Union finds handling of rally on trade deal unfair

Union finds handling ofrally on trade deal unfair
EDITOR:
I am a member of the United Steelworkers of America. Back in November, many of my fellow union brothers and sisters traveled to Miami, Fla., as part of my union's delegation to protect the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The FTAA is a trade agreement that will extend NAFTA to 31 additional countries across the Western Hemisphere and will be even more devastating to workers than NAFTA has been. Nearly 1 million American manufacturing jobs have been destroyed since NAFTA was enacted 10 years ago, and the FTAA will further accelerate the destruction of jobs.
While in Miami, rallies, marches and a union conference were held to make sure our voice was heard. However, Miami seemed more like the Third World than the United States. The police were totally out of control. They did not want us to speak out about this trade agreement.
There were arbitrary arrests, illegal searches, beatings, tear gas, pepper spray and a general unwarranted intimidation from the thousands of police in full riot gear. It was like a war zone right here in America. Retirees and war veterans were also not spared this disgusting treatment.
I have many questions: Why are some in government so afraid of dissent? Why were the rights of so many peaceful citizens violated? Why were we treated in this manner? Why were the police so ready to beat ordinary citizens? How can this happen?
I have joined with many other members of my union to call for a congressional investigation of the police actions in Miami. I have written our U.S. representative and senators to demand that they join this call for an investigation.
"With liberty and justice for all" includes Miami, Fla.
RICK STRAUB
Salem
Wonderful ideas: UpgradingBeeghly, reopening YSU inn
EDITOR:
What a wonderful idea to upgrade Beeghly Center into a top-notch convocation center and to reopen Wick-Pollock Inn. Finally, an idea that shows common sense and that can be done now.
The building is in place, as are parking, security, insurance, utilities. It's not in an area with a problem with a sanitary sewer easement and that has flooded in the past and will do so again. It will not be necessary to take the private property. It's a good deal for the taxpayers and for the city of Youngstown.
But, no! Several councilmen oppose the idea. They certainly have had long enough to figure this out and have had no idea what to do.
They are more worried about getting bonding money so minority contractors can bid on the $182 million school construction contracts. They were elected to serve all the people and should do so.
F. GENE McCULLOUGH
Poland
Terror of executioncan serve as deterrent
EDITOR:
Several papers recently carried an AP story headlined, "Condemned murderer screams for God's help before execution." The article described how Ohioan Lewis Williams physically resisted preparations for his execution and called upon God, professing his innocence, despite evidence of guilt.
It gives a glimpse of the panic of execution to be faced if one takes the life of another. It describes a frightened Williams. I wonder how terrified his 76-year-old victim was just before he shot her in the face in her home.
The article also describes his mother sobbing at the execution. I wonder how many of the elderly victim's children and grandchildren have sobbed for her since 1983. I hope this account will serve notice on those who believe they can commit murder and not suffer the same fate as their victim(s).
Execution is always far more humane than the terror of murder. We must resist the socially liberal and false idea that execution is as violent as murder. That is never true. It will be a good deterrent when we see murderers demonstrate their own personal terror, even though it's troublesome to behold.
THOMAS YOUNG
Salem