In response to Richard Skillings letter to the editor: After World War II the unions were strong and the country was doing great. Then companies sent their manufacturing South to right-to-work states. There were no unions there and the workers were paid less money. Less income means less buying power. Later the companies sent their manufacturing overseas and the employees were unemployed. Fewer rules allowing banks and businesses to do as they please helped to create the recession. High unemployment means a weaker economy and that is bad for everybody except the rich.

I worked in right-to-work states. The pay was terrible. Tradesmen, like carpenters, were paid the same as a ditch digger. Every day the foreman warned you to produce more or you would be fired. There was no respect for the employees. When wages are low, like in a right-to-work state, the taxes are low. It does not help the economy. It hurts it. If that isn't a recipe for a future disaster, I can't believe what could be worse.

We were the protectors of the free world after World War II and the country went into debt. The Vietnam war and the Iraqi war bled our country in more ways than one. The Iraqi war was started on false information.

It is obvious that Skillings never worked in a right-to-work state. He can have his low-paying place of employment, I'll take Illinois.

John Kronenberger

Belleville