Following the publication of "The Pineros: Men of the Pines" from Nov. 13-15, several readers offered feedback. Below is a sampling of their reactions. Want to offer your opinion? Send it to: pineros@sacbee.com. To have your letter considered for the opinion page of The Bee, click here.
(Feb. 15, 2006)
Thanks for your investigative reporting on the pineros. Now how about another one on the life of a Wal-Mart worker?
The conditions you document are discouraging, but I suspect they are no different from any low-wage U.S. job. I've had jobs myself where the conditions were unbearable. That is mostly what motivated me to put myself through university and pursue a professional career.
Don't get me wrong, these workers have my sympathy, but there are many other jobs in the U.S. where conditions are similar. Let's focus on cleaning up all the low-wage working conditions, not just those of foreign workers.
- Marjorie Krueger, Roseville
(Feb. 11, 2006)
Re "Village weeps for lost sons," Jan. 29: The pineros are a cause de jour... too far! Get over it. Logging is and always has been a dangerous business.
Department of Labor stats for 2002 report that it's mostly white folks who get killed in that industry, 71 percent as opposed to 14 percent Hispanic. As far as how workers are paid or treated, I can assume nothing but that it's better than the situation from which the pineros came, otherwise they would not come. In America, at least, they have a choice.
Now, could The Bee get on with a series on how we might extract control of our schools from the teachers union, how government might restore our neglected infrastructure or even a good old-fashioned expose of crooked politicians (either party)? In short: Do a story meaningful to the average Californian and quit pandering to minorities.
- Bob Iames, Roseville
(Feb. 11, 2006)
Considering all of the issues facing our nation, state and city, I have issues with the fact that someone somewhere came to the conclusion that the "plight" of the pineros was deemed worthy of the front page.
These poor people, whose way of life is "in jeopardy," have been given the opportunity to get away from their dead-end futures in their native lands and risk life and limb in America, all for the measly opportunity of increasing their income by about 1,000 percent.
Not only does the "plight" of the pineros affect less that 1 percent of the people who read The Bee, I find it downright offensive that someone at The Bee thought that somehow this is more important than what's happening in Iraq, Palestine or even in our nation's capital.
Is it tragic that so many of them die? Sure. But they could just as easily stay where they are at in Central America, living and dying in poverty.
The pineros piece was a quality story, but it wasn't front-page worthy.
- Branden Sanz, Fair Oaks
(Feb. 2, 2006)
Where do I begin?
I am not a writer. I am daring to put my thoughts on paper because I feel I need to do so. I have never been angry enough to write, call in or e-mail before.
I am an immigrant. My father crossed the border in 1955 illegally, then legally so that my mother, my twin sister and I could get a better life. They gave up careers as bankers and school teachers, left many family members behind, their way of life, and the language they knew. My dad (Papi) worked extremely hard and yet never complained. He is retired now at the age of 68. They own their own home and have provided my sisters and brother and I the foundation to work hard and earn our paychecks. We would not be the people we are today had it not been for our parents giving us a chance at a real life. I could go on and on and tell you some wonderful stories, however, this is not about my family, it is about those equally, hardworking, wonderful, proud "pineros".
As I sit here I am listening to Talk 650 KSTE as I do every day, I am getting angrier by the minute. I am sick and tired of all of these seemingly intelligent people talk about borders and immigrants as if we were some kind of shameful sin. It is quite simple, actually. It is called "supply and demand." If business owners don't hire these illegals, these "illegals" would go away. How about this: Why don't these "business owners" go to the local unemployment agency and get a list of people looking for jobs, or better yet why don't they go to the welfare department and get workers that way? No skill is required to do these jobs, right? We know why, don't we? It is not news to anyone that most of the unwanted jobs, the lower-wage jobs, the cooks in the expensive restaurants, the gardeners and the maids -- shall I go on? -- are being done by "us," the immigrants. I felt so sad and helpless as I read your article a few months back and again last week. I drive my expensive car, go to my wonderful job which pays me more in one year than my father earned in his last seven years of hard labor, come home to my nice home I purchased in Davis, and enjoy my family and family vacations, dinners out and other "American" past times -- all because of my father.
The "pineros" deserve better working conditions. They deserve at least minimum wage, they deserve to have safe travel to and from work that the "forest industry" should pay for, they deserve good housing and good food and they deserve RESPECT.
I have always enjoyed reading The Sacramento Bee, but now I truly have respect for your paper and the people responsible for writing this article. Thank you for your honesty and for giving us "immigrants" a voice.
- Cristina Pappa Allemang, Davis
(Nov. 19, 2005)
Re "The Pineros - Men of the pines," Nov. 14: Congratulations to The Bee for the rare and bold look at the struggles of Latino forest workers. Writer Tom Knudson and photographer Hector Amezcua provide a valuable service by giving voice to the these workers and shedding light on their inhumane working and living conditions.
The extensive interviews with the workers, both in the United States and in the sending communities, the uncovering of the shameful indifference of the U.S. Forest Service and the tracing of the economic webs of the labor contractors represented journalism at its best.
For those readers who wish to support innovative efforts of such forest workers to advocate for themselves, please visit the Web site of the non-profit Jefferson Center for Character Education at jeffersoncenter.org.
- Jonathan London, Davis
(Nov. 19, 2005)
I've done forest work. I've known people who planted trees, thinned forests. We didn't get great pay. We were all Americans.
The worker injured with a chain saw didn't have chaps that went below the knees nor wear goggles? Chaps are made to protect the thighs. No goggles? I didn't have them either. No training? A chain saw doesn't require much more training than a hammer.
Twelve-hour days? Big deal. That's what you do when you're in the woods for a month at a time. Too hard? My friends didn't complain. Those I knew who planted trees worked hard in all weather conditions, lived for a month at a time in the rough and had to pay for their own housing, food and clothing. The contractors I knew were decent, honest people.
The Bee has found another group of crybaby victims to moan about.
- Mark Butterworth, Sacramento
(Nov. 19, 2005)
As the only membership organization of forest workers and harvesters in the Pacific, we would like to commend The Bee for the investigative series "The Pineros," which revealed the realities of our work and lives. We appreciate the editorials calling for enforcement of existing labor laws.
As the series so aptly described, there are difficulties and dangers inherent in working in the woods. Recognition of these adversities is a good step in promoting the need for better investment in and oversight of occupational safety for forest workers.
But just as important is recognition that this work - planting, thinning and other forestry tasks - demands real skills and competencies. Stating that our work in the woods has been greatly undervalued is an understatement. Respect and more appropriate compensation would go far toward addressing many of the workers' issues.
Federal agencies have the opportunity to lead this effort by honestly addressing how their contracting practices have created and continue to maintain an underclass industry.
- Denise Smith , Willow Creek
Executive Director, Alliance of Forest Workers and Harvesters
(Nov. 19, 2005)
Please help these people by continuing to let the public know what is happening and what needs to be done.
No wonder people in other countries hate Americans when we treat people from other countries this way, people who are coming here legally to do tasks Americans will not.
We hear talk of "values," but people appear more concerned with "the bottom line" than "values." They seem to use "values" only when it suits their own purpose!
Thank you for presenting the facts. Don't let the Forest Service and other officials pass the buck. If someone is not doing their job, then make it known.
- Dwain Haines, Shingle Springs
(Nov. 19, 2005)
You can bet your bottom dollar that each and every one of those forestry company owners are contributing members of the Republican Party. They are getting away with slavery.
- James A. Brosman, Marysville
(Nov. 19, 2005)
As a boy in the Army, I was proud to be an American. I raised the Stars and Stripes halfway around the world. I know I was lucky to be born in America, but I am not proud today. The prevailing value of this society is materialism - not children, their education or their health.
America is collapsing because this culture cherishes conspicuous consumption more than anything else. Civility is fading and arrogance is taking its place. This country is so deep in debt, producing little and environmentally in the toilet, we just exploit immigrants, like the Pineros, to do our work.
I predict a revolution or a many-sided civil war unless Americans take an interest in their communities, states and national institutions. I have suggested to my sons that they escape this failing country and find a better place to live, where the people do their own work. I'm truly sorry for having to write this.
- Allen Rader, Chico
(Nov. 19, 2005)
It is a myth that foreign workers take jobs Americans don't want. I lived in Oregon for several years, and there are many unemployed loggers who are desperate for work. The reality is that Americans won't work for 13 cents an hour.
During the Depression, employers only paid workers enough to buy one or two meals a day. People did the jobs because one or two meals a day was better than none. The original minimum wage law was intended to stop that exploitation. In the 1980s, when Ronald Reagan was president, the minimum wage magically changed from a valuable worker protection to "a drain on business."
In the past, it was not uncommon for the Forest Service to sell logging leases for as little as $2 a tree. If the logging company only pays about $2 a tree, and the loggers are paid 13 cents an hour and lumber prices are skyrocketing, who gets all the money?
Maybe "Enronned" should be a verb.
- Jane Bolton, Sacramento
15-passenger van safety
(Nov. 19, 2005)
Re "Going Home," Nov. 15: Public Citizen and others have been lobbying for design changes in 15-passenger vans. This article indicates that van crashes are more driver and maintenance related. It would be more cost-effective to better train drivers, and require van-specific licenses and maintenance records, especially records of rear tire pressure.
For what it is worth, the hand tag developed by NHTSA for 15-passenger vans is misleading. If a 15-passenger van leaves the road, the hang tag recommends steering back onto the road. In my opinion, if a van leaves the road, do not try to steer back onto the road. Stop on the shoulder first.
- Dick Boyd, Browns Valley
Operator of 15-passenger van pools for 16 years
(Nov. 16, 2005)
My name is Gustavo Gutierrez.
I am a 20-year-old living in Indiana. I heard about this story through my sister living in the Sacramento area.
I am sure that I share the same view as the large audience that you have captured with your story in saying that I feel compelled to do something and yet so helpless at the same time.
It is frightening to think that I can find few if any differences between the definition of slavery and what the "pineros" would hesitantly call jobs. What makes this story so compelling to me is the government's position, and how they are overlooking the interest of a human being.
To keep things short, since I'm sure I won't be your only feedback on such a strong topic, I just wanted to say I admire that you have scratched underneath the surface and broadened the public's view.
One day I hope I am in a position to investigate, inform, help and inspire in the way your story has for me.
- Gustavo Gutierrez, Bluffton, Ind.
(Nov. 15, 2005)
This is a quick note to thank you for a shocking and well-researched story. It is obvious that not all immigrants are harming America as some politicians are stating. Your story is a good wake-up call to recognize the invaluable contributions of immigrants and the urgent need to stop the abuse.
- Rachel Morton Laguna Beach
(Nov. 14, 2005)
The Sacramento Bee's well-written series on the pineros isn't news. This is the history of the United States in capsule: a nation built on genocide of native peoples, slavery and centuries of racist exploitation of immigrant labor, augmented every so often by Third World imperialist invasions, such as what is going on in Iraq today. If the pineros wonder why such inhumanity is acceptable in a country that consider's itself the leader of the free world, the only reasonable answer would be that few Americans care what happens to the men in the forests.
- Sean O'Meara, Culver City
(Nov. 13, 2005)
I am shocked at the abuse of the pineros. Peter Smith, founder and president of Evergreen Forestry Services, is able to switch companies (to Progressive Environmental LLC, becoming president) after being cited and fined for egregious violations, not pay the fines, continue to receive several hundred thousand dollars in contracts from our federal government, and continue to abuse these men and women. What is happening to our country?
I have no doubt there will always be people willing to exploit the vulnerable. However, our federal government shares responsibility for this abuse by not policing its contractors. I am completely frustrated that our tax dollars are being used in this manner. In actuality, are we not sanctioning it by not voicing our disgust, demanding that it stop? The way we allow the voiceless to be treated is a bellwether of the type of society we are choosing make.
- Gail Skowronski, Folsom
(Nov. 13, 2005)
I just finished reading the first installment of your series on the "guest" workers who toil in our national forests.
I must state that I am deeply ashamed and distraught over the manner in which our government and our citizens allow these fellow human beings to be exploited.
Sadly, as one who uses our forests, I too was ignorant of the existence of these hard working yet invisible workers. In a sense, I contributed to their exploitation by not being more aware, followed by not vocalizing my concerns to the Forest Service and other agencies that overlook but ignore these shameful practices.
Thanks to your reporting staff. I no longer have that excuse and will act accordingly.
In addition, all of us who voice concern toward the environment as its protectors -- outfitters whose income derives from the forest's usage, writers of the out-of-doors, and others to whom the national forests provide joy and sustenance -- should feel violated over the silence that permeated these programs.
Thanks to the writings of The Bee, we as a group no longer can sit by as passive outsiders. Our voices need to be heard either through the pen or vocal response to change these practices.
- William Van der Ven, author and guide, Foothill Farms