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By Design News Staff -- Design News, April 7, 2003
UNIONS = SLACKERS
You apparently have never worked in a union shop. Almost by definition: "unions tolerate poor performers."
Rich HardyDESIGN NEWS READER
ALL JOBS AT RISK
Unions once served a worthwhile purpose in our country's development. They provided a way for the average worker to battle exploitation of big business. Today's unions have outlived their usefulness. They have become self-serving entities whose demands for more, along with unlimited protection of even inept workers, have done irreparable damage to the competitiveness of American business. When unionized companies are forced to retain workers they do not need, all jobs are put at risk.
During a recent snowstorm, our governor ordered "all non-essential" employees to stay home. He is now facing a fiscal crisis and is calling for "severe cutbacks." Why not lay off all "non-essential" workers? Because they are union workers and, essential or not, are protected. What was once a necessary step in this country's growth has become a cancer eating away at the very jobs it claims to protect. Engineers are skilled, intelligent people who can, and should, bargain for themselves.
Rich Frohbergh MOORESTOWN, NJ
WE'RE PROFESSIONALS HERE
While I can see why you would propose unionization, I cannot agree. A college professor of mine drummed into us the concept that we are professionals. There are certain characteristics that go along with being a professional. One of those is the need to better oneself professionally and personally. Unions tend to cater to the less skilled, those who are happy with the status quo. As far as I am concerned, any true professional would cringe at the idea of becoming a card-carrying, dues-paying union member. Unions had their time in history—when workers were exploited. Times have changed. If an engineer is looking for better compensation, or feels exploited, look for new employment. It's amazing what a savvy engineer or a motivated recruiter can negotiate. Yes, we all want a feeling of security.
I think remaining current in technology facilitates job security. Appropriate compensation goes along with that. I think the professionals in the industry need to re-evaluate why they got into the engineering business.
Mark Hoferitza ROY, UT
BRAKE DANCING
I read with interest "The Case of the Bungled Brakes" (DN Calamities 02.03.03). I have ridden motorcycles for many years, mostly on the street. Because of this experience, I found myself in disagreement with some of the author's conclusions. While it was obvious the broken rear brake pedal contributed to the accident, I think that a major factor was that the driver did not use the front brake either at all, or very sparingly. On modern motorcycles, the front brakes are so powerful, and the resultant weight shift from the back wheel is so pronounced, that very little braking is done by the rear wheel. The loss of the rear brake would not double the stopping distance as claimed, but may have increased it by 10-20%. I would be willing to bet that, had the driver used the front brake, he would not have had the accident. While I have sympathy for the driver and passenger, and the failure of the rear brake pedal is inexcusable, I believe that, based upon the facts presented, proper training and understanding of the braking system could have prevented this accident.
Dave Telling CARSON CITY, NV
PET PEEVE
After reading "Animal Crackers" (Flipside 02.17.03) I have to agree with your original opinion. Americans 'love' their pets, but it is obscene to offer CT and MRI services to them when most of the human beings on this planet cannot access these services. Our compassion for animals should start with our own species.
Harry Bissell DETROIT, MI
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