Letters to the Editor

Why the endorsement?

Jan 18, 2008 1:06 PM

To the Editor:

As a retired 34-year veteran social studies teacher and former head dean at Brooklyn Technical HS, who for the last three years has worked as a consultant for the Department of Education, I am appalled that New York State Public Employees’ Federation and the AFT have endorsed Hillary Clinton. How can the AFT issue an edict endorsing a candidate without a democratic vote by the rank and file?

Being a life-long, dedicated union member, I am perplexed that the AFT supports Sen. Clinton, who served on the board of the WalMart Corporation from 1986-1992. The company is one of the egregious violators of workers’ rights, in America (and around the world). It has set the standard for anti-unionism in our country. Why ask members to vote for such an individual?

Former President Bill Clinton’s friend, supporter and golf partner is the current CEO of WalMart.

We have to hold the presidential candidates accountable for any financial ties they might have to companies that are opposed to unions.

Alan Braverman, retired