Letter: Saul Alinsky in review

In the Feb. 5 Appeal-Democrat, Anthony Matulich lamented that two few Americans know the background of President Barack Obama's mentor, Saul Alinsky. I am quite aware of who Mr. Alinsky was — he was a Jewish community organizer in the Chicago area, a graduate of the University of Chicago Graduate School with a degree in criminology in 1932. He was also a writer — most noted for his book "Rules for Radicals."

Much of what we have experienced lately with the so-called Occupy group has been based on his recommended methods — sit-ins, property destruction and radical behavior. During the 1950s, he turned his attention to the disgraceful treatment of African-Americans in the Deep South, for which I applaud him. However, when he began to instigate the division of the "haves and have-nots," he lost my support. He abhorred any kind of political or religious group, and always maintained his independent thinking. He often referred to himself as a "flea on the back of the establishment" and enjoyed harassing politicians.

Before anyone attempts to compare his methods with those of the current-day tea party patriots, let me remind you that the latter believes in positive change and civilized assembly. They are working-class individuals who believe, as I do, that the government has become too intrusive and no longer serves the citizens of this great country as our forefathers had envisioned.

For further information, go to Wikipedia on your computer and read more about Saul Alinsky, a most interesting individual.

Dottie van Eckhardt

Yuba City