[usgator]

Private employers SHOULD have the right to employ whoever they want.

Really?

Ever been the victim of discrimation?

I have.

I have 3 kids, wife, mortgage.

I worked at a company for 16 years. They brought in 2 younger guys, to oversee my department, who told me their first week that I was being let go because I was over 40.

I am currently suing them.

I took me months to find another position. My family suffered because of this.

And you feel they have the right to do that?

[wmichgrad]

Yes, really. Some may argue that publicly traded companies are private. But I do not believe that they are truly private, as ownership shares are open to anyone in the public. So from the standpoint of a private company like Weyco, I believe they should have this right. That does not mean that I support them firing smokers or a person over 40. But, I also do not support people slewing racist speech on a street corner, even though it is their right.

[Gabz]

They brought in 2 younger guys, to oversee my department, who told me their first week that I was being let go because I was over 40.

As much as I hate the litigious nature our society has taken on, I am glad you are suing them. Age is a protected "class" when it comes to discrimination, and you have every right to seek redress. I wish you all the luck in the world.

Now I can truly understand where you are coming from on this issue.

Had I known 20 years ago even 1/2 of what I know now, I would have been the proud owner of a radio station - or at least a large sum of money from it. But alas, hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it.