DEAR EDITOR:
In response to my April 19th letter, in which I stated my belief
and position that ALL citizens possess the right to run for elected
office in Gilroy, whether a union member or not, Stuart Allen
responded with a paraphrased narrative written by the Roman
citizen, Titus Livius (Livy) who lived from 59 B.C. to 17 A.D., an
author more noted for his vivid descriptions of events, than his
historical accuracies and his rigorous checking of his sources
(Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th Ed., 2001).
DEAR EDITOR:
In response to my April 19th letter, in which I stated my belief and position that ALL citizens possess the right to run for elected office in Gilroy, whether a union member or not, Stuart Allen responded with a paraphrased narrative written by the Roman citizen, Titus Livius (Livy) who lived from 59 B.C. to 17 A.D., an author more noted for his vivid descriptions of events, than his historical accuracies and his rigorous checking of his sources (Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th Ed., 2001).
In his own words, Mr. Allen believes and supports James Brescoll in the belief that a worker, who pays union dues in our current society, should NOT be represented, no longer has the right to be represented, specifically on our city council. Their beliefs suggest that unions are no longer necessary and are not in touch with their union supporters/members.
I hold the opposite position. Unions have been around for a long time and still represent the rights of workers (both union and non-union), all the way back to our Roman heritage.
My story of “color” comes from an historically correct event in the critically researched book entitled “Cicero”, page 14, written by Anthony Everitt: “During one never-to-be-forgotten confrontation over a debt crisis in 493 B.C., the entire population of Rome withdrew its labor. The plebs (the workers) evacuated Rome and encamped on a neighboring hill. It was an inspired tactic. The Patricians (aristocracy) were left in charge – but of empty streets. They quickly admitted defeat and allowed the creation of new officials, TRIBUNES, whose sole purpose was to protect the interests of the plebs (the People).”
It is remarkable that in 493 B.C., the ruling class learned immediately that the Patricians (aristocracy) NEEDED the People (workers), unlike Mr. Allen, Mr. Brescoll, and others who have not caught on as fast as their Roman predecessors.
Kristine Dillon, Gilroy
Submitted Sunday, May 2 to ed****@****ic.com
