The letter (“GEO should not feel so entitled to funds,” Oct. 19) essentially suggests the Graduate Employees Organization (GEO) should graciously accept a contract offered by the university administration because the grad student TAs and GAs are already well treated. While I cannot speak for the whole GEO, as a GEO member, I can provide one reason why the GEO should push for their goals.

The letter compares that the graduate TAs and GAs are unlike many of U of I graduates who have barely-above minimum-wage jobs with little job security or benefits. I wouldn’t doubt that’s the case for many graduates. But, I want to ask why this may be the case and if it’s inevitable. For instance, look at the health care debate in Congress which is proceeding against what the majority of the public wants. The Wall Street banks that primarily caused the current economic downturn and received massive bailouts are now raking record profits into their pockets. Meanwhile, home foreclosures and other economic woes continue to afflict the main street. Not surprisingly, several former Wall Street executives are inside the Obama administration, and so many elected officials have received millions of dollars of campaign contributions from these industries. In other words, who gets to decide and benefit from these rules that affect our lives? Is it fair?

This is where the GEO contract negotiation fits in. It is part of a larger struggle for a decent living with justice and dignity in this wealthiest country on earth. We are not paid during vacations contrary to the letter’s claim, and we shouldn’t just settle with whatever the administration offers. We are official employees of the state of Illinois who deserve the treatment of employees, not trainees. The bottom line is power concedes nothing without a demand.

Taka Ono

graduate student