Thomas Altfather Good is a freelance photojournalist and member of the National Writers Union.
He is the founding editor of Next Left Notes, an independent Left online journal. His work has
appeared in numerous publications including In These Times, The Nation and
"Underground: My life in SDS and the Weathermen" by Mark Rudd. He is a regular contributor
to the Wikimedia Commons, the media arm of Wikipedia, the People's Encyclopedia.
In 2009, Good was recognized by Peace Action for his work as a photojournalist who
covers labor, civil rights and the peace movement. At a "Make Food Not War" dinner,
Peace Action Staten Island presented Good with a "Peacemaker" award. At the same event,
then Rep. Michael McMahon (D, 13 CD) gave Good a Congressional certificate for
"outstanding and invaluable service to the community."
In December of 2009 the Tea Party and their Republican Party allies criticized Good for
being a "radical" and attacked Congressman McMahon for giving Good an award.
Larry Goldbetter, President of the National Writers Union, UAW Local 1981, responded.
Goldbetter said, "As for the unprincipled attack by Staten Island GOP boss John Friscia,
a trivial job if ever there was one, Tom should consider that yet another award, a badge of honor.
As a former member of SDS myself, I consider the years spent actively opposing the genocidal war
in Vietnam, opposing racism and building a worker-student alliance as having set the course
of my life on the side of working people. There's an old union song called,
'Which Side Are You On.' We know the answer with both Tom and Friscia. And I'm standing with Tom Good."
Good lives with his muse, their two children and a red brindle dachshund named Harry. They reside
in the People's Republic of Staten Island. Good uses a battered 1972 Nikon F2 film camera, a Nikon D200
digital contraption and a variety of Sigma lenses.
