Striking Out
Why is it that people become so blinded by politics that they can't see the proverbial forest for the trees? Yesterday, I had an interesting conversation about the writer's strike and unions with a friend whose political views are on the opposite end of the spectrum from my own. When the grocery clerks went on strike a few years ago, this friend had a real fit about the "communist leanings" of union members and droned on and on about how labor unions had destroyed the core of American businesses. Said friend spent a considerable amount of time trying to convince me that the faculty union to which I belong had no reason to strike since
(1) teachers are not educating the youth of America properly,
(2) have too much paid holiday time, and
(3) belong to an already overly powerful union.
This same individual argued that unions are never good because they are too closely related to the ideals of "communism" and are "controlled by the Mafia."
Imagine my utter disbelief, then, when this uber conservative friend of mine began to lament the Hollywood writers' strike while arguing in favor of their union! Ummm, excuse me dear friend, but aren't you the same individual who sees a commie around every union's corner? The same person who saw no need for the grocery workers' strike because the picketers interferred with your ability to move in and out of the local supermarket with ease? Where did you hide my friend who expressed shock and horror upon learning that I belonged to a faculty union poised to strike several months ago? Why do you think that a union representing the writers of your favorite television programs is so much more valid than those looking out for the interests of workers in other occupations?
Wait just a minute -- I feel an AHA! Moment coming my way. Ok, I get it now. You support the Hollywood writers' strike because your favorite television shows have gone to reruns already! That's what happens when those commie paper pushers don't receive adequate compensation for their work, you dufus; they stop producing the words that fuel your pixellated life! That you can't see the sheer hypocrisy behind your support is yet another example of life behind the Orange Curtain. . .