

I'm also aware that colleges in the area, notably the College of Charleston, have assumed much greater responsibility for the behavior and well-being of their students in recent years. Nonetheless, there is much more to be done. The photos themselves clearly demonstrate that.

DAN LESESNE
Warren Street
Charleston

Lessons for U.S.

Where is the United States headed? Is it limping south or roaring ahead to again occupy its premier position as an admired world leader and innovator?

Visits abroad give perspective and context to our current apprehensive state.

European and Asian airlines mostly operate newer aircraft, offer fine cuisine and efficient service.

Easy connections from airports to cities with clean high-speed trains eliminate inordinate time at airports check-in counters for short-haul flights.

In the south of France, old rail beds have been converted into paved paths, which are dedicated for cycling and walking between towns. The absence of obesity is striking, no doubt reflecting what lifestyle, diet and exercise can achieve.

In Holland, the ubiquitous bike is king, and most able-bodied residents, young and old, ride them.

Dedicated bike paths run in tandem to most sidewalks, and even run parallel to expressways. Electric streetcars and high-frequency train services reduce the need for a car.

There are lessons here for us, not only environmental but for healthier living.

In Brazil vehicles are "flex," using ethanol or gasoline. Ethanol, made from sugar cane, is 60 percent of the cost of gasoline, and it has a larger market share.

Our recent primary season has again reignited our faith that refreshing new leadership will emerge with the necessary vision and inspiration to tap into our great reservoir of potential energy and talent.

DAVID J. WALDRON
Cotton Field Drive
Mount Pleasant

Oops, my mistake

I stand corrected by a letter writer from Summerville, and my deepest apologies to him and my dear friends "from off" for suggesting those "from off" lack manners and compassion. Not true.

You have enhanced the entire Lowcountry with all manner of talent, resources, generosity and love. You keep our community vibrant.

Though used in a joking way by the natives to tease non-natives, in this case, it was an inappropriate remark not meant to be offensive.

So, thank you, sir, for your reprimand. I needed that.

RAINEY EVANS
Bedon's Alley
Charleston