I’ve been reading a lot of the letters highlighting the needs of student employees. I have a newfound respect for students on the Athens campus of Ohio University — especially the ones who have been speaking their minds in favor of employee rights and representation at such a young age.
I’m old enough to know it doesn’t take a miracle to do what’s right, but in today’s world, I seriously think young people are complacent during difficult dialogues that put their reputations on the line.
You’d think more smart, engaged youths would be supportive of campus employees and public workers affected by SB5, but unfortunately they are not. Fear, or a distrust of taking action, should be overcome for the sake of doing what is right.
My own generation has a lot of confusion over labor, too. It’s funny how so many people got their start in small jobs or companies that had organized unions, and now those people sound off against collective bargaining for our teachers, firemen and police.
A lot of the folks older than 50 have this idea that labor represents entitlements, big government, and — hold your breath for this one — socialism. And many of those folks think young people don’t need to have Social Security, or pay into Medicare or Medicaid.
That’s a fight I’ll leave for the future. But for all the youths who still have a brave heart, who recognize hard work pays off, and who lend their voices to the cause of actual justice — not artificial social issues — thank you.
History is listening, and you are not alone. I’m not in college anymore, but if I had children, I would hope they’d be courageous like you.
Keep fighting the good fight! Continue to work for the employee commission on your campus — it’s a common sense issue. It’s up to you to prove you will be compassionate leaders for when Generation X begins to retire.
Heidi Gordon resides in Athens, collects signatures for SB5 and teaches at The Plains Middle School.
