This comment just rubbed me the wrong way...

[MicaelS]

105. You did see the point where I said "working class" right?

I'm a champion in the working class over the white collar class, and not ashamed or embarrassed to admit it.

Am I attacking white collar workers? Yes, I am. Because I have read that same exact comment on other websites I visit. Those websites are oriented toward white collar Computer / IT types because computers are one of my main hobbies. And unfortunately, those websites are a haven for RW Libertarians because it seems many IT types ARE RW Libertarians. They have little respect for, and many times outright contempt for "people who work with their hands." So that is part and parcel of my dislike of the white collar class. And the white collar class have repeatedly sold out working class people in this country. And they continue to do so. And some of them have a "D" after their name.

I have also seen the same type of disrespect right here on DU toward working class people, especially in the South, and yes Texas. Oh sure, many white collar Progressives consider themselves "champions" of the working class. Until that class lives in the South, or listens to Country Music, or watches NASCAR, or own guns.

Are food service workers disrespected, vastly underpaid, work in hot, dirty, hard, grueling, dangerous conditions in this country?

Absolutely to all of the above.

I respect food service workers because 40 years ago in San Antonio I was a dishwasher for $1.21 an hour. I was 16 years old, and I worked like a dog. I was wet, dirty, sweaty, and stank after 8 hours. IIRC, I took home $40 a week after taxes and SS. And in 40 fucking years that minimum cash wage hasn't even doubled.

That woman is an ignorant fool, because if heavy industry could get away with it, they would be paying her the same $2.13 wage that food service workers make. That woman's quote is typical of the disrespect toward food service workers in this country. And it is hypocritical on her part. And if I met her face to face I would tell her so.