We Need Less Work, Not More
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This article portrays an interesting perspective that contends with the standard labor platform. I myself am a transit operator and a proud member of the Amalgamated Transit Union. Unfortunately, it is all too easy for me to relate to the issues presented in this article. Throughout my time as as a transit operator, I have found working overtime is not an option, but a necessity for me to cover my minimum standard of living, which includes; car, rent, insurances, food and student debt. The author raises an important point about the dearth of discussion about reducing the standard cost-of-living. I'd like to open the discussion by exploring new and practical ways that we can approach the reduction of cost-of-living" costs. Stopping the accumulation of American student debt, would be a start, but it is stigmatized as an impossible bureaucratic nightmare. And what about the majority of laborers that even without the burden of student debt, still cannot make ends meet with their 40/hr wages? The author's nod to Jimmy McMillan truly highlights the comically depressing satire that the typical American laborer's plight has become.
One more quick note in regards to the the Keystone XL pipeline. It seems intuitive to me that it is not necessary work jobs that will drastically deplete the quality of life for our future generations. Why is not possible to create that many jobs by developing clean energy infrastructure? Is it just because clean energy isn't as profitable? Well my apologies to Ayn Rand but I believe a bit more government subsidization in clean energy can go a long way, especially if we can eliminate lost funds through "green washing" and bureaucracy.
