Trump Plays "Factory for a Day"
The latest iteration of Trump’s transition from private citizen to President of the United States features desperate pleas from besieged factory workers imploring Trump to do what they believe he has done for Carrier workers. Indiana Casket workers are now seeking his attention. They won’t be the last.
Casket factories are closing in two states, and the people affected hope Trump can revive their jobs.
I'm reminded of the 1950’s tv show Queen for a Day. Each episode featured desperate people humiliating themselves by exposing to the world just how pitiful their lives were to gain a chance at a payoff of prizes . The winner, decided by an applause meter, always amid tears of gratitude, was expected to heap thank you’s and praise on those responsible for their sudden (and temporary) good fortune. … Queen for a Day!
Trump’s Factory for a Day is up and running. The contestant/workers clamor for attention, begging for the great man to intervene, seeking benevolent treatment. The political applause meters - polls - record the response.
The workers get to keep some of their jobs if their pleas are favored and they look and play the part.
​Meanwhile the real engines of worker improvement - labor organizations - are trashed and ridiculed by the Great Man. In Trump’s vision for America it’s all about Trump, his benevolent actions and the lavish praise he covets from the grateful masses. Solidarity based labor organizing, after all, poses a real threat to Donald Trump and everything he stands for. And he knows it.
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