from the Appalseed Newsletter January, 1996
I remember when I was my son Will's age, thirteen, back in the spring of 1966...I got my first lesson in American business. The Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta. Now, I'm sure someone could explain the economics involved in this move. Or they could have correctly pointed out that this same team had moved to Milwaukee from Boston a mere thirteen years earlier. But at that time I felt lost, confused, and betrayed. They were my team. And I didn't have one for a long, long time. So I read with absolute empathy the stories of the migration of the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore. There was no mention of tradition or loyalty or fairness. It was business. Period. And by this brand good business we mean the ends justify the means, profit is paramount, and economic blackmail is the order of the day: "You build me that new stadium or..." All the stuff we're taught in school, in church or temple, in our homes is out the window. "This is business, kid!"
The ironic thing is that factories and business do exactly the same thing everyday. It's the American Way: "You take this wage concession or..." NAFTA and GATT, for example, are not about "free trade." They are about the free flow of capital across national borders. Development is not about expanded opportunities...it's about profit. And like our sports franchises, the money is concentrated in fewer and fewer hands and we workers and drones get stung.
When Wal-Mart moves in and the locally owned department store goes under the wages stay but the profits migrate. When McDonald's muscles out Mom and Pop's Diner those of us who eat (and we're a big group!) lose any chance to influence the menu. Understand, I'm not talking about nostalgia. I'm talking about economic democracy. And democracy is participatory. We have to patronize those businesses we hope to see flourish. Every Big Mac sends a message. I'm not advocating doing away with the "big boys"...though sometimes that might seem a decent solution...I'm talking about choice. And fairness and loyalty and tradition...all virtues that seem to be in short supply these days. The alternative is living in some cookie-cutter Anytown, USA governed by whatever economic forces wield the biggest stick.
The Braves aren't coming back to Milwaukee, I know. But then, neither am I. And the powerful will continue to abuse the powerless...until we don't give them a safe or an easy place to go. See, Baltimore is not Cleveland's enemy. Just like underpaid workers in, say, Guatemala aren't our foes. The people who move our hometown companies there are. When we remember that we are communities, not merely marketplaces, then we might begin to put our money were our mouth is... Until then, give me some good, slow food, hometown baseball, and a boss who not so rich he can afford to forget my name.
7 Comments
Nike Tim Tebow Jersey the
Nike Tim Tebow Jersey the weakness of their disgust.
Nike Trent Richardson Jersey
A bird's wings in the air vibration. It is a noisy but piercingly cold, full of fear of voice. A kind of uncertain return to flow.
Peyton Manning Elite Jersey felt my probably a bird. Full of alert, not easy to stay. So has been flying.
But some things there is no escape from fate.
Nike Matt Kalil Jersey
The Nike Aaron Rodgers Jersey don't know what is what you need. Lovers? In addition to holding hands,
Hug, kissing, what's left.
Nike Justin Blackmon Jersey
Friend? Who can tell a thick mask, what is one of the hidden how face? Or warm? Like a self-righteous comfort?
The Nike Andrew Luck Jersey of the head is about to burst.
Nike Mark Barron Jersey
Many problems tangled, a sluggish.
Nike Troy Polamalu Jersey
The
Nike Robert Griffin III Jersey of the lost, may be asked for it. In fact she especially like the TianXiaWuZei silly root, she wish to believe that TianXiaWuZei. Can a thief had made their way into her heart, early with erosion her happiness.
Nike Dez Bryant JerseyNo one will literally alms, especially when it is happiness.
Nike Cam Newton Jersey
Wrote this, I suddenly didn't in the mood. The story of incomplete, reflects the a damaged heart.
Nike Tom Brady Jersey and
Nike Adrian Peterson Jersey and
Nike Eli Manning Jersey.
You should know love, understands treasures.This is my last word.
Thank you Appalseed for this
Thank you Appalseed for this wonderful post in your blog, It's definitely an inspiring one and most enjoyable and interesting to read. I guess it's always better to learn something about the past events from people who witnessed them.
MP4 to WMV
I would like to thank you for
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made while writing this post. I am hoping for the best work of the same from you in futureentertainment
arts center
arts consult
http://www.coachoutletpursesr
http://www.coachoutletpursesr.com/ coach bags outlet
http://www.coachfactorybagsc.net/ coach factory outlet
http://www.coachfactorystoresr.com/ coach factory outlet
http://www.outletsmall.org/ coach outlet
http://www.bagsoutletfan.net/ coach outlet store
http://www.teccoach.com/ coach factory outlet
http://www.coachoutletpursesr.com/coach-hot-sale-c-86.html coach outlet online
http://www.coachoutletstoreonline6u.org/ coach outlet online
http://www.coachoutletonlinelover.org/ www.coachoutletonlinelover.org
When it comes to fabulous
When it comes to fabulous style for womenClarisonic Mia , there is Michael Kors Outlet Sale? nothing better than having a nice handbag. Click Here There are countless options available from a variety of designer labels. One of the hottest Hermes Birkin Bag on Michael Kors Sale the market these days would have to be the Michael Kors Handbags Hamilton Satchel. This article will take a brief look at this Michael Kors Handbags. It will highlight the Click Here and showcase the multiple reasons as to why it is so popular.You will find that many different women will opt to get the Michael Kors Sale Hamilton Satchel, simply because the Clarisonic Mia Review is very versatile. You will essentially be able to Michael kors Outlet Online wear it with a variety of outfits, it will be able to give that finishing touch. Aside from looking good, the bag is big and it can hold Michael Kors everything from magazines, your phone Michael kors Outlet and wallet. You can head out on the road and have all your comforts along with you. There are not many Clarisonic Mia 2 like this which can both be functional and Click Here have an amazing looking design.Women love this bag and it is Michael kors Sale easy to see why, it is absolutely fabulous. Clarisonic Mia It is really one of the better looking Click Here the market place and it is a fashion lover dream come true Michael Kors. One thing that makes these Hermes Bag really stand out is the fact that they are available in a myriad of Hermes Belt Sale . You will find Michael Kors Outlet Online the regular safe colors such as black Click Here, brown and grey, however if you like to stand out, orange, Hermes Birkin purple and a lot others are available. Depending on your style or fashion sense, there should be Hamilton that is Michael Kors Outlet perfect for you.When it comes to the Michael kors Handbags Outlet, one thing you should be aware of is Michael kors Handbags that it costs a pretty penny. You should expect to spend around $300 to get this Michael kors bags in your possession. This Michael kors Handbags is indeed on the expensive side and to some people this is a turnoff. If you Michael Kors Outlet really love the Michael Kors Handbags, you should go out and get it, simply because it is worth the money. This is a high quality Michael Kors Bags that looks really stylish and you will be carrying Hermes Belt Cheap it around for a very long time.I am sure that after reading this article, you are fully aware of Michael Kors Outlet what to expect from the Michael kors Outlet Online. This is a pretty amazing Michael Kors Bags and it is something Click Here that you as a bag lover need to have in the collection. Hermes Belt It is a bit on the pricey side, Clarisonic Mia 2 but it is definitely worth every cent. This is a Click Here that Michael Kors Click Here looks really good, it is very stylish and also highly fashionable Clarisonic Mia Outlet. If you want to step out in style today, then you need to get this Michael Kors Outlet.
I am happy when reading your
I am happy when reading your blog with updated information! thanks alot and hope that you will post more site that are related to this site.
home mortgage company
Barbour outlet,barbour
Barbour outlet,barbour jacketat reasonable price. the mens barbour jacketcontainwaxed barbour jacket,quiltd barbour jacket etc.so did ladies barbour jacket. we believe you will satisfied with the jackets.international barbour jacketare waiting for your order. The heritage found time as well rich culture make contribution to thebarbour UK today. hundreds of jackets are available for your choice, especially the stylish design and high quality, Enjoy shopping with free shipping here.