9/1/2008:B1: [Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza]10/27/2003: A1: Millions of cars a year pay the $5 toll at the Golden Gate Bridge, but revenues still fall short for the projects the district must fund. PC: Millions of cars pay the $5 toll at the Golden Gate Bridge, but revenues still fall short for the projects the district fund.

Letter of the Day: Jobs and automation

Jobs and automation

EDITOR: Is automation contributing to the high unemployment rate? Retail stores are adding more self-check-out stands every day. Employers in all categories are automating to replace employees. How many people have they displaced in Sonoma County alone?

I doubt that the employers are passing their savings on to their customers. The Golden Gate Bridge authority is eliminating toll takers. How many jobs have been eliminated in California by automation? Automation is great if we don't have enough skilled labor to do the job. Is it possible that employers who replace workers with automation be required to contribute to a fund to be used to train the displaced persons for other jobs that may be available?

People with jobs spend money, which boosts the economy. Let's just call this employers with a conscience.

HAROLD W. JENSEN

Santa Rosa

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