While your recent editorial, "Good news, for a change," Aug. 25, is, for the most part, positive, it's extremely important we don't get complacent when it comes to jobs.
It's absolutely essential that all the manufacturing we have in New York stays in New York, and this includes the F-35 strike fighter program. More than 3,000 jobs are involved in the program in this state alone. It pumps close to $600 million into our economy. It also helps ensure we continue to have a strong and vital military as the fighter is set to replace aging aircraft in our Air Force, Navy and Marines.
As a Navy veteran who was stationed on the USS Iowa when 47 of my brethren were killed during a tragic gun explosion, I know all too well that the military can and will have its failures. I also know for every failure there are thousands of successes.
The F-35 is, and will continue to be, one of those successes. Not only in helping to protect this nation and our allies, but in strengthening New York by keeping us on the map as a leader in high-tech manufacturing jobs.
Supporting and protecting these jobs, not only for current workers, but for future workers, including recently discharged military personnel and new college graduates, are key to New York's economic future.
I'd encourage everyone, along with New York's congressional delegates, including Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, to support and fully fund the F-35 program.
Michael McEnteggart
East Greenbush