Monday, Nov. 8, 1999 | 10:23 a.m.
A few years ago I attended a meeting to discuss our situation and was given the opportunity to say a few words after the panel discussion. I suggested that the only way to get action was via a class action lawsuit. An attorney on the panel said that would be too costly and doubted it would be successful. I rebutted that I thought each "baby" would gladly contribute $5-$10 for a sizable legal fund and could think of no age discrimination case more clear cut.
I had sent telegrams to Washington. Rep. Dan Rostenkowski, then-chairman of the Ways & Means Committee, replied to one with a lengthy letter trying to explain why we should get nothing. What an honorable man he turned out to be.
I have written a manuscript about my war years, including landing on Guadalcanal in December 1942 with the 35th Infantry, 25th Division. In many opening remarks I mention disagreeing with the Congress awarding $20,000 each to those who were interred in California. No problem with funding that program.
RUSSELL GOODWIN
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