Letter: Reagan destroyed labor movement

Thursday, June 17, 2004 | 8:53 a.m.

I was greatly surprised and pleased with your publication's Opinion page on June 10. The column by Joe Strupp, "Media's gushing over Reagan tough to take," was direct and honest regarding former President Reagan.

Having lived through several presidential terms -- Herbert Hoover until now -- I did not think I would ever see a newspaper print the honest truth about someone who the media has praised so loud and long that the younger generation thinks he walked on water.

My complete dislike and evaluation of President Reagan was when he told the air traffic controllers of America that they either could work for what he wanted to pay, and under the conditions he wanted to establish, or he would replace them.

When he ran for office he promised the air traffic controllers union that if he won he would appoint a commission to look into their grievances and complaints. He did not. To me this was the green light for industry to destroy the free labor movement, one that he once represented but forgot when he was offered enough money.

Thank you very much for an honest evaluation. Keep up this type of reporting and I will continue to be a subscriber.

RAYMOND L. BROWN