Maine Gov. orders removal of labor mural, sparking outcry

[roxiejules]

http://www.sunjournal.com/state/story/1004031 - via Sun Journal


Gov. Paul LePage has ordered the removal of a 36-foot mural depicting Maine's labor history from the lobby of the Department of Labor.

Worker advocates described the move as a "mean-spirited" provocation amid the administration's high-tension standoff with unions.

According to LePage spokesman Dan Demeritt, the administration felt the mural and the conference room monikers showed "one-sided decor" not in keeping with the department's pro-business goals. "The message from state agencies needs to be balanced," said Demeritt, adding that the mural had sparked complaints from "some business owners" who complained it was hostile to business.

Demeritt declined to name the businesses.




Here is background info about the mural:

http://www.judytaylorstudio.com/mural1.html

[kristopher]

1. Why am I still surprised?

[roxiejules]

3. I hear ya

Every day it just get weirder. Maybe the Guv will replace the murals with scenes of indentured servitude.

[Old and In the Way]

2. So, I wonder when they change the farmer and fisherman on the Maine Flag?

To a politician receiving a wad of cash from a businessman? Maine may be open to business, but it sure as hell is closed to the rest of us.

[roxiejules]

4. Wanted: Hardy and Dejected Serfs for Indentured Servitude

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! We will train the right individuals! However, we do ask that all applicants possess an obedient nature and overall feeling of complete hopelessness. We’ve had problems in the past with uprisings, so strong-willed individuals need not apply.

Top candidates will also:

■Have a strong desire to elevate the vast wealth of already wealthy men
■Not ask questions
■Lack the need for positive feedback
■Do what he or she is told
■Exhibit working knowledge of antiquated agricultural harvesting techniques
■Have a strong interest in turnips
■Be proficient in Microsoft Powerpoint and Visio

What are you waiting for? Your exciting new career as a Lowly Serf is just a door knock away. Lord Pilkerton will be conducting interviews at his manor this coming Thursday. Interested applicants should show up in proper work attire (tattered rags) and be ready to discuss their qualifications. A resume and curriculum vitae are also required.


http://pleated-jeans.com/2009/10/07/wanted-hardy-and-dejected-serfs-for-indentured-servitude/ - via pleated jeans

[kristopher]

5. You forgot one: Must be currently employed to be considered. nt

[TomClash]

6. Probably a "work for hire"

Too bad because it would violate VARA and/or the Copyright Act. What a shame.

[tanyev]

7. In office less than 3 months and who in Maine hasn't he offended?

Is this a record?


I noticed somebody has corrected his Wikipedia page:

Calling LePage the first popularly-elected governor is a joke. It's only a matter of time before there are impeachment proceedings for this douchebag.




:rofl:

[Shiver]

10. Damn, the Walker page is locked...

:cry:

[99th_Monkey]

8. Aren't their laws in Maine against vandalizing historic public art? geesh. ~nt

[NeoGreen]

9. Reminds me of when the Taliban Destroyed the Buddist...

...statues in Afghanistan.

[roxiejules]

11. Title and description of 'hostile' murals:

1. The Apprentice : Here, a Cobbler trains his young Apprentice. In the background, are scenes from that era.

2. Lost Childhood : Child labor was common in Maine. They frequently performed dangerous tasks for long hours.

3. The Textile Workers : Young women were often sent to the mills by their families, who could not, or would not support them.

4. The Secret Ballot : For the first time, workers were allowed to vote anonymously in 1891.

5. First Labor's Day : In 1884, Maine celebrated it's first "Labor's Day", a day for the workers to celebrate.

6. The Woods Workers : A member of the IWW or "Wobblies" tries to organize the Maine woodsmen.

7. The 1937 Strike : Scenes from an unsuccessful strike attempt to create better conditions for women workers.

8. Francis Perkins : FDR's Labor Secretary, and untiring labor activist, a Maine Labor icon.

9. Rosie the Riveter : Maine's version of WWII women workers participated as ship-builders.

10. The Strike of 1986 : The International Paper strike in Jay, Maine. One that still divides the town.

11. The Future of Labor in Maine : A figure from the past offers a hammer to workers of the present, who are unsure of it's value in a changing world.