Going to our president...not over yet... Mr. President, I would have preferred to address you more formally, but I suppose this is todays efficient day and age. This is not about me, or you; not about politics or agendas, but about what is right and wrong, and the message we our sending our children, our future. I sincerely hope you can find time to read this in your busy schedule and bombardment of communications. Although, as with any president, I have been for and against how you have managed things in the White House during your leadership, I am undoubtedly becoming more inclined to believe you truly are a peoples president with an understanding you still have several contributors and party members you are accountable to, difficult task. Because I feel you may have a bigger interest in justice and human rights over previous leadership I am taking the step to email and reach out to inform you of an injustice here in Western New York. For more than 10 years a coke processing steel plant, Tonawanda Coke was poisoning its neighbors. People close to my heart, our brothers, sisters and children were among several affected. Leukemia, among other cancers, has been shown to be directly related to Benzene exposer. Tonawanda Coke was found to be releasing 75% more than the EPA allotted amounts of Benzene, both in the air and soil. Recent testimony by several past and present employees has confirmed their knowledge and negligence. After a long trial and still pending civil case a criminal sentence has been applied. Because the state court ignored the problem, we had a local, tenacious and energetic young lady spear head a continuous effort to seek justice for a corporations apparent disregard for human life and health. She moved the case into the US courts where it was finally heard and tried. Although I am supportive that the Judge (William Skretny) imposed a fine that did not destroy the company in order to preserve the jobs of several, and understand that there is a right way to perform the business and nature of such; I am not in support of a fine that did not serve the needs of the local community beyond a soil study, and the sentence was most certainly not just when the judge only sentenced Mark Kamholz, Manager, to 366 days in jail. This man and his leaderships negligence is responsible for the cancer cluster in the Tonawandas, where several have lost their lives and loved ones. To sentence a corporate leader who did not play by the rules or have regard for the health and safety of the community sends a message that money and status can buy you a murder. Several children know of this, some have lost their lives and their siblings. This sentence did not serve them and their loss much respect. I am outraged and hurt. I believe strongly in the human spirit, and believe we can overcome this injustice and discipline those who exploit people and children and am asking for your help in this. I did not know where else to go, since it has become a US matter and you lead the USA. Let us be UNITED in human rights, responsibility and love. Thank You, Dave Burnette
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:09:40 +0000
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