Dear Sparky: I can appreciate the value of being in a union but it’s the whole “package deal” that drives me crazy—all these other groups like the AFL-CIO and the rest of the “perpetual protestors.” Doesn’t it weaken our “brand” to be associated with the “loony left”?

Leave Me Alone Already

Dear Leave Me Alone Already: First of all, let me go on the record as saying that I’m not a fan of tofu—it has no taste! As for the “texture”... But you see, it takes all kinds to make a labor movement, including, as you can read on the very next page, people who aren’t even represented by unions. Take your particular chapter, for example. If you’re like most units in Local 888, you’re probably a pretty small group, which means that it’s the power of the 8,500 other members of the union that is helping you at the bargaining table. Now add in the 2.1 million members across the country who belong to SEIU and the 12 million members of the AFL-CIO, of which you are also a part. That’s a pretty loud megaphone and is virtually the only force keeping corporate America from completely having its way with us, if you know what I mean. As for the “loony left,” keep in mind that it wasn’t so long ago that ending child labor or limiting the work week to 40 hours, were considered “loony” causes.  So my advice to you: next time someone offers you some tofu, try it (I will if you will). They say it’s excellent barbecued.