Dear George:

The issue of union representation for UVA workers comes at a time when the nation remembers the 40th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy. It might be useful also to recall also that his brother, the assassinated Robert Kennedy, was a UVA graduate. If RFK had not been murdered, is there any question which side he would take in this recognition dispute? Does anyone believe he would have said, "So what if some UVA employees need food stamps to get by? They're overpaid as it is."

In fact, UVA's anti-union bias is no different from many universities, North and South, who are fighting union organizing attempts. As far as the heads of these institutions are concerned, it is perfectly proper for the children of the serving class to go without while their parents slave at poor wages to make life easier for those who have much and whose children want for nothing -- not food, clothing, or medical coverage.

I met RFK one day in 1966 when he visited a boy's club run by the Washington Urban League. He didn't have to be there that day. He believed the children of the poor should have every opportunity other children take for granted, including a chance to swing a bat. The most prominent UVA graduate of his day did not lack compassion. On what honor roll will we find the names of UVA officials who today are opposing organizing demands by their working poor for a living wage?

Sherwood Ross, Charlottesville, VA (electronic mail, November 22, 2003)