Comments on: “Like the tree that stands beside the water …

By: Chris Mooney

Chris Mooney — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:50:14 +0000

Hey Greg,Thanks so much for posting on this. I’ve been a bit disappointed in my fellow bloggers for thus far not seeing how they and the current strike are linked.The “new media” has created a Wild Wild west for writers of all types. Some thrive, some don’t, but certainly many are being taken advantage of in some way–because there are few rules, few standards, few protections.I wouldn’t be at all surprised if bloggers–whether through an existing writer’s union or a union of their own–find themselves making arguments similar to those that tv and screen writers are making at some point down the road.But that’s why the screen and tv writers strike that has just begun is so important. WGA is still a powerful union. It draws mass media attention and celebrity sympathy. If it succeeds, that may help stem the general tide of declining unionism that you so lament. If it doesn’t succeed, well, perhaps no one can.That’s yet another reason for all us bloggers to show our support, and to realize how these issues affect us as well–or will down the road.

By: MarkH

MarkH — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 05:42:08 +0000

One problem is the old way isn't just not favored, it doesn't work as well. Note the new techniques of political action and escape from the boomer mindset that the answer is people showing up in person, street-theater, and making a spectacle.The reasons are many. For one, protests these days, especially peace protests, are a joke. Too many protesters showing up with too many different agendas. You go to a peace rally and what do you see? Jackasses in black wearing combat boots, puppets, communist flags and free-Mumia posters. Even if it's a tiny minority it's what gets broadcast to moderates everywhere who view such displays with contempt. No discipline, no unity, and as a result, they get no respect.Aside from the inability to change people's minds due to the jackass factor, you have no chance to dent public officials behavior. Buildings are set back behind barriers, the president and other politicians just park buses between the "free speech zone" and their travel route. You never even get seen by the people you're trying to antagonize.I say, accept the change, accept technology, develop new methods, drop the old mindset and do something that actually has an impact. Old-school protest is for suckers.

By: Ed Darrell

Ed Darrell — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:10:56 +0000

Nearer than it should be. It’s a confusing, frustrating time.As unions have steadily lost clout and cultural influence, the victories they won have also gone by the wayside. Vacations? Shorter work hours? Health benefits? Work rights? Safety?What would it take to awaken people, to get a good strike or other action that would strengthen unions and put us back on a road to a mechanism to get a more humane workplace?