Sensible attitude--A national poll indicated that half those surveyed were as concerned about the attacks on civil liberties as on threats of terrorism. In California, a majority expressed greater concern about liberties.

A modest example--Former State Dept. counterterrorism director Lawrence Johnson, now a consultant to the federal government, says he advises investigators to begin monitoring university-affiliated groups, telephone calls, bank accounts, and fund-raising, according to the California's Oakland Tribune.

The 'American Way'--In Anchorage, Alaska, a trial is under way for Michael Mahaad, an Arab-American who runs a printshop there. He was a target of vandalism. Printing equipment was smashed and a sign painted on the wall: "We hate Arabs." Allegedly probing the vandalism, the cops said they found that Mahaad's books included falsified documents and arrested him. No one has been charged in the vandalism.

Enronitis--Burlington Industries in Greensboro, North Carolina, is in the bankruptcy mill. The 4,000 textile workers face loss of jobs with half the severance pay they would have received before the bankruptcy process began. Meanwhile, it appears that company executives will walk off with bonuses ranging up to 200 percent.

Anything but money--The majority of United Kingdom offices are dull, cramped, and lacking in amenities. The depressing atmosphere imposes a damper on productivity. But, reports the Times of London, some firms "trying to improve the working environment and boost productivity, have introduced sauna meeting rooms, deck chairs, and special smells and music to the office."

Some revision needed?--A budget chop at the South Carolina mental hospital meant that 163 staff members would be demoted or fired. Of these, 70 percent are Black workers, hired under a recent affirmative action program that provides some jobs, but under the venerable dictum, "Last hired, first fired." It points up the need for a revision of seniority-based layoffs to correct a glaring injustice.

Finally, a roof over their head--What with a tight budget, Polk County, Iowa, will no longer bury the deceased of a poor family without the money to do so. Only the homeless with no relatives will be interred.

Not to mention union, union wages--"Free health exams due crew doing [trade center] site cleanup--Immigrant day laborers may lack health insurance."--Headline, San Diego Union."  
 
 
Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home