Second, Tom suggested that what labor really needs is to have stronger labor unions, so that people don't work "at will", etc. I don't really disagree with that. However, I remember that I was a member of the musician's union, and I still worked "at will". We had two shows a night in Nevada in those days, and it wasn't at all uncommon to finish the first show and be told that you didn't have to return for the second. Recourse? Hah! And that was just because the bandleader was trying to get into the ample bosom of the newest violinist in town (no female bandleaders, folks). Hell, the whole bank, including the band leader worked at will. Plus the fact that the union was run by a mafia lawyer, and the fact that the union stole us blind (i.e. our money) in various and sundry ways. Now, if you think that is uncommon in the union world, you haven't been talking to union rank-and-file. (We played in casinos built at great risk, and doubtless little gain, by the Teamsters' Pension Fund, of course.)
In fact, I would recommend that everybody who has an interst in progressive politics spend some time in Las Vegas. Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's the only town in the US that might STILL qualify to be called an all-union town. I may even be dating myself. I know the musician's union all but died during the last boom, but in general I think the clubs have found it to be most expedient to have all their workers locked up in unions. And, I do mean "locked up." Try to get out and you'll find yourself out on that desert without your kit bag.
On the list, I've just read how the AFL is now supporting Clinton's stock-investment brain-storm. (Everything he does is brillian, you know. Well, he is a Rhodes scholar!) This merely confirms my long-standing opinion that Clinton has been an even greater disaster for America than Reagan and Bush. After all, he gave the unions someone to rally behind. OK, you want to support the union movement: good. But, is it that much better as an idea than what Henry suggested? More importantly, are they contradictory or incompatible suggestions?
I guess what got me going was the expression, "What labor REALLY needs. . ." It's never the other guys idea. It's always MY idea that will save the day. Face it: none of these ideas will be implemented. That's because they are nothing but ideas. So, it won't do to take them too seriously. Sure, support the union. But, there's room for a flat tax, too, I think.
Quincy