Yeah, the work does not require a college education. That doesn’t mean that the people might not be college educated, but the job description does not include what kind of college degree they need to hold in order to get the job. (specifically referring to carpenters which is what you were talking about.)

This is awesome!

Oh, ok. Well, this one works too. For What It’s Worth is the one that keeps going through my head. I did not desire to have to see a time when it would be so culturally relevant again.

oooh,oh, let me guess before I even listen...For What It’s Worth, right? Or Ohio? I mean really, the songs of the 60's are all new again.

the what? the book? Are you turning your columns into a book?

Frank speaks truth to whatever is annoying. Grrr.

I did not say they were not college educated, I said you don’t need a college education to get this job.

Well, it is a good job compared to 8 dollars an hour with no benefits. You are correct, that expectations are extreamly low. And yet, they decided to elect someone who will crush their options even further into the ground because they aren’t seeing the big picture.

Do you feel, though, that unions have betrayed a lot of their members? I mean, what 3rdShallot says is a not uncommon sentiment, and I can see why given the experience I had with a “union shop” here in the rust belt. They did nothing for their people, absolutely nothing. The unions I had my first experiences with were…

Yes, you’re right. It was Reagan vs air traffic controllers, I had forgotten that. And yet Reagan is still remembered by many as quite a good president. He is exactly where a lot of this started and there’s a direct line from Reagan to Trump.

So, you’re saying that in the midwest a carpenter earns $30-$34 dollars an hour, and for that they pay $6,000.00 a year?

THIS IS THE THING!!!! GAH!! I can’t stand it!! Where is this mental disconnect coming from? I want to know? (don’t I? maybe I don’t? Is it, in actual fact, Satan? It seems like it?)

It’s weird to me how little support teachers unions get from the general public when they strike, though. That’s my perception anyway, is that yours as well or am I wrong? (I hope I’m wrong).

This is true, but most people have never seen it. After reading your posts, I get that you have. If things continue on the way they are, more people will “get” to experience it again.

This. Years ago, I worked in a state and city where unions in my profession were strong. It was wonderful. I got great pay, great benefits, and also specifically great health coverage. I thought all unions were like this. Now I live in the rust belt. I have changed professions. I went to interview in another industry.…

As an alternative to all the weirdness, here’s someone who shines.

Do you guys have boomerangs?

I’m shocked they’re letting him in. I just saw the headline and didn’t read any more about it so I don’t know the details, but I hope a band of outraged locals meets him at the airport armed with torches and pitchforks.

Subtle but evocative. +1

You know he’s set to flee to New Zealand, right? Apparently they’re a bit upset about it.