Residents sound off against generational differences, immigration and outsourcing labor.
Defending millennials
In response to Al Ulus’ Letter to the Editor, “Millennials are clueless,” published on Sept. 6:
I will try to be as polite as possible to such an ignorant and condescending assumption of an entire generation of people. First, racism did not die then and there with the men at Gettysburg. In your bubble, maybe you don’t see discrimination, but it is still lingering around. That’s all I’m going to comment on that.
As a millennial, I have all of the information of the world at my disposal at anytime, right in my pocket. So actually, I would say that my generation is more educated than any previous generations. I’ve worked two jobs since I was 15. Again, a lot of people my age have done this. We’re not as lazy as you think.
I think you are the one who needs a lesson in American history. Let me assume you’re a baby boomer. You sound like one. Your generation drove up the federal deficit for 30 years and created the largest debt in American history. Your generation demeaned labor jobs, menial jobs, by saying, “Go to college, or you’ll be flipping burgers.” And then wonder why young people are so angry and don’t want to work at McDonald’s while they’re drowning in six-figure debt. The federal minimum wage has increased by only $5 in 40 years, while the cost of living rises each year.
Your generation raised us, taught us and now blame us for the county’s problems. Your parents’ generation were the ones who knew real sacrifice and handed you one of the best economies and you managed to trash it for future generations. This was the bill of goods you sold us, and we’re trying to figure out where to start by cleaning this mess. Hopefully, by the time my son is my age, he will have it better.
Finally, let me end on a good note by just mentioning that our “clueless generation” also produced and worked on many of the technologies your generation uses daily. You can keep in touch with family, get a ride and learn new things because of apps like Facebook, Lyft and Pinterest. A lot of the most successful CEOs are under 35. We are a generation that works hard. We’re innovative and we’ve all sacrificed in different ways for the ability to start a family, have the big wedding, have the house and cars — you know, the American Dream you all love to talk about. We create things to bring people together, and invent things to try to make the world a better place for all of us, not just some. Maybe the greatest generation was right about all of you after all — the spoiled, greedy, wasteful baby boomer generation. But I wouldn’t like to pigeonhole an entire age group by what their predecessors thought, and I think you shouldn’t, either.
Jessica Hensley
Parkwood
No mercy for illegals
Attention mayor and all other city officials:
You can try to twist and change terminology all you want to make things look more aesthetically appealing, but you can’t change the facts. People who come here illegally are not undocumented. They are illegal immigrants who have broken the law, put a drain on our already burdened social programs and since they are not American citizens, have no legal rights under the U.S. Constitution.
People who now get early release from prison for such “non-violent crimes” as selling dangerous drugs to kids, committing robberies for drug money and committing felonies without using a weapon are not returning citizens. They are ex-convicts who were in prison for breaking the law. Some do deserve a second chance but they should never be given preference over someone who has been a good citizen and followed the law their entire life. My suggestion would be a minimum of at least five years of being crime-free after release, then they are given the same preferences as a never-offender. They have transgressed the law and should now have to prove they are worthy to be treated the same as everyone else.
So stop trying to twist terminology to obscure the truth. Not only are most people not buying it, you make yourselves look foolish by trying to peddle it.
Peter DiGiuseppe
Rhawnhurst
Do not buy Mondelez
In response to Brendan Boyle’s Letter to the Editor, “Trade policies hurt us,” published on Sept. 6:
Thank you, Congressman Boyle, for reminding readers about Mondelez/Nabisco. When leaders of already-hugely profitable corporations move jobs out, it hurts everyone. When jobs go, so does the tax base. The only way to maintain vital services, infrastructure and, ultimately, quality of life, is to raise taxes on the fewer people who do still have jobs. There is, however, a grassroots approach.
Check the label. If it says, “Product of Mexico,” put it back. I think Mondelez will notice if their “Mexico” goods aren’t selling. I understand they pay about $2.50 an hour in Mexico to make products to sell here at the same old prices. They’re robbing us American consumers blind on both ends. Let’s not let them!
Please check the label.
James P. Cantwell
Bustleton
