Date:         Mon, 27 Jun 1994 09:29:31 EDT
From: PMDAtropos@aol.com

[ Send replies to EddieA9199@AOL.COM only ]

Enterprise Rent-A-Car recently issued a statement in regards to Rodney
Bertone. In this generic response to the massive public outrage, the company
categorically denies that any employment decision was based on Mr. Bertone's
sexual orientation. They go on to state that Bertone's allegations are
unfounded and false. The statement ends with Enterprise stating they'll be
vindicated in court.

After reading this I had to respond. First of all, Rod's allegations are
anything but unfounded or false. He has documented proof, witnesses, present
and former employees all willing to testify on his behalf. ( Many have
already given depositions attesting to Rod's version of events ) Each and
every one of them confirms the story I originally wrote about in my first
letter regarding the malaise with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Apparently they're
all liars according to Enterprise. Perhaps Enterprise should re-evaluate what
the word "liar" means and prepare for further lawsuits if that is indeed what
they are implying. Let there be no doubt, if vindication happens in a court
of law, it will be in Mr. Bertone's favor.

Basically the corporation is trying to depict Rod as both a liar and an unfit
employee from the sounds of there afore mentioned statement.  If this were so
then why did a judge in a court of law side with Bertone when his case was
brought before her? I'm referring to the unemployment hearing in which he was
forced to attend in order to plead his case. Enterprise tried unsuccessfully
to deny Rod his unemployment benefits after they terminated him. After
presenting his evidence to the judge at this hearing, she sided with him and
eventually Rod received the unemployment checks he so rightly deserved.

Fortunately, Bertone found a new workplace within a month of his termination
from Enterprise. At his new place of employment he has proven himself to be
an invaluable employee. In fact, he was voted employee of the month after
outshining all of his peers. Hardly the image Enterprise is trying to paint
of his work ethic.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car's wrath against Bertone can be described as outrageous,
unfounded, malicious, and homophobic. The public has obviously been moved to
the point of outrage by Rod's story. Enterprise has now responded to this
public outcry with a campaign designed to repair their tainted image.
However, I urge everyone to watch this case closely before making a
conclusion. In a court of law it will be proven that Rodney Bertone was
discriminated against and Enterprise Rent-A-Car instigated a dubious plan to
rid the company of his presence.

I for one will continue to support Rod and his claims. It is my hope that our
community will do the same. Despite the generic response from Enterprise, it
does not change the facts previously stated. This company relies on the
public to survive. They realize this and will do anything to keep that public
from dissipating. I call for nothing less than a total boycott of Enterprise
Rent-A-Car. Until they face the music and apologize publicly for their
atrocious behavior I see no reason why we the public should continue to
support or solicit their services. A good start for Enterprise would be a
re-write of their corporate policy. No where within this policy is it stated
that the company does not discriminate based on sexual orientation. It does
state however that they will not discriminate based on Color, Religious
belief, etc. Sadly, sexual orientation is omitted.

Once again I encourage your letters and phone calls. Obviously it has made an
impact within the corporation as demonstrated by the pathetic statement  they
recently issued. Until Enterprise Rent-A-Car realizes the error of their
ways, it is our responsibility to make Rod's case an issue. Enterprise can
not be allowed to continue with this campaign against Bertone and homosexuals
in general. Make this known and demand some action, I know I will.....


All letters to Enterprise should be directed to:

Jack Taylor
C/O Enterprise Rent-A-Car Corp.
8850 Ladue Road
St Louis, Missouri  63124

Phone Calls to Enterprise can be directed to: (314) 863-7000
Once again, ask for Jack Taylor.

Thanks for all your support. Remember, their is strength in numbers. Passing
this letter on to your friends and colleagues is encouraged. The more concern
our community voices in cases like Mr Bertone's will ultimately lead to a
better world. Remember, gay rights does not equal special rights. Take care
and I hope to hear some support soon.