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Letters To The Editor
Submissions for Letters to the Editor are subject to approval of the Editorial Board and space considerations. Letters to the Editor are solely the opinion of the author and do not represent endorsement by ATU Local 1005 or the Education Committee. If you have an editorial to submit, please contact a committee member or our advisor Dorothy Maki at: dorothy@atu1005.com.
Operator Assault We take assaults to operators more seriously than management, transit police, etc., simply because we are personally involved. Just recently, a Ruter operator was brutally assaulted by a passenger. This operator received injuries that will require several surgeries, plastic surgery, months of rehab, and possibly cause years of pain and suffering. We feel that operators should be made aware of who this unsub is, a photo should be put up at all the garages immediately, and an award should be offered for the arrest and conviction of this individual. Operators should be made aware that this assault occurred on the 19-line and could happen on any Metro Transit route. The public depends on us for transportation, and we attempt to offer a professional and safe ride. When anything less happens, operators are immediately held responsible. We are held responsible for short fares, no fares, not issuing transfers, not knowing the definition of ‘courtesy rides,’ not picking up passengers who are not in the bus stop, enforcing stroller policies, etc., etc. Maybe, just maybe operators should be encased in a closure that would protect them from such incidents, or have Transit Police ride the entire lines, (i.e.) all of the 19, 5, 16, 21 and other high assaultive lines. We ask: Aren’t stats taken to prove where the assaults are most frequent? Where is operator protection? Metro Transit Police ask, “Is everything all right?” This is only after riding a few blocks, receiving a transfer to prove they did something. Why can’t we have constant protection? There are some banks, grocery stores, etc. that have armed protection in high-crime areas. Why can’t we have some of the same life-saving luxuries? As a former police officer, I can certainly see the change in respect for public servants. Jackie Williams, Operator #66180, MJR
Civility Several months ago I wrote a book report about "Choosing Civility," a book by Dr. Forni. I remember saying that I liked it, but I'm sure some will think it's old school and out of date. I also said that Dr. Forni believes it's a timeless tool. Since that time I have noticed that there are many skeptics. That is understandable. I admit that it sounds like poetic idealism, and I know that, because it sounds simplistic, some people might think nothing in it is worth reading. I'd like to share with you a sample of his (Dr. Forni's) insights. The following is taken directly from the book: “What to do: Today the possibility of cross-cultural misunderstanding and conflict is always present. The more civil the members of society, the less likely (it is) for this possibility to become reality. Respect for diversity is part of the cognitive and emotional kit of the civil person, as is the ability to transcend diversity in the name of a common humanity. Will the next generation be able to acquire and practice these two moral skills? Nothing less that our future hangs in the balance. ... We have seen a connection between rampant incivility and a diminished quality of life. It is our job now to increase and spread that awareness (of productive human relations) and make concerted efforts to bring about the changes so many of us seem ready to welcome." PS: Doctor Phil likes to remind us that learning new skills is challenging, and "being right" is less important then being happy. Kim Henry Rice - Driver, East Metro Garage