Editorials

Editor: 

Last week, the plight of security workers at Oakland airport was a front-page article in the Daily Planet. Your report focused on the idea that "This is part of an anti-immigrant wave". But you missed the real story:  

Why were these jobs federalized, putting all those screeners out of work? 

Making that happen was apparently a priority for Barbara Lee, our representative in Congress. In an October 16th Planet article about her visit to the Oakland airport, she was quoted as being in favor of federalization, and as having been working hard in support of that aspect of the airport security bill. Her office later sent out a constituent letter listing it as a “legislative priority.” 

Her constituents and the Daily Planet should insist on an explanation. Why did she think this was a good idea, despite opposition to it in her district and the damage it caused? Why was she willing to trade these people's jobs away? 

Bob Jacobsen 

Berkeley