During the past few weeks, a lot has been said about the Graduate Employee Union and whether we should let them come to the bargaining table. In those past two weeks, I have found the actions of the GEU appalling.

I agree wholeheartedly with the fact that labor unions can be necessary in some places, but our work conditions here are good, our medical coverage is adequate and we have a better prescription plan than most professionals. Our stipend and benefits have increased consistently in the past. So I would think that the situation is not really one of employee exploitation.

Now I might be wrong, and I remember the GEU was asked questions relating to these issues. Did they publicly answer anything? Did they publicly tell us what they will do? What they will fight for? No! It seems they want us to give them control of our working situation on their good looks alone.

In the past few weeks I have found the actions of the GEU appalling. They have not tried to push forward the merit of their position. They have only attacked the factual approach of the administration. They have not tried to tell us what they will do because they were too busy writing letters to your legislators. And they will not engage in a public debate because they don’t want you to know not everyone agrees with them.

The GEU has proved to be a master at fuzziness and their new advertising campaign basically says “vote for us because others do.” This is the stupidest idea I have ever heard.

Since when is voting like everyone else proof of wisdom? Remember the proverb “Who is the biggest fool? The fool or the one who follows him?” Also remember 30 million Germans voted for Hitler, and 20 million Russians supported Lenin and Stalin.

So, please GEU, you still have a day or so to give answers to the real questions - so the teaching assistants can make an educated choice, instead of just following the masses.

Jerome Lavis
chemistry graduate assistant