School Year Just Begun, Teachers Strike Looms in Chicago

[Honeycombe8]

13. I'm not taking a position at all, much less a political one. I'm just pointing out....

one of the effects of a strike at this time. It's not even political. It's what many in the general public will think about unions, if this happens at the end of a recession, while millions are still suffering. This is part of what happened in Wisconsin. When it came time to defend unions, the general public was a mixed bag, many having the perception of unions as greedy, unwilling to sacrifice even in hard times.

I have no horse in this race. I aknowledge that the teachers have a right to do whatever they have to do, and are maybe warranted for their complaints (I don't know enough of the details of what they're complaining about...and neither will the general public; details of union contracts are rarely printed). I'm just pointing out what I see as a fact. There are consequences to actions. If it's worth it to them to lose supporters among the general population, then it's worth it. And it might be. But nationwide, all unions may lose supporters if the teachers in Chicago go on strike. At this time, when unions are being abolished, it may not be the best time to do this sort of thing, if they care about the long term effects.

I have a sister who is a teacher. In her state, the teachers and education system are being attacked and are in trouble. I highly regard teachers and am on their side. As I said, I'm just pointing out a consideration that some teachers might want to take into consideration, if they want to win the war and not just the battle.