My father, Richard Kunzat, was a member of IBEW Local 58 and passed away on October 28, 2011. He was a very proud union member and loved his work as an electrician. Some of the many jobs he worked at were the Belle River Power Plant, JC Penney (Oakland Mall), Trapper's Alley and the Volkswagen building in Auburn Hills. I remember when I was young how proud he was to share with me that he was making $2.00/hour over-scale at the time, and just beamed when he brought home a bag full of cash because he won the check pool! I used to pack his lunch box with two sandwiches, three pieces of fruit, tons of cookies and a big thermos of coffee. When he came home from a hard day's work in the rain, blistering heat, or freezing weather he was happy to be working. If there was an opportunity for overtime, he took it. He last worked for G&S Electric before retiring.

Through my father's pension, the union is still providing for his family by helping taking care of his wife, Nancy Ann, for the rest of her years. They were married for 60 years. The staff at the union office has been so kind and helpful during this difficult time. My sincerest thanks to all of you on behalf of my father and his family.

Nancy E. Kunzat , daughter of Local 58 member Richard Kunzat
Detroit

Police crack down on citizens who are protesting. Is it not their right to do so as guaranteed by the Constitution? Do the pictures of protesters being beaten, maced and dragged off to jail remind you of another time, another place, as we sit by and say nothing while their right to assembly is trampled upon? I am reminded of Nazi Germany. Did you see the 84-year-old lady with mace on her face? It seems that when the tea party folks assembled, some with guns, they were not beaten or maced. Could it be that their politics are more appealing to those in power?

H. C. McGarity Jr., Local 20 retiree
Dallas