Sunday, May 08, 2016

Misc.

I had no idea that so many workers in New Mexico got no sick leave in their jobs.  The Albuquerque Journal story by Dan McKay this morning  points out that 'left leaning' groups are trying to pass a voters initiative to mandate such sick leave in the city of Albuquerque.  The opponents, like the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the food service industry are fighting mad about the initiative.  But the Journal doesn't call them 'right leaning.'  Aside from that egregious omission, the Journal reports the idea that jobs will leave for Texas where sick leave isn't required.  So, if you think about it, that is really illogical.  Why would a worker move to Texas if they could get sick leave here?  The kinds of jobs they are talking about won't really leave NM because they are required here for things to function.  And, don't most of our kids leave for places like California where wages and benefits are higher?   Having said that, I think this issue belongs on the plate of the Legislature and Feds.

I don't agree much with Columnist George Will, but I have to say his missive on  Trump this morning is nothing less than a plea to keep him out of office.  It almost seems to say, Vote for Hillary for one term or the GOP is toast.

And finally, you must read this post from SciFi author David Brin.  He has it all figured out for sure.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...


When the union's inspiration through the workers' blood shall run,
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun;
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one,
But the union makes us strong.



It is we who plowed the prairies; built the cities where they trade;
Dug the mines and built the workshops, endless miles of railroad laid;
Now we stand outcast and starving midst the wonders we have made;
But the union makes us strong.



All the world that's owned by idle drones is ours and ours alone.
We have laid the wide foundations; built it skyward stone by stone.
It is ours, not to slave in, but to master and to own.
While the union makes us strong.



They have taken untold millions that they never toiled to earn,
But without our brain and muscle not a single wheel can turn.
We can break their haughty power, gain our freedom when we learn
That the union makes us strong.



In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold,
Greater than the might of armies, multiplied a thousand-fold.
We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old
For the union makes us strong.


Chorus

Solidarity forever,
Solidarity forever,
Solidarity forever,
For the union makes us strong.


Solidarity Forever was written in 1915 by IWW member Ralph Chapin and has become a working class anthem. It's as true today as ever.

Unknown said...

Solidarity? They don't even vote.

Anonymous said...

True, which, if we use the same rationale we use when we talk about polling data, is an overwhelming expression of what is true about the political process.

Or as Lucy Parson succinctly put it, "Don't be deceived that the rich will permit you to vote away their wealth."