Conflict of Interest

by Marlene G. Solomon
Letters to the Editor
American Jewish World August 3, 2007

As a former resident of the Washington, D.C. area for more than 40 years, I learned that the proper term for a "consultant" employed by a specific business for whom they are proselytizing is "lobbyist."

Regarding Rabbi Zeilingold's defense of Agriprocessors in Postville, Iowa, he should recuse himself because of his stated conflict of interest.

I do not know what the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) report means when it states that "The plant compared favorably with other plants in the industry." Does that mean that other plants need to be overhauled, also?

As for hechsher tzedek (justice certification), how fantastic that Jews would be living justice. If the Orthodox object, perhaps it's time for some self-evaluation. I was taught that Judaism is not simply about performing rituals, but it's a way of living one's life.