In 1985, after more than one year of negotiations between management and The Guild, I was "consolidated" from the Bee with good share of other staff writers. I was 30 years old, bitter and thought it was the end of journalistic career. The decision then wasn't based on talent or loyalty or any other tangible reason. It was largely based on the vicious nature of a manager, who eventually got unceremoniously demoted, too. And It's likely Monday's decision, at least in some cases, was also unfair to reporters who have had illustrious careers at the Bee. It's easy to say now after nearly a quarter century away from the newspaper, but to those who have been laid off, you will be better to be away from 21st & Q Streets. Walk away proud. Better things are on the horizon. Best of luck. Cheers, James Raia, www.byjamesraia.com.