A group of citizens has called for a general strike on 9/11. Read about it here.
Has there ever been a successful nationwide general strike in the United States? Thank God the organizers aren’t calling for a “turn off your TV day.” I wouldn’t have the strength to forego the Bionic Woman fall sneak peak. I’m only human.
If foundation folks stayed at home on 9/11, there would be fewer calls going out to grantees hounding them for this or that report. This would be a great shame.
Posted by: erasmus | August 30, 2007 at 01:25 PM
Well, of course the strike won't be really general (meaning: clearly bringing the country to a standstill). However, it can be made very, very noticeable, it is up to you.
If you think some things are wrong, what stops you from organizing and changing then? If nobody did so, or if massive protests were not effective, there would still be very few rights for blacks, women, or workers, to name a few examples.
Posted by: strike | August 31, 2007 at 11:33 AM
strike: Nice of you to say that it's up to me. I've seldom felt this important, able to decide the fate of anything so grand as a General Strike. I imagined, stupidly, that the success of this effort might depend on a great deal of ground-laying: grassroots organizing and coalition building -- that kind of thing. Little did I suspect it would lie entirely on my shoulders. Thank you. I feel empowered.
Posted by: Albert | August 31, 2007 at 05:46 PM
We could have a party. . . with a booby prize for the last person to cross the picket line.
Indeed! Shame on you Albert. Next you'll be proposing ride-sharing as part of the general boycott, good work job actions where possible, work to rule at welfare queen companies and pooling money so that people who stand to be hurt won't have to do without groceries or rent money. You're just the kind, too, to point out that many communities still have moral leadership and that these people should be approached for insights and input. Oh, I can't even believe what I read here sometimes!
Posted by: Scruggs | September 01, 2007 at 03:23 AM
The leaves on the trees have been shredded by disease, the sun's arc is lower in the sky, mosquitoes rule the garden. We're tired, Scruggs, we begin to lose perspective this late in the summer.
Posted by: Albert Ruesga | September 01, 2007 at 08:18 AM
I don't suppose anyone's up for a crucifixion at this late hour? David Blaine?
Posted by: Nasty Hababbitt | September 01, 2007 at 11:39 AM
I think I will take a vacation day and stroll through Dallas's down town seeing if I can imagine the homeless as on strike. Since the day is mine to take, I will not be out of line. It is part of my compensation package.
Posted by: Phil | September 01, 2007 at 04:43 PM
I plan to stay home and dream up some devastating slogans for the next rally.
Posted by: Albert | September 01, 2007 at 08:23 PM