Reflection Paper #3
America is known as the country of opportunities. These so-called opportunities are usually controlled by the rich. However, the common man will revolt, if anything within the system feels unfair.
The Pullman strike of 1894 could be considered a revolt. The workers felt as if they were disrespected and taken advantage of, so they took to the action of collective bargaining. Even so, they still lost, when federal troops were brought in to solve the problem, or as some would say, in order to help Pullman.
Nevertheless, the wealthy has many possibilities at good fortunes. A few prosperous individuals are so naive, they even think that they created their own wealth. They believe that their chances in life are great, because only the will strongest survive. Rarely, is that the case. That is why regulation in the form of checks and balances are essential. Not only are checks and balances required for businesses, it is also mandatory for fairness and equality.
When all are on a level playing field, then everyone has a potential at the so-called opportunities.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Labor History Timeline
Pullman Strike of 1894
The Pullman strike of 1894 was caused due to George Pullman reducing his workers wages. George Pullman’s workers lived on one of his properties, and paid rent. Even though their wages were lowered, their rents were not. This made it much easier for them to rise up for rationality. To make matters worse, these workers were not part of a union, so Eugene Debs of American Railway Union(ARU) intervened on their behalf. In order to win against Pullman, Debs called for a major boycott. But, Debs did not succeed, because eventually, the Army was called in, because of the destruction of trains. Debs was ultimately placed in prison and the ARU dissolved.
The significance to our class discussion is that even though the workers knew they would be overwhelmed, they did not give up. Some were immigrants, and some were people of color, which made it even a more delicate dilemma. Standing up for what is right and just, is not always easy. At times you hear people say they would have done this or that, but when the “you know what” hits the fan, they disappear.
The main thing to remember is that, having lots of money helps to solve issues, but it does not always take care of everything. Being poor and powerless is a problem; save for, the inner will fashioned by God to always fight injustice. It takes time, but the honorable will always beat the unjust, with pure resilience and guts.
The Pullman strike of 1894 was caused due to George Pullman reducing his workers wages. George Pullman’s workers lived on one of his properties, and paid rent. Even though their wages were lowered, their rents were not. This made it much easier for them to rise up for rationality. To make matters worse, these workers were not part of a union, so Eugene Debs of American Railway Union(ARU) intervened on their behalf. In order to win against Pullman, Debs called for a major boycott. But, Debs did not succeed, because eventually, the Army was called in, because of the destruction of trains. Debs was ultimately placed in prison and the ARU dissolved.
The significance to our class discussion is that even though the workers knew they would be overwhelmed, they did not give up. Some were immigrants, and some were people of color, which made it even a more delicate dilemma. Standing up for what is right and just, is not always easy. At times you hear people say they would have done this or that, but when the “you know what” hits the fan, they disappear.
The main thing to remember is that, having lots of money helps to solve issues, but it does not always take care of everything. Being poor and powerless is a problem; save for, the inner will fashioned by God to always fight injustice. It takes time, but the honorable will always beat the unjust, with pure resilience and guts.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
The Great Depression
Quote from the Great Depression-When Roosevelt took the presidential oath, the banking and credit system of the nation was in a state of paralysis. With astonishing rapidity the nation's banks were first closed -- and then reopened only if they were solvent. The administration adopted a policy of moderate currency inflation to start an upward movement in commodity prices and to afford some relief to debtors. New governmental agencies brought generous credit facilities to industry and agriculture. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured savings-bank deposits up to $5,000, and severe regulations were imposed upon the sale of securities on the stock exchange.
In order to instill confidence back into the financial markets FDR put in place a set of rules. The protection of the public was paramount.
I carefully chose this passage because I wanted to inspect history. If the above guiding principles saved the financial markets back then, why are they so determined on removing directives that were installed, in order to avoid another economic collapse?
In order to instill confidence back into the financial markets FDR put in place a set of rules. The protection of the public was paramount.
I carefully chose this passage because I wanted to inspect history. If the above guiding principles saved the financial markets back then, why are they so determined on removing directives that were installed, in order to avoid another economic collapse?
The Great Depression
The above picture was taken at a strike in Pennsylvania, 1938. Even though there were harsh racial attitudes then, surprisingly, the unions were more accommodating toward racial harmony. Which relates to the class discussion again, in that unity is stronger than anything else. Together we stand, divided we fall. Many others used the divide and conquer routine to separate and manipulate people, so it was great to see strength. I guess I can say, assimilation at its best.
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