Over the past few weeks, much has been written in this paper
about unions. Unions have been demonized by some letter writers and
exalted by others.
Over the past few weeks, much has been written in this paper about unions. Unions have been demonized by some letter writers and exalted by others. We have seen letters denouncing Wal-Mart for not hiring union employees as well as letters from employees at Wal-Mart who love their jobs. Just two weeks ago, our teachers union finally settled their contract with the Gilroy Unified School District. On the local political scene, candidates were proud to announce that the police or firefighters’ unions were endorsing them. I, for one, was unioned out. I didn’t want to hear any more about unions.
Then this past Saturday evening I was one of a few dozen people in the audience at Gilroy High School to watch a terrific rendition of the musical “Working.” The play opens with the song “Look for the Union Label” being piped in as the lights come up. What followed was a tribute to the diversity of the American workforce, beautifully performed by a group of talented Gilroy High students. Leaving the theater, I felt rather ashamed that I had wanted to ignore the topic of unions.
I am pro-union, always have been, and always will be. I am proud to be an American, not despite the unions, but in no small measure because of them. Unions have done more good for this country than every other endeavor except the public education system.
My advice to those Wal-Mart employees who are happy as clams is that they should join a union. If that love-fest between Wal-Mart and its employees is a two-way street, then those freshly unionized employees will more than likely burst with joy. Those happy Wal-Mart employees should try to imagine how wonderful it would be to work at a place where you are treated with dignity and are assured the right to benefits and a livable wage.
I am thrilled that the Gilroy High Drama Department is back in business. Kudos to Kurt Meeker for bringing this ensemble production to Gilroy. Congratulations to those wonderful students who bring this quintessential story of working people to life.
I was disappointed in the size of the audience last Saturday night. There are four more chances to see “Working.” There will be performances tonight, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m, and the final matinee will be on Sunday at 3 p.m. I urge the community to come see the fine work of these talented young students.
***
An explanation is due to Dennis Taylor concerning the Gilroy High newspaper. I did not mean to give anyone the impression that Gilroy High was not allowing the Free Press to write about the firing of Kim Lemos.
California high school newspapers have broad freedom. I don’t want any of the student journalists to feel too intimidated to address the firing of a former teacher. My column was meant to encourage the students who write for the school paper to address the topic.
***
Finally, I must respond to Edwin Diaz regarding the issue of overhauling the English curriculum at Gilroy High. I agree with some of what he has to say. Then there is this statement:
“In response to the statement that the district already has a broad-based coalition of parents to listen to: How do you determine whose voice to hear and whose voice to silence? There are many voices still unheard in our community but highly represented in our student population. Part of our mission to improve communication is to ensure these voices be heard as well.”
Reading the above, it appears that Edwin Diaz does not believe that the Academic Alliance is broad-based coalition of parents. That is his opinion. However, he goes a step further and assumes that those parents who do not voice an opinion are in disagreement with this parent group. Where is Miss Cleo when you really need her?
There is a flaw in this way of looking at parental input. It would be just as easy for the registrar of voters to declare that the new mayor and city council were not the actual choices of the people, since only a minority of voters showed up to vote. As in voting, the voices to listen to are the ones who speak out. Any differing opinions could have been presented at numerous board meetings, parent club meetings, or RLAG meetings.
There was no ‘other voice’ to be heard among the parents. Time and time again I attend meetings where all of the parents who attend are on the same page. There is always someone from the district office who is quick to point out that ‘other parents’ might not share the majority view. While that is possible, it never materializes in the form of actual parents expressing an opinion. Until those mythical parents appear, it would be wise to listen to the voices of those who show up.
