Reply #9: Understood... [View All]

[redgiant]

But some of the pre-strike rhetoric sure seemed to set the bar high for participation and results. I mean, there was talk of shutting the city down, etc. Some businesses apparently shut down either voluntarily or due to concern about transportation issues. A strike shuts a business down when enough workers walk out to curtail operations, not by illegally blocking the entrance to, e.g., a bank. As Shania would say, "That don't impress me much." Any bunch of thugs can do that.

As a teacher, I thought it was unprofessional for the teachers to walk out. It only disrupted their students' education for the day. I suspect most of them will be paid for the day, right? In other words, they made their political point without personal sacrifice and on the taxpayer's dime. Perhaps they could donate the day's pay to the movement. But, I doubt they will.

As of this writing, it's still early in Oakland. I hope the protesters can remain non-violent and non-destructive into the night.