Readers Write, Greenfield Recorder

April 20, 2022

As a longtime friend and collaborator with Frances Crowe I was eager to nominate someone for the Frances Crowe Award. But I was shocked to learn that this award co-sponsored by the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region receives donations from L3Harris. Several years ago I learned that L3Harris is the sixth largest weapons contractor in the world, and one of their facilities is in Northampton.

Frances Crowe was well known as a peacemaker, as she was always, daily, out in the community sharing information and inviting action. Frances would not want to be associated with any organization that accepts money donated by weapons contractors — corporations that make a killing on killing. United Way supports many nonprofits serving many needs of people in our communities. That reveals a disconnect.

I find it ironic that over half of our federal taxes fund weapons contractors and the military, thus leaving little funding for health care, education, and infrastructure … while L3Harris donates some of its profits to United Way. We who want to end war must realize that weapons systems are manufactured in our region, and we have a responsibility to resist war-making right here in our community. United Way should not accept donations from weapons contractors.

SUZANNE R. CARLSON
TRAPROCK CENTER FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

Greenfield