To the Editor:

With the recent strike at Hurd Windows and Doors, there has been considerable activity outside the factory. Despite this there are some employees who feel the activity should be going on the inside of the factory. We who have families to support and believe in the traditional American work ethic continue to pass through the picket lines and perform our duties.

In retaliation, several union members have resorted to some of the most deplorable tactics available. Having served in both the Marines and the National Guard, I now find my duty to this country a target of scorn and slander. After seeing action in both the Gulf War and most recently Operation Iraqi Freedom, my sacrifice is met with such slurs as “You can defend your country but you can’t stand up for your rights?” I am daily harassed and maligned by this self-appointed band of zealots.

The question I posed for these people is this: Where do you think these cherished rights come from? I submit that they come from those who are more interested in the well-being of the whole rather than their own selfish interests. They come from people who are willing to lay their life on the line for the hounding principals of this country.

Perhaps these people in their shortsightedness have forgotten the true target of their strike – the management of Hurd Windows. Maybe they have been so indoctrinated by the modern union mindset that they have forgotten the meaning of teamwork and brotherhood. Could it be that their only motivation is the almighty dollar?

I say to these malefactors that I have seen what price is to be paid for personal freedom and individual rights. And that price was paid in the blood of those who understand what is most important – honor, loyalty and patriotism. Perhaps they would understand better if they served in this manner for even one day.

I also think that most war vets would agree there’s a big difference in fighting in a war than walking the sidewalks holding a sign. But to each their own.

Respectfully,
David J. Kaczmarek
Merrill

Let me see if I understand your position here, Mr. Kaczmarek.
Your fellow union brothers and sisters voted to strike when negotiations with a new, union-busting employer went nowhere. Always a last resort, strikes are effective only when the members stick together and fight to preserve the benefits they've gained. This is especially true in a small town with few good-paying jobs.
YOU, instead, caved in to management and went crawling back for whatever they offered. You then get called a scab and cry about it.
YOU, instead, left your fellow workers to do the fighting for a fair contract while you sneak behind their backs to take their jobs and weaken their position. You then get called a scab and cry about it.
YOU, instead, have the nerve to claim that those fellow workers you deserted have no 'honor' or 'loyalty', no concept of 'teamwork' or 'brotherhood', or that "their only motivation is the almighty dollar?" Look in the mirror, pal. I think that describes your actions pretty well.
And what in the world does being a veteran have to do with any of this? The next time you pass through those folks who've had the guts not to compromise their principles, why not thank your fellow veterans among them for your 'freedom' to stab them in the back.

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When you wish upon a falling star, your dreams can come true. Unless it's really a meteorite hurtling to the Earth which will destroy all life. Then you're pretty much hosed no matter what you wish for. Unless it's death by meteor.

Brian,

Great reply, couldn't have said it better !!!

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God and the Soldier we all adore,
In times of trouble and then no more
when war is over and all things righted
God is forgotten, the old soldier Slighted.

Does any body remember, or know of the Kohler Strike in the fifties. That was the longest strike in history. There are many documentories and books on it. It lasted for 12 years or 15 or something like that. I was a young kid that went along with my father to strike at the gate. I had to stay in the car which was parked on the shoulder of the highway along with 100's of others. I remember the soup wagon that was there every day. The toast and soup was so much better than at home. It was a real adventure for me as a youngster. I had a bunch of coloring books and stuff to occupy myself in the car all day. I loved it and couldn't wait to go along the next day. Sad but true, I was witness to major violence. Thank God I didn't have to see my dad doing any because he didn't. But the vocal instigators were ruthless. They beat cars with baseball bats that were scabbing in thru the gate. They turned cars over after beating on them. Paint bombs in peanut butter jars were thrown at scabs houses around town. They would do that to the houses of lanin stone and brick facia. Others had rocks thrown thru their picture windows with notes attached saying SCAB. And it lasted soooo long. Talk about determination. In later life I married a girl whose father did scab. I asked him why. He said things were rough financially with the mortgage payment on a newer house and couldn't afford not to work. My father and the other strikers got a small compensation check to just get them by. Very vivid memories. The Hurd thing is so tame in comparison. That strike was a major part of labor history. Get the book.

Replacement workers, not scabs. Such a negative word for people that are willing to do what they need to do feed their families! Keep your chin up Mr. Kaczmarek!!!

<small>[ October 28, 2005, 06:26 AM: Message edited by: Deb Richardson ]</small>

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Life is too short for drama & petty things!
So, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!

Back in the 70's Giddings and Lewis in Fond du Lac went under after a strike. People that could have retired with a nice pension are now living on meager Social Security and regreting voting to strike.Or rather the regret comes in the form of not being willing to compromise. Those that developed bumper stickers that read "Fond du Lac,WI Scab City, U.S.A." , have publicly apologized to the replacement workers for that, among other forms of dispicable behavior. Doesn't seem that the precious union or loyalty kept any jobs.

_________________
Life is too short for drama & petty things!
So, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!