Posted on January 13, 2012 by Lou
Thousands of actors – from A-List megastars to those who work for “scale” – will soon decide whether to merge the nation’s two largest performer unions. Combining the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists with the Screen Actors Guild was narrowly rejected by members in 2003. But now AFTRA and SAG leaders appear well [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on January 11, 2012 by Lou
Primary supporters of republican outlier Ron Paul could be decisive in the 2012 general election. Will they stay with the party of “free enterprise” and low taxes, despite its adherence to christian values and aggressive foreign policy? Or will they shift their allegiance to candidate Obama and his corrupt “welfare-state” policies? For now, democrats enjoy [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on January 8, 2012 by Lou
Defying a Senate Republican scheme to disable the National Labor Relations Board, President Obama has re-staffed the agency with three “recess” appointments. The board can now continue its modest reform agenda which includes restraining employers from endlessly delaying certification elections and improving union organizer access to workers. While this will not alone reverse the steady [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on January 4, 2012 by Lou
Romney, Santorum, Gingrich and Paul It sounds like a law firm You might even call If you need some advice On what you should do Cause you can’t figure out How best to renew A nation that’s lost its bearings and more Under Obama whose minding the store With leftists and commies holding the keys [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on January 1, 2012 by Lou
The election is this year and, like a good soldier, I know the mission. I will subordinate my doubts about Barack Obama and mute my criticism. I don’t expect my progressive friends and colleagues to be as extreme. Whenever I hear musings of disapproval from the left, however, I’m likely to ask (until it sounds [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on December 24, 2011 by Lou
Need help surviving in a world of moral complexity and injustice? Great story-telling can do that. Don’t worry. This isn’t a meditation on Dostoyevsky or Kafka. Just a little romp about one of my favorite TV shows with a simple and universal “wrong man” theme. Working my way recently through the first season – ’63, [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on December 16, 2011 by Lou
1) Gingrich Sews Up Nomination Former House Speaker Clears the Field as Romney Pulls Out 2) Scott Walker Recalled Wisconsin Voters Remove Unpopular Republican [...]
Continue ReadingPosted on December 14, 2011 by Lou
Three developments transformed American politics in 2011: Madison Militant and dramatic reaction by unions to attacks on state government workers in Wisconsin, Ohio and other states triggers broad and surprising pubic support for “collective bargaining rights.” Occupy Wall Street Economic inequality finally gains traction as an issue thanks to brilliantly-staged and focused protests across the country. [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on December 11, 2011 by Lou
Near the end of Barack Obama’s second term – the president had easily defeated Newt Gingrich in 2011 – a civil war breaks out in the democratic party. Sixty-eight-year-old Hillary Clinton had served the administration brilliantly and was now preparing to win the 2016 democratic nomination in a walk. But instead of a coronation, Hillary [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on December 8, 2011 by Lou
Now and then one of my posts will appear on a site which aggregates blogs. For the most part, though, laborlou.com is a stand-alone. My best explanation is that my writing is too quirky and unpredictable for sites which focus, for example, on politics. Another reason, of course, is that no-one asks (like the kid [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on December 7, 2011 by Lou
It seemed so grim not long ago Republicans ascending But now I sense a changing trend Together with an ending Of conservative maneuvering and other bully tactics Used so well and skillfully with all their great theatrics To undermine reform and change to make a better nation And other small and big ideas to tame [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on December 5, 2011 by Lou
Newt Gingrich talks tough. If nominated, he says he will challenge Barack Obama to seven free-form “Lincoln / Douglas” debates. Republican crowds go wild when he offers “to be fair” and allow the president the use of a teleprompter. Newt’s smug and belligerent approach plays well with the base but will it appeal to the [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on December 2, 2011 by Lou
If you want to see someone with extraordinary political skills, divert your attention for a minute from Newt Gingrich’s takeover of the republican presidential nomination. Look instead halfway around the world to Myanmar, where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is displaying remarkable diplomatic talent in her meetings with that nation’s leaders and, in particular, its [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on December 1, 2011 by Lou
1) Know when to stop Make your point and shut up 2) Avoid self-indulgence We don’t need to know everything about you 3) Welcome criticism It means somebody’s paying attention 4) Admit when you’re wrong Nobody likes a know-it-all 5) Be honest And don’t try too [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on November 29, 2011 by Lou
This post was written before police cleared the city hall protest site early Wednesday morning. The image of Los Angeles as a city of airheads, movie stars and assorted narcissists has evolved considerably over the past several decades; these days, most Americans recognize this region for its extraordinary racial, ethnic and international diversity and even [...]
Continue Reading
Posted on November 26, 2011 by Lou
Even after the tents are gone, Occupy L.A protesters should understand their remarkable contribution to our region’s labor and community movements. And recognize how much they’re appreciated. * Creating a communal learning space on the city hall lawn and gaining enormous experience in the process * Connecting us to the nation-wide and world-wide campaigns for [...]
Continue Reading
