Letters to the editor Letters to the editor (May 20, 2005)

Relations commission deserves support

Editor:

It's sad to see the city council's procedures committee even bring the purpose of the existence of the Human Relations Commission to the full council. This item should have never come out of committee.

The HRC was formed to address the needs and represent the concerns of so many in this community who feel they are not represented by the council. The commission was also formed to give residents a non-intimidating venue made up of community members like themselves.

Other than Laura Macias, these privileged council members more than likely have never had to deal with racial profiling, day labor, housing discrimination or language challenges. So how can they dictate the HRC work plan or priorities?

This is the only advocate commission that has the ability to address real quality-of-life issues that affect so many in the community. The HRC is the advocate for residents who feel left out or left behind by government, and those who are supposed to represent their well-being in Mountain View.

There are already issues the commission has attempted to address and put in their work plan. But this council and prior councils have attempted to hijack the HRC purpose with less substantive issues. And the HRC's failure to act is a direct reflection on the council and city's failure to address the issues.

I hope the council can somehow see the need for the Human Relations Commission and fund not only staff but also monthly meeting schedules. This is at times the only commission for those who struggle to work and live in the city.

I hope the Mountain View community will write or call council members and attend the next council meeting to show their support for the Human Relations Commission. Rosiland Bivings Boranda Avenue

United Airlines abandons its employees

Editor:

United Airlines: a very unfriendly airlines.

I read with absolute amazement how a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved of United Airlines abandoning its pension program and putting tens of thousands of retirees' financial future in jeopardy. Honest, hard-working employees put the better part of half a century's work in those pensions, trusting and counting on United to help them live their retirement in financial security.

I can only say that United Airlines' actions are shameful at best, and to top it off, United is getting American taxpayers to assume its pension responsibilities.

One would have to wonder how well United cares for its passengers, considering how badly they abused their current and past employees. Whatever happened to the friendly skies? Stephen B. Carkeek Jr. Livermore retired from United Airlines

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