-=> John Massey wrote to Dave Drum <=-   
      
    JM>> I have no problem paying for my supper.   
      
    DD> Probably because a union some where/when negotiated a living wage.   
      
    JM> What is a living wage? Is it the same in New York City as in Live Oak   
    JM> FL.? "Living wage," is a worth less phrase, it means nothing.   
      
   Typical straw-man argument. Living wage varies from time to time and place to   
   place. Which is why a union ironworker or printer gets a different pay scale in   
   the Rotten Apple than one in West Bumfuss, Missouri. Living wage means exactly   
   what it says - a wage that one can live on as long as he works his job. It does   
   not mean or imply perks, benefits, or extras.   
       
    JM>> You talk of going back. Dumping the union is a step forward for the   
    JM>> individual.   
      
    DD> And there, my fine right-winger we have a basic disconnect. Keeping and   
    DD> strengthening the unions (yes, and getting them off their arses to do   
    DD> what their original purpose was) is the basis of an improving economy   
    DD> and a growing and healthy middle class.   
      
    JM> I'm sure you believe that.  I'm not sure anyone that truly thinks about   
    JM> it would agree. I certainly don't.   
      
   I certainly do. As do nearly all economists - including Paul Krugman    
      
    DD> Dumping the unions only works if you're already a member of the 1%. Are   
    DD> you?   
      
    JM> Sorry I don't agree withe premise of your question. IF a person has a   
    JM> marketable job skill and the talent to promote themselves  they will   
    JM> always do better to dump the union and represent themselves as an   
    JM> individual. IMO. That is the only way they stand a chance in hell of   
    JM> getting to be the 1%.   
      
   Certainly one with a unique or marketable skill will do better "on the   
   economy". Like rock stars. But, most of the work force are not rock stars. Some   
   are barely competent to put money in a juke box - but, can perform useful and   
   necessary work. Having a union to protect their rights only makes sense. And   
   prevents people with attitudes like yours from the "divide and conquer" tactics   
   that management has used since time began.   
       
   ... No matter how cynical you get, it is impossible to keep up. - Lily Tomlin   
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