Toward a more imperfect union

So “Randi Weingarten has strong words for Jews who say unions are an obstacle” (April 7). She bitterly complains, “Jews are part of the ownership class that wants to take the ladder of opportunity away from those who don’t have it.”

But it is not “the Jews” who are taking away that ladder, unsteadily resting against the wall of an empty schoolhouse. It is power-hungry teachers’ union leaders, as personified by Weingarten, who have denied in-person learning to those who most desperately need it.

Much international and domestic experience, where private and religious schools have largely been open, has shown that children and teachers can be safe in schools. Despite growing student educational gaps, reduced socialization and induced psychological problems, and despite the enormous impact on parents forced to stay home, the unions continue to escalate their demands for returning to work. Unfortunately, they can get away with that, because the recipients of their highly partisan political contributions don’t dare cross them.

What a scandalous situation!

RICHARD D. WILKINS Syracuse, New York