December 12, 2001

Mayor Joseph Carollo
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133

Dear Mayor Carollo:

I was appalled to hear of the termination of Mr. Michael Italie from his position at Goodwill Industries. Of most concern is the reasons given for his termination. It was not for poor work performance or a poor attitude at the workplace, but for his views expressed as a candidate for public office in Miami.

I do not agree with Mr. Italie's position regarding his opposition to the United States policy in either Afghanistan or Cuba. In addition, I disagree with much of the stated policies of the Socialist Workers Party. However, to deprive one's ability to provide for himself and family by taking away his job is simply not right.

As a candidate for mayor, I believe it was his duty to make known his views on any and all issues discussed. It would have been dishonest for him to withhold his views and say the "right" things in an attempt to win support. The democratic process is for voters to hear the views of all candidates and judge which candidate most closely mirror their views. In this case, the obvious method to stop him would be not to vote for him and encourage others to do the same.

In reality, his boss, Mr. Pastrana appears to be displaying his personal displeasure of Mr. Italie's views and with his power of being boss, decided to deliver his own punishment on someone whose views he didn't like. Again, the more effective means of stopping Mr. Italie was not to terminate him, but simply not vote for him.

Sincerely,

Howard Kern
Union Representative
UFCW Local 789, St. Paul, Minnesota
 
 
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Support grows for Italie's fight to be reinstated to his job
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'Fired for expressing his views,' reports column in Cuban paper
Art student, a native of Lebanon, framed for having a plastic utility knife at airport  
 
 
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