Extreme views do not define Fulton County

The Post-Gazette ran an article about the political climate of Fulton County ("McCain Strong in Border County," Oct. 5). It was disappointing to realize the reporter chose to feature the most extreme viewpoints he came across. Racism and intolerance are sadly a part of any community in America. However, by not including opinions from the great number of caring, open-minded individuals in our community, he chose to let the extremes define Fulton County.

The writer chose to be sensational and foster the divisive mentality that politicians are so eager to promote. It is a calculated tool of class warfare to create and promote a division among people which acts as a distraction that enables those with power and money to further their own interests while we, the people, fight against each other.

We have much more in common with each other than we do with either of the major party candidates. We need to focus on our similarities and find common ground ... this is what we are trying to encourage at Dott Store. Our Debate Watch events were attended by a wonderful mix of individuals who shared an enjoyable evening of coffee, dessert and community. We will again host a Debate Watch on Oct. 15 open to all who would like to attend.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" -- Margaret Mead.

GLENN HILLER
Owner, Dott Store
Warfordsburg, Fulton County

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A long way to go

I found myself both disgusted and saddened after reading the feature story on Sunday's front page "McCain Strong in Border County" and especially comments by two of the people interviewed -- "Obama's got two strikes ... 1. He's black. 2. He's a Muslim" and "I don't like [Obama's] background. ... He's got a little bit of foreign in him."

Those words are disturbing on many levels. Racism -- and bigotry fueled by ignorance -- is arguably one of the biggest problems in our country today. One person with such thoughts is bad, but to think there are so many that hold onto such sentiments is extremely troubling and a sad reflection on all of us -- we're only as strong as our weakest link.

The comments of these two individuals are an obvious indication we have a long way to go to achieving a society where tolerance and understanding top discrimination and hatred as our motivations. There is no excuse for the latter two, and every one of us is cheapened by those who practice such.

It's time to grow up and remove these blinders that have held back all of us. Unless and until we repair these weak links in our collective chain, I fear the country will continue to underachieve. I hope I am wrong and that on Nov. 4 we all get a chance to experience something truly extraordinary, to show the world we are what we preach, a nation where all men truly are equal.

ALLEN SCHATZ
South Strabane

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Alabama in '62?

I'm having a hard time remembering where I live and what year it is. Is this 2008 Pennsylvania or 1962 Alabama? I couldn't have been more disappointed in the human race than I was after reading the article in last Sunday's Post-Gazette about the electorate in Fulton County ("McCain Strong in Border County," Oct. 5). How naive of me to think that we had somehow moved past this kind of hateful and hurtful mantra. How is it that in 2008 people are still openly harboring thoughts of bigotry and hate that are in line with the thoughts and beliefs of Bull Connor and George Wallace from 1962 Alabama?

I question whether the residents of Fulton County have realized that the days of these folks are over and the racists have lost. It was also very disheartening to read that some of the voters in Fulton County are under the false belief that Barack Obama is a Muslim. Come on, now. How slow does news get to Fulton County? How many months ago was it debunked that Mr. Obama is not a Muslim but indeed a man who has Christian beliefs? How many years ago was it realized that white and black people are no different from one another?

What summed it up for me was when some people expressed the view that they would vote to give George W. Bush another term if possible. That alone made me realize how backward and out of touch with reality Fulton County really is. Luckily for America not all of America shares in the beliefs of some of the electorate of Fulton County.

MATT HOGUE
Elliott

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Firestone has worked hard to improve conditions in Liberia

I would like to correct at least some of the gross inaccuracies in a recent Forum piece by Leo W. Gerard, United Steelworkers international president, about Firestone Liberia's labor agreement with its workers ("Fighting Modern Slavery: Firestone Was Mistreating Its Workers in Liberia Until U.S. Unionists Intervened," Sept. 28).

Mr. Gerard makes unfounded allegations regarding child labor at our Liberian rubber farm and claims undue credit for our hard work rebuilding Firestone's Liberian operation since the end of the devastating 14-year civil war. Contrary to his assertions, Firestone has a zero-tolerance policy against child labor (yes, workers have been dismissed for bringing children to work) and does not employ workers younger than 18 -- two years older than the minimum age under Liberian law.

In 2005, after the signing of a new investment agreement with the government of Liberia, Firestone began large-scale rebuilding of its operations -- including medical facilities, schools and housing. In fact, portions of the Firestone School System reopened before the company renewed rubber production. In a short period, Firestone has built nearly 1,000 new employee homes (with many more under construction), is educating almost 15,000 students in Firestone's 25 K-12 schools and will soon reopen Duside Hospital. Firestone continues to provide housing, medical care and education to its employees and their dependents without charge.

The 2008 investment agreement -- called "a model agreement" by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf -- provides the right framework for Firestone to continue investing in replanting rubber trees, exploring value-added operations, providing approximately 7,000 jobs and rebuilding social infrastructure. We recently signed a new mutually beneficial labor contract with the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia. Even before this latest agreement, Firestone's lowest-paid workers were among the highest-paid in the country.

The reality is that Firestone, and our employees, have long been working to improve conditions in Liberia. It's a mission we'll continue well into the future.

DAN ADOMITIS
President
Firestone Natural Rubber Company
Indianapolis, Ind.

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