DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:19 PM
Original message |
Power to the PEOPLE...is a National Strike an option? |
|
I am tired of not having my voice heard. It seems the din of Giant corporations are drowning out our voices. Our needs are not being met, the corporate needs takes precedence.
A National Strike could be what we need to get their attention, bringing power back to the people in a peaceful way. NO WORK, NO PURCHASES. Could this be an option?
We have the tool right here in our hands to organize. Could it be possible?
What are your thoughts, what say you DU?
|
Phredicles
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:28 PM
Response to Original message |
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:32 PM
Response to Reply #1 |
|
It brings back our voices. and in a peaceful way. No work no purchases. SHUT IT DOWN!!
I dont know how to organize this, what would be needed...That is why it is great to have DU..So many great minds here.
|
Marrah_G
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:30 PM
Response to Original message |
2. not unless someone is going to pay my bills |
|
If I lost even a week of work the kids and I would be out on the street. I'd be totally supportive of anyone else who wanted to do it though.
|
Phredicles
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:36 PM
Response to Reply #2 |
9. I was thinking, for starters, a one-day event; |
|
at least that (I hope) would get some attention.
|
Marrah_G
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:21 PM
Response to Reply #9 |
43. A one day event would be do-able |
Deja Q
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:54 PM
Response to Reply #2 |
15. Gee, where's the DUer who mistook my post encompassing America's middle class with |
|
"that guy from Minnesota"?
He should respond to you too.
|
bobbie
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:05 PM
Response to Reply #2 |
20. CLASSIC! Can't be inconvienced, civil change may cause hardship. |
|
The status quo, fascism, is therefore preferable to transient hardship.
Many Americans are getting exactly what they deserve with this regime. Sadly, many Americans are also getting what the other people deserve.
|
AndyA
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:22 PM
Response to Reply #20 |
27. You make a good point. |
|
Kind of like people buying imported cars instead of domestic ones. Oh, there's all the typical excuses about reliability, resale, blah blah blah, but the bottom line is: if our ancestors hadn't suffered a bit to form this new country, none of us would have what we're now giving up.
Americans are complacent when it comes to issues. That is, until it has a direct impact on them, then they raise hell! Their neighbor down the street can be out of a job because Ford laid him off, but that's OK as long as their job isn't affected. But when the layoffs hit home, look out Molly!
In a perfect world, all of us would hit the streets, protest signs in hand, and FORCE our government to do the right thing.
I'm sure our ancestors, who fought and often gave their lives for our liberties and rights are rolling in their graves right now. To say they are disappointed in their offspring is an understatement.
|
ComerPerro
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:31 PM
Response to Reply #20 |
31. wow, what an asshole response. Someone doesn't want to risk getting fired and putting their |
|
family on the street, and you piss all over them.
|
Marrah_G
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:19 PM
Response to Reply #20 |
42. There is a difference between inconvenience and survival |
|
Edited on Tue May-22-07 05:20 PM by Marrah_G
Inconvenience I can do. Survival is different. As a single working mother of 3 I do what I must to make sure they have food and shelter.
|
Balbus
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:51 PM
Response to Reply #42 |
47. Your priorities are out of whack! |
|
I can't believe you'd put your children before an online message board...
|
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 06:05 PM
Response to Reply #47 |
48. am I heartless indeed? |
|
I understand her concern. I would never belittle her because she must think of the survival of her children. I have children of my own, they are grown now.
This is just a discussion, is it an option? Pros and Cons. All plans should be carefully considered. And the thread has been interesting in the responses.
No one would ever ask her to endanger her children, even I am not that heartless.
|
BlackVelvet04
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:38 PM
Response to Reply #2 |
34. And therein lies the problem....... |
|
there will never be a national strike because so few can afford to do it.
|
OPERATIONMINDCRIME
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:31 PM
Response to Original message |
3. Not Really, Since Unfortunately You Would Never Get Anywhere Near Significant Numbers Enough To |
|
make anyone take real notice.
Furthermore, even forsaking that, boycotts generally hurt the wrong people since layoffs, raises etc generally will hurt the working class people that we supposedly are trying to support. Also, the whole no work thing wouldn't fly since chances are you'd just get yourself fired.
So though a novel concept, not one that has any real chance of success in my opinion.
|
Lars39
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:34 PM
Response to Reply #3 |
8. Why, OMC, I'd think that with your full network of progressive friends, |
|
that you would be on the front lines of such a movement.
|
OPERATIONMINDCRIME
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:45 PM
Response to Reply #8 |
12. A Few Probably Would, But Most Would Probably Find It Ineffective For The Same Reasons I Mentioned. |
|
Novel concept, but not one that's really going to have any impact. And like I said; even if it could have an impact it would ultimately be hurting the wrong people anyway, so it's a bit misguided as well.
|
conscious evolution
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:13 PM
Response to Reply #12 |
24. It may not effect the bottom line |
|
But symbolicly it can say a lot. As for hurting the wrong people-We are already getting hurt right now.What is a little more pain gonna do?
|
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:22 PM
Response to Reply #24 |
|
Do we have to wait until there is nothing left? What does it take? What sacrifices is too much to bare, to gain our country back where it belongs, in the hands of her people.
|
Lars39
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:32 PM
Response to Original message |
|
Especially if those that aren't wired into the internet were invited to join. There's power in numbers. :D
|
bobbie
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:33 PM
Response to Original message |
6. A general strike is ALWAYS an option |
|
Possible and smart. Hit 'em where they hurt.
|
quinnox
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:33 PM
Response to Original message |
|
could afford to but I have to work so I have money for rent and stuff.
|
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:38 PM
Response to Original message |
|
Even our own senators and congress critters would take notice. If enough people were in this, How can their be mass firings? The illegals and hispanics shut the country down for one day...are you saying we cant?
|
Rosemary2205
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:51 PM
Response to Reply #10 |
|
"The illegals and hispanics shut the country down for one day"
here and there maybe but the WHOLE COUNTRY? "My" part of Atlanta didn't even see a blip -- business as usual.
|
elocs
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:12 PM
Response to Reply #13 |
22. Right, shut down what country? Not a blip where I am either. |
|
Yes it's a novel concept and would probably work well in a highly unionized country, but not this one. Out of all the people in this country, how many are not buying anything on any given day? (There are many days in a week that I do not buy anything.) How would you separate that number from those who are not buying for a purpose? Plus, just look at the sheer size and diversity of this country compared to European countries where I strike would likely have an impact. I'm afraid it would not work here.
|
Deja Q
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:55 PM
Response to Reply #10 |
16. They did? When? I recall a lot of talk about it... |
|
Edited on Tue May-22-07 03:55 PM by HypnoToad
But nothing came of that day either.
And they have less to lose.
They proved nobody's going to do it. The irony is almost amusing. Almost.
|
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:04 PM
Response to Reply #16 |
18. Seems to me their voices were heard |
|
with the threat of shutting it down. Do we have to lose everything before we take action?
A national strike is peaceful means of action. I am disheartened by the lack of response. Are we whipped?
|
bobbie
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:07 PM
Response to Reply #10 |
21. And that's one big reason why the regime wants Americans in debt |
|
So that people, like some on this thread, just can't miss a paycheck.
Or won't miss a paycheck.
|
Balbus
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:41 PM
Response to Original message |
11. Yeah, let's do it this next Monday! |
|
And if that's not going to work, then put me down for either the Saturday or Sunday after that.
|
slackmaster
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:15 PM
Response to Reply #11 |
|
I'm NOT going to work on Monday and I refuse to do any software releases that weekend!
|
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:51 PM
Response to Original message |
bobbie
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 03:57 PM
Response to Original message |
17. I posted this thread largely with your thread in mind DearAbby |
Kelly Rupert
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:05 PM
Response to Original message |
19. Who is John Galt again? |
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:13 PM
Response to Reply #19 |
|
The phrase becomes an expression of helplessness and despair at the current state of the world. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Galt_(Atlas_Shrugged)
|
Kelly Rupert
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:14 PM
Response to Reply #23 |
|
Atlas Shrugged was indeed the reference.
|
AndyTiedye
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:15 PM
Response to Original message |
26. National Strike Just Lets Them Outsource More Jobs |
Cleita
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:29 PM
Response to Original message |
29. It's possible but you need to get the unions involved for it to |
|
be effective and unfortunately the unions don't have the power and membership they once had. Read about the Seattle Strike of 1919. http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Cleita/3
|
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:35 PM
Response to Reply #29 |
33. Interesting entry Cleita |
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:30 PM
Response to Original message |
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 06:29 PM
Response to Reply #30 |
|
:kick: every day that passes, each day, disappointed by those who we trusted with our vote.
We have to do something, each day that passes, we become weaker. One day we will wake up and the America that once was, will be no more.
|
ComerPerro
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:34 PM
Response to Original message |
32. problem is this would cost a lot of people their jobs and endanger their families |
|
its why conservatives like uncertainty, they can always hold the axe over your head.
Don't like what you're being paid now? Don't like the mandatory unpaid overtime? Don't like being abused and mistreated? Want benifits? Lets see how you do without a job!
|
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:54 PM
Response to Reply #32 |
|
are you willing to go, to keep that job? When they decrease your pay, take what remaining benefits you may have now...with that ax over your head...how long are you willing to stand underneath it? How much more can they squeeze out of you before they toss you aside.
We mean nothing to them...not even as voters, they fixed that. All they care about is profits. Look at Iraq. They dont even care about human life.
How far are you willing to go with that ax over your head?
|
BurtWorm
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:01 PM
Response to Reply #32 |
37. Chances are more likely no one would even notice it. |
|
Americans do not know how to strike.
|
BurtWorm
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 04:58 PM
Response to Original message |
36. I don't think a general strike of this kind would work, to be honest. |
|
Marching on Washington would be much more effective. Or a national day of marching in the streets. A one-day boycott would have very little impact, I think. Democrats in power would feel completely unpressured to do anything but ignore it.
|
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:09 PM
Response to Reply #36 |
|
don't show up for work...and yes, spend that day in the streets in solidarity. As Citizens of this country.
We the People sounds like an empty phrase. Quaint
They have us where they want us, afraid of speaking out for fear of losing what little we have. How far must we go? How much more is there to lose?
The American Dream was stolen from us, or we have allowed them to take it without a whimper. We must stand up in solidarity for our rights.
|
rinsd
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:11 PM
Response to Original message |
39. I remember the last national strike....oh wait! |
gravity
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:15 PM
Response to Original message |
41. It will hurt everyone in this country |
|
not just big business.
And judging from the success of the gas boycotts, goodluck.
|
Greyhound
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:26 PM
Response to Original message |
44. Things are not "worse enough yet", but K & R for the thought. n/t |
Ilsa
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:34 PM
Response to Original message |
45. It won't work with a hospital or anyone else who has to have |
|
health care services scheduled. Waaaayyyyy too much disruption, and time is of the essence for some things.
|
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 05:49 PM
Response to Original message |
DearAbby
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 07:33 PM
Response to Original message |
|
I came back here after hearing the news, the Democrats have caved on the Iraqi Spending Bill. I am so disappointed, and disgusted.
How much more?
|
seriousstan
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 08:57 PM
Response to Original message |
51. You seem to be quite the keyboard Commander so GIT ER DONE!! |
|
Edited on Tue May-22-07 08:58 PM by seriousstan
Date and time.....General?
|
AZBlue
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Tue May-22-07 09:00 PM
Response to Original message |
52. As a resident of a Right to Work state, count me out. |
|
My company doesn't even need a reason to legally fire me. Why give them one?
|
DU
AdBot (1000+ posts) |
Tue May 07th 2024, 05:35 PM
Response to Original message |