Letters
There is a misconception that unions are still like the days of Jimmy Hoffa. The truth is, that Service Employees International Union (SEIU)/California United Homecare Workers (CUHW), is not. I have been involved with this union for some time now and have seen firsthand the caring people who are involved and most of them have been subjected to this misconception because of the large corporations and politicians that play their hands to make it seem that way, that all unions are "bullies."
SEIU/CUHW is a "No Strike, No Lockout" union, which means that they don't really have the same powers that most unions have. They have to rely on the good sense and morality of the counties that administer the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, and try to compromise on every situation, knowing full well that they are representing, not just the IHSS providers, but the consumers as well, and need to provide various protections to those people, especially when it comes to "freedom of choice."
This union worked and is still working in conjunction with the consumers, to find ways to help them live better lives and protect them as well. I know, in fact, that this union has tried many ways to come up with ideas for a compromise here in Lake County, but instead was rejected over and over. They are then being subjected to the conception that the union is here to "bully" this county.
The fact is, our county Board of Supervisors has been bullying the union, knowing full well that the union doesn't have the same powers as any other union and can only ask for the county to help represent the program in an ethical, moral, and professional manner.
The recent history of our board has shown the people in Lake County that they do not represent us and the people in Denise Rushing's district proved that, by electing her into office, thereby replacing someone who didn't want to support the community.
The remaining board members should take a long look at themselves and consider their constituents and know that they have the power the vote either for them, or against them, and they'd better do it soon, or the reality of a recall could be a rude awakening.
Laurel Elliott is an IHSS care provider. She lives in Nice.
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- Written by: Laurel Elliott
It’s time to read that old Faustian play, Damn Yankees, again. Everyone has forgotten. In the show, Joe Hardy agrees to give his soul to the devil if the devil helps him and his favorite team (Washington Senators) beat those damn Yankees. The devil agrees. Joe is happy when the devil gives him youth, athletic ability and stardom. He’s especially happy when his Senators beat the Yankees. Joe is not pleased, however, when the devil comes to get him.
Unfortunately, fantasy tales are sometimes true. Without knowing, baseball players today are making contracts with a real devil. They take steroids that make them strong and famous and help them win championships. In high spirits for a while, they have a change of heart when the devil returns with health problems and early death. Tragically, they have to pay the devil’s price. If Ken Caminiti had known the devil was coming for him at age 41, he might not have enjoyed those 40 home runs he hit for the San Diego Padres in 1996. He might not have celebrated so much when they won the division.
Sorry to say, the devil isn’t only interested in baseball players. He’ll make a pact with anyone who doesn’t have vision. He particularly likes the, “I’ll hate myself tomorrow but I’m going to love you tonight” ladies. Smokers enjoy good nicotine feelings and doing things with their hands while lighting up but, when the devil comes with emphysema and lung cancer, they have a change of heart.
Trying to be secular, parents and teachers don’t tell kids about Joe Hardy and the devil anymore. Too many are easy prey for the actual devil and make deals they regret. They get pleasure now and don’t know there’s going to be hell to pay later.
Darrell Watkins lives in Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
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