The Monkey Fist

To the Editor:

There are two meanings for a monkey fist. The first is an elaborate knot in the form of a ball at the end of a rope. Its purpose is to heave someone a line and tie it to a heavy line such as a hawser and “fish” it aboard a ship. The second meaning refers to trapping a monkey by placing a banana in a jug just large enough so the monkey can insert his hand and make a fist, but can’t get his fist out and is unwilling to let go of the banana and so is trapped.

Teachers who should know better, and, to a lesser degree, other public unions, are behaving as the monkey with the banana. Unwilling to let go of the ill-gotten gains of many years of political pressures. It is time to let go of the bananas and face economic reality or you will share the fate of the monkey. You think I am joking, and you are sure of your political clout? So is the monkey who is sure he can make his escape.

Tenure is an abomination on our educational system. These teachers who are responsible, talented, and dedicated know I am correct in my assessment.

Also, we cannot spend 80 percent of the town budget on education and hope to maintain our infrastructure. More taxes will fix the problem, right? As it is the town is getting all of my Social Security and all of my pension check twice a year, not to mention the income tax, and you are surprised at the reaction not only of myself, but of others of your fellow townspeople. I have had many accolades from folks that know me who told me to keep on writing these letters, and I will until reason and fairness returns to our town.

I urge again our Board of Selectmen to form an organization of small towns in our state with the goal of challenging in the courts collective bargaining for public employees, tenure in office, and pension and health benefits which are only supportable by further increases in taxes. We have heard nothing from politicians to ease the plight of us, the ordinary people without political clout.

This gouging must cease. Join me in the fight for fairness for all — not only the powerbrokers.

Oscar Berendsohn

34 Apple Blossom Lane, Newtown                     September 12, 2011