In the Feb. 25 addition of The Arlington Times, Rep. Mike Sells serves a hard pitch in his Guest Editorial titled, “When the boss says, you either do this or else…”

In Mike’s editorial, he speaks of businesses who create an atmosphere of religious and political force. Employees being forced to attend meetings that push religious and political views, and then threatened with a pink slip if the employee does not consent to the views.

My question to you, Representative Sells is this: Where are these companies you speak so disparagingly of?

I have worked for many companies within the greater Puget Sound. Companies large and small. I have never had religious or political views pushed on me, nor been forced to attend meetings that pushed me to violate my individual conscience. Oh, with one exception: When I worked for a Teamsters-controlled transportation company. There it was demanded of me that I attend union meetings in which liberal pro-Democratic propaganda was thrust upon my conservative individual conscience. During an election year, pro-Clinton ideology was loudly proclaimed. Union representatives regularly handed out liberal political literature telling me to support the latest pro-Democratic initiatives.

I know you are a pro-union man, Representative Sells … but are you speaking of these union type controlled companies?

Now I work for a non-union, world renowned wholesale retail chain, and have never been subjected to the treatment Representative Sells speaks of. Yes, United Way does its yearly charity fund raiser. We are not forced to attend…and what is so wrong with United Way campaigning to support the great community non-profit organizations that it raises funds for?

I tend to think that Representative Sells is pushing in his House Bill 1528 for something that is on his own agenda. It seems to have the sting of the anti-religious bigotry that is falling upon this country with the entrance of this pro-socialist leader now in Office.

Frankly Representative Sells, there’s a few of us folks out here who know well where you are coming from and would rather you spent your hard earned election working for causes that matter to the betterment of our Washington State. Once again, you show us how out of touch you are with the people you say you represent.

Michael Rieder

Marysville