Lloyd Gordon’s Blog

Today the Chicago Sun Times newspaper reported that a
veteran of two tours of combat duty in Afghanistan, former Sergeant
Steven Henderson who has been honorably discharged two years ago
just received a new call back to service to Iraq for 546 days. He has
refused to report as ordered in January.

As a veteran of the Marines in World War II, I was honorably
discharged in 1948. When the KoreanWar broke out in 1950, I was
“invited to reenlist” but I legitimately declined to rejoin. This
refusal did not jeopardize my “GI Bill of Rights” nor my Vet’s
Home Mortgage opportunity.

I believe that Sgt. Henderson has done his duty for this country
and his refusal to respond to this unreasonable call-up for additional
service should be adjudicated in his favor. No penalties nor loss
of veteran’s rights should be placed upon him. He already has done
plenty for his country. ENOUGH ALREADY!

The ABC tv network and the Disney Co. have unleashed at media blitz  for a new “docu-drama” called “The path the 911.” ABC has thrown its corporate might behind the two-night production and billed it as a public service!Ha,Ha… That’s false, “The path to 911″ is actually a bald-faced attempt to slander Democrats and revise history right before this critical election period.

This miniseries authored by right-wing conservative writers, relies on the GOP’s favorite ploy of using terrorism to scare us. It may lead children and adults alike, to question the  ability of our government, through its various agencies, to protect us. We all have the right to question that premise, but not to blatantly blame the Democrats for 911. Keep in mind that the Republicas were in charge when 911 happened.

There is a strong movement afoot to stop this mini-series from being shown. I oppose that. I want to see it, once I am aware of the underlying propaganda, and form my own opinion.

As you know, I have been in the restaurant industry for over five decades. One major problem that I have always faced is that of dependable and talented employees. In the 1950s, there was a large supply of labor from the Appalachian region. These folks became dedicated and accomplished kitchen and dining room workers.

In the 1960s and 70s, a market of black young people entered the industry and often they developed into highly talented individuals staffing restaurant operations. In the late 70s an influx of Hispanic workers sought employment in our industry and with their willingness to fill the often undesirable positions, they created a culture of restaurant employees that are indispensable today.

I myself, and other restaurateurs have made it compulsory to abide by the legal requirements concerning the hiring of potentially illegal personnel. However, I am sure that over the years we all have inadvertently recruited and employed Hispanics providing us with well forged documents.

I wish to commend the dedicated workers who over the past 30 years have tried to lead a law abiding and economically productive life. They have helped the restaurant industry thrive. Now, let us view the immigration laws with an open mind and see if we can find a solution that will satisfy everyone.