As a child growing up in the Silver Valley (North Idaho) I witnessed union strikes against mining companies. In fact, the first strike in the Valley was over the right to a decent burial. Mostly the union men struck for decent working conditions, but the company officials always tried to make it look like the men only wanted more money. (Of course, they also controlled the local newspaper, so you can imagine what slant they put on things.)

I know of many dirty tactics the company officials used and tried to use to break the solidarity of the people and discredit the union.

Unfortunately I now see the same thing happening here with the hospital administration pulling dirty tricks to undermine our fine physicians and staff and families.

I stand firmly behind our physicians and say the administration needs to go find some place where they will be a better fit. Their methods do not work here.

Also, I would like to thank The Star for its coverage on this situation and for printing our comments.

Patricia Piekarski