To the Editor:

In response to the front page story “Potsdam Lifeguards Go On Strike” which appeared in the July 25-31 issue of North Country This Week: First, I'd like to say shame on you Trey Smutz, director of the Recreational Department, and all other officials responsible for setting the wages, as well as those responsible for the department's stance on this issue.

Your skewed and manipulative language in the initial article regarding the work stoppage by the lifeguards is, frankly, patronizing, demeaning, condescending and disrespectful. You quite deceptively insinuated that the lifeguards are to blame for the beach closures.

Second, citing that they are getting paid more than they did last year and more than the federal minimum wage is, honestly, a weak excuse for failing to pay our lifeguards an amount commensurate to their responsibilities.

Furthermore, it appears quite obvious to me that your handling of the lifeguards' wage grievance is directly related to the fact that they are high school and college students. This blatant disregard for your employees' wage concerns is nothing short of age discrimination in the workplace.

Once again, your sly attempt to place blame on the lifeguards for the beach closures is disgustingly manipulative, not to mention a condescending assumption that you are right.

It is imperative that, as an official in our community, you treat your (our) employees with respect. Age discrimination may not be as visible as other forms of discrimination (i.e. race, gender, etc.), however, it is against the law and will not be tolerated. You may not bully these lifeguards into remaining silent or dropping the issue. It is our right and duty to speak out and speak freely against unfair work conditions. I applaud these lifeguards for having the courage to stand up for and speak out for fair and commensurate wage compensation.

The lives of our children are in the capable, highly trained 'hands' of these lifeguards.

How much should a person get paid for ensuring the safety of our children? For keeping our children alive? For saving a child's life?

I believe that they, at the very least, deserve the respect of being paid the state's minimum wage. Additionally, I believe they deserve a respectful response and acknowledgement from the officials of the Potsdam Recreation Department.

Erin Leigh Loope (Elliott)

Madrid