Why I Find Big Ed's Demotion To Weekends Troubling

[Samantha]

87. I think where we differ is that I tend to cut MSNBC less slack than you

because I am much more cynical about these matters! I see MSNBC as much more cutthroat. "Nothing personal, it is just business."

I have worked for a number of attorneys in DC, some of whom were prominent labor lawyers. I have also done some HR work, and I am well aware of the mentality that has set in since Elaine Chau was Bush's Labor Secretary. Her whole focus was carving into labor protections which cost employers more money. She promoted the idea of hiring more part-time people than full-time employees, saving the cost of benefits, costs of sick leave and vacation pay, etc., and hiring contract workers, as opposed to permanent employees. "Do more with less."

I do think there was a time during Ed's wife's illness he needed some flexibility in his schedule. But now that he has said she has been cured, I think his focus practically speaking would be remaining employed full-time protecting his health insurance protection for his family.

So I can't shake loose of the belief this was not his choice at this time. And MSNBC was holding that previous schedule-flexibility request card under the table. I believe they played that card to manipulate the situation in the best interests of their advertisers and the cutting of the cost of their overhead. Ed had to be gracious in his announcement if he wanted to hold on to a place at the table, but I am thinking he will never again have the exposure he has had holding that prime time slot. If that is true, that will be a shame.

It has been a healthy thing discussing this with you.

Sam