In These Times

Latest Comments view all 2

• • 02 Sep 06
  • 11:00 am

  PIRGs and canvassers are not the only culpable parties here, either. I've seen the same thing in other social groups (such as GLBTQ organizations) and in the labor movement. At the root of issue seems to be the motivational techniques used by progressive and left groups: Martyrdom. The concept is that the left has to work harder, put in more hours, sacrifice pay and benefits, sacrifice private and family life, eat on the run, stress out, etc. Intertwined with this is the "you're working for a cause, not doing a job" attitude that underlies the martyrdom. In some ways, this makes …

  Posted to Do You Have a Minute for ?

• • 25 Mar 05
  • 9:29 am

  I find it amazing that no one is talking about whether the organizing everyone is talking about is GOOD organizing or not. Remember the Watsonville strawberry workers organizing battle? Or "Operation Dixie" three decades ago? Millions of dollars, tens of thousands of labor union members donating millions of hours -- and all wasted, because unions didn't follow even the most basic precepts of organizing: face-to-face contact, constant assessments of each potential member, avoiding third-partying of the union, education and inoculation, comprehensive campaigns involving the local community. No one -- not even Andy Stern -- is arguing that the money that reform …

  Posted to Which Comes First: Growth or Clout?