There is nothing so good that it cannot be distorted and used by extremists. For example, take religion. ISIS fancies itself as "religious." The crazy extremists of Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, who picket the funerals of our fallen heroes, fancy themselves as doing God's work. Taken to extremes, Good becomes Bad.
As I think about Labor Day, I remember all the good work that labor unions did in their early days. Then, they reached the point of "feather-bedding" and creating a sense of entitlement. When they did, the public realized the labor movement was being taken to extremes, and support for labor began dissolving. Union membership is now close to its post WWII nadir.
But, think of it as tidal movements. As the public withdrew its support, labor power decreased as the tide receded. Now, with increased awareness of the historic income inequality, that tide of public opinion is reversing, and labor support is once again increasing. That is probably a good thing. (Ironically, the angry populist supporters of Donald Trump will probably be in the forefront of growing union support.)
At some point, labor will abuse their growing power, and the tide will go back out again . . . unless they can find a way to marginalize their extremists. Good luck! I just wish the Westboro Baptist Church could marginalize their extremists . . .
As I think about Labor Day, I remember all the good work that labor unions did in their early days. Then, they reached the point of "feather-bedding" and creating a sense of entitlement. When they did, the public realized the labor movement was being taken to extremes, and support for labor began dissolving. Union membership is now close to its post WWII nadir.
But, think of it as tidal movements. As the public withdrew its support, labor power decreased as the tide receded. Now, with increased awareness of the historic income inequality, that tide of public opinion is reversing, and labor support is once again increasing. That is probably a good thing. (Ironically, the angry populist supporters of Donald Trump will probably be in the forefront of growing union support.)
At some point, labor will abuse their growing power, and the tide will go back out again . . . unless they can find a way to marginalize their extremists. Good luck! I just wish the Westboro Baptist Church could marginalize their extremists . . .
