Could it be that workers are getting screwed because we are not radical enough

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

I don't think working within the political system or any system will accomplish any real change.

I don't think anything can change unless people break things and shut things down - like the universities in the 60s. I'm not advocating violence, but I'm just saying it's probably the only way anything will change. I was getting screwed by the military industrial complex 40 years ago and I'm still getting screwed. I've heard every promise from every well intentioned politician from JFK to Hillary Clinton - What has changed NOTHING. What will change - NOTHING. By the way I'm still voting and I'm for Obama. But, I really doubt that as a worker I will be treated fairly. This is a "right to work state." And this country is a "right to screw the worker country>"

[Selatius]

1. Being assertive is not the same as being violent. If you want concessions, you must force demands.

"Right-to-work" laws are rigged to sink labor unions by creating a freeloader problem because it mandates non-unionized workers in the same workshop must be given the same benefits as workers who did unionize and did fight for those concessions. In such a situation, for many it becomes "Why pay union dues at all?" I live in Mississippi, a "right to work" state as well.

But I digress. If workers want things to change, such as in the service sector, they must organize themselves and form a labor union. This involves a fair amount of confrontation, and that has always been the case, but that's the nature of the struggle over scarce resources.

If you are willing to be confrontational, you end up with generous safety nets and safeguards against corporate abuse. In short, you end up like Spain or France, which both feature powerful socialist voting blocs and other various pro-labor voting blocs. They even cut the work week down to 35 hours from 40 in France, but they only got there because they made demands, and they actually voted in their elections.

Defense of your economic interests requires as much vigor and vigilance as defense of home or defense of the Bill of Rights.

"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did, and it never will." - Frederick Douglas

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

5. Awsome

Thank you
:thumbsup:

[annabanana]

2. mmmmmmm . . . . . .could be , , ,,, , , n/t

[Tikki]

3. I rarely watch the MSM...

but, from what I've caught...they purposely brand Americans
as complacent.

Evening after evening television reporters interview people at
gas stations who declare.."I hate these gas prices, but there is nothing I can do
about it, I have to drive to work."

Many will believe they can do nothing because there is little in our current leadership
telling them they can do something about it.

Tikki

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

6. Could't agree more

I wish people were united nationally on the issue of labor.
Is that possible, or is the mediaa too much of a barrier?

[Tangerine LaBamba]

4. You've got to organize

Nothing is accomplished without organization. That's what we found out in the sixties, in trying to get the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed. The sit-ins, the demonstrations, the civil disobedience, the willingness to put your comfort, your safety, and your well-being on the line for a principle - they worked. And they'd work today if people would get off their asses and get incensed about what's been done to them for so long instead of just whining and then bending over, shouting "Thank you, sir! May I have another, sir!"

Remember the movie "Norma Rae"? That was pretty much a road map about how to get things started.

There's so much to risk, though, I do understand why people are reluctant to rock the boat. This country is now a place where people are afraid to speak their minds, fearful of the consequences, and that's a direct result of the policies of the past eight years. It is exactly what we are NOT supposed to be. Check with our Founding Fathers.

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

7. Absoutely

I would have no problem with sit down strikes, walk outs, even losing my job if I had other people who would do it with me.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

8. That's the hardest part, alas.

Yeah, I don't have any doubts about your anger and your frustration and your commitment. But others aren't as brave as you, and that's the kiss of death.

I just don't understand why people let themselves be pushed around so much, when, in fact, they have choices. It's a risk, sure, but it's a choice.

I wish you so much luck, friend.

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

9. What a wonderful human being you are

You remind me of my dad, my imaginary friend, and my angelic wife.

:patriot: :loveya:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

10. You honor me

Thank you, and welcome to DU.

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

17. We're all in this together

Thanx

[Joesunionreview]

11. 75% of my readers are for a 1 day strike

http://anti-union.blogspot.com/2008/03/84-of-my-readers-are-for-1-day-strike.html

Why a 1 days strike? Whats the reasoning?

A one day strike on what we can all agree on, they all have sold out the dream to do better for our children, to live a peaceful and private life, to one day be able to afford to retire and have enough to survive.

A one day strike where people of all jobs and backgrounds can unite together and say "We are not going to take it anymore"

A one days strike against taxable labor, taxable products and the damn TV. Fuck them and the brainwash machine. Say it with me, say it out loud "Fuck them and their "ask your doctor for ad's that we pay for with every prescription we buy"

A one days strike against the bureaucracy that is our governments handing our futures over to a select few corporations. Allowing the thought of "Free Trade" with the likes of Columbia who kills people who try to organize. "I don't want a Columbian Free Trade Agreement, I count"

A one day strike against the constricting noose around the necks of those whose labor made their corporations what they are today, while the government bails out mismanaged banks and airlines with our money, who's only claim to fame is how badly they have fucked our workers and citizens. Say it "Corporate responsibility, not corporate welfare"

A one day strike before there is a need for a revolution, a strike against the misinformed idea that there is nothing we can do about it. We can, we can stand together. Say it "Together we can change the world"

A one day strike against the 2 party system that bogs itself into partisan politics, like a sideshow, never accomplishing anything for us, but always making sure the corporations get everything on a silver platter.

A 1 day strike against the profiteers of the slave class and our government for allowing it.

A 1 day strike against the corporations who are killing the the good North American jobs and our kids with poisonous products.

A 1 day strike against the oil industry who has decided that we are going to pay 3 times as much as a few years back.

A one day strike where we can be with our families and friends and having a chance to enjoy what is really important, a life with dignity.

We will be heard, we will be united.

Spread the word.

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

12. I Support You 100 Percent - but I want a 1 month strike

Thank you for this beautiful post. You articulate my feelings and the feelings of all of us who live in this "Roman Empire" called America.

When the throw the loaves of bread into the stadium with their tax cuts stolen from our children and grandchildren to placate us to continue to accept slavery and being robbed while they go on their domination of the world campaign, I want to hurt them in the place they value more than anything else their wallets.

I do believe in radical solutions - the more radical the better - not violence but EXTREME SOLUTIONS.

[Earth Bound Misfit]

13. A Great Idea, but could it be POSSIBLE?/ National 1 day STRIKE--ALL WORKERS

Wouldn't that be something? If only there were a day in particular where the world's attention would be focused on the U.S., a day of National & Global importance, a day where people from all walks of life gather to make important decisions which will affect not only their lives and the lives of their loved ones, but the lives of friends, neighbors, fellow citizens,strangers, businesses both private & public, from large multi-national corporations, to everyday Mom & Pop operations. A day where groups of beleaguered individuals could, rather than report to work, go to voice their displeasure in some sort of private, protected Democratic process. If only there were such a day......would'nt it be great to hold such a strike on such a day?


Edit for spelling

[rdenney]

14. Listen up: A nationwide MASS truckers strike has been floated since the 1970's

at least. It has _NEVER_ happened. Not even one time.

I agree that a nationwide strike would put these employers on notice, but as with the US truckers, its never going to happen, no matter how much we would all like to see it happen.

And I agree: if we don't do something it's ALL downhill from here on out in America for American workers. :(

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

16. How about a Radical approach

Any Ideas?

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

15. How and When

I'll Join You. I'm for the 1 day; but I also want to stick it to the military industrial complex. Have you seen the documentary "Why We Fight?" If not see it. Peace