Maine Governor Orders Removal of Mural

[ClydeR]

Maine's new Republican governor is in a war with labor unions. As part of the ongoing dispute, the governor ordered the removal of a highly offensive mural from the Dept. of Labor. Click the link below to see the mural.


AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has ordered the removal of a 36-foot mural depicting Maine's labor history from the lobby of the Department of Labor.

Worker advocates described the move as a "mean-spirited" provocation amid the administration's high-tension standoff with unions.

More... (http://www.sunjournal.com/state/story/1004031)

There's no reason why the government should keep something offensive like that.

[WRoss]

I thought Maine was part of Canada?

[Warriorbird]

The center of Maine is like redneck fantasyland.

[Firestorm Killa]

The center of Maine is like redneck fantasyland.

I wonder if you even know where the term redneck came from?
P.S. I will give you some time to Wiki it Warriorbird/Clyder.

[Latrinsorm]

Let's look at that word... you've got RED! The color of PASSION! The color of LOVE! Then you've got NECK! .... ... Well you've still got RED! So come on, let's put this, what is this? let's just put that away and go inside.

HKHANG HKHEEEM!!!!

[Firestorm Killa]

Let's look at that word... you've got RED! The color of PASSION! The color of LOVE! Then you've got NECK! .... ... Well you've still got RED! So come on, let's put this, what is this? let's just put that away and go inside.

HKHANG HKHEEEM!!!!

You can't just look at the word and get where the term comes from lmao! You guys support unions and you don't know where the term redneck comes from? lmao!

[Warriorbird]

I wonder if you even know where the term redneck came from?
P.S. I will give you some time to Wiki it Warriorbird/Clyder.

You're a fucking idiot. Unlike most folks on this board (barring Anticor) I actually grew up on land that grows a crop and still does.

On the previous subject:

http://www.examiner.com/pop-culture-in-portland/you-might-be-a-maine-redneck-if

[Firestorm Killa]

You're a fucking idiot. Unlike most folks on this board (barring Anticor) I actually grew up on land that grows a crop and still does.

Aw all butt hurt again?
P.S. I grew up on a farm as well dumbass.

[Warriorbird]

Aw all butt hurt again?

There's a not very fine line between me actually being upset and me thinking you're stupid. You're securely in one of those two categories.

"I know where rednecks come from! Hurr! I have knowledge you don't and it somehow applies to knowledge about Maine and supporting unions!"


P.S. I grew up on a farm as well

Is this like your secret missions as a fireman?

[Back]

Why do republicans hate the working man?

[Firestorm Killa]

There's a not very fine line between me actually being upset and me thinking you're stupid. You're securely in one of those two categories.

"I know where rednecks come from! Hurr! I have knowledge you don't and it somehow applies to knowledge about Maine and supporting unions!"



Is this like your secret missions as a fireman?

You're an idiot dude, you don't know shit. And it was a fire controlman not fireman. Way different. Hurr!!!

[Firestorm Killa]

Why do republicans hate the working man?

They don't. It's the unions not union members. Unions are an independent business that saps money from the working man.

[Back]

They don't. It's the unions not union members. Unions are an independent business that saps money from the working man.

If that were actually the case then no one would join a union and they would just disappear altogether. This is class war pure and simple.

[Warriorbird]

You're an idiot dude, you don't know shit. And it was a fire controlman not fireman. Way different. Hurr!!!

Oh shit. You installed things on ships that we controlled? TOTALLY SPY.

Let's hear about your experiences growing up near a Whole Foods and how it built up your rage against society.

[Firestorm Killa]

Oh shit. You installed guidance systems on ships that we controlled? TOTALLY SPY.

Let's hear about your experiences growing up near a Whole Foods and how it built up your rage against society.

Controlled by others? lmao no one but a Fire controlman could operate and maintain our systems sorry dude. Fail. I see what you're problems are. You are pissed because after a Whole foods bought all your food and sold it for more you felt cheated? Aww poor baby. Our family was smart and just sold at farmers markets. lol

[Warriorbird]

Controlled by others? lmao no one but a Fire controlman could operate and maintain our systems sorry dude. Fail. I see what you're problems are. You are pissed because after a Whole foods bought all your food and sold it for more you felt cheated? Aww poor baby. Our family was smart and just sold at farmers markets. lol

Tech support. I'm in awe.

We run a vineyard, a wine festival, and a local music series.

[Firestorm Killa]

If that were actually the case then no one would join a union and they would just disappear altogether. This is class war pure and simple.

How is it class warfare? The problem is with Public unions you know the government ones. They screw the average tax payers.

[Tgo01]

If that were actually the case then no one would join a union and they would just disappear altogether. This is class war pure and simple.

I was forced to join the union when I started working at that company.

[Latrinsorm]

You can't just look at the word and get where the term comes from lmao! You guys support unions and you don't know where the term redneck comes from? lmao!Someone is unfamiliar with the Will Smith filmography, also known as the definitive and comprehensive canon of great art of the past 20 years.

[Back]

I was forced to join the union when I started working at that company.

I have no idea what you are talking about and I do not know you personally but I seriously doubt you have been “forced” to do anything against your will in America.

[waywardgs]

I have no idea what you are talking about and I do not know you personally but I seriously doubt you have been “forced” to do anything against your will in America.

In order to work at certain companies, especially trade-type jobs, you also have to join the union. Painting, plumbing, carpentry, etc.. there are plenty of companies that aren't union-based, but lots that are.

[Tgo01]

I have no idea what you are talking about and I do not know you personally but I seriously doubt you have been “forced” to do anything against your will in America.

My bad, let me rephrase that because I'm sure everyone but you knew what I meant but I can see how it might be confusing.

In order to work for the company in question I was forced to join the union. Yes, if I wanted the job I had no choice but to join the union.

[Back]

My bad, let me rephrase that because I'm sure everyone but you knew what I meant but I can see how it might be confusing.

In order to work for the company in question I was forced to join the union. Yes, if I wanted the job I had no choice but to join the union.

I have re-read every post in this thread and see no mention of any company so call me crazy but I do not understand your reference.

Even then, no one forced you to do anything against your will. If you did not want to get the job at a union company you could have applied for a job at a non-union company.

[Tgo01]

I have re-read every post in this thread and see no mention of any company so call me crazy but I do not understand your reference.

Really dude? I just meant the company I worked for previously that had a union, no one mentioned any company. By 'that' company I meant the company with the union.


Even then, no one forced you to do anything against your will. If you did not want to get the job at a union company you could have applied for a job at a non-union company.

Yes I could have just took up a non union job but regardless of that fact it makes your argument look silly:


If that were actually the case then no one would join a union and they would just disappear altogether

So by 'no one would join a union' I guess you mean all of those people just wouldn't take those jobs? You act as if it's voluntary to join a union. Lets be serious a moment please.

[Back]

You act as if it's voluntary to join a union. Lets be serious a moment please.

I guess this is the point where I should post a lolwhut pic.

I’ve held multiple jobs over the past few decades and have never been “forced” to join any unions. I live in America. Are you Chinese?

[TheEschaton]

No one is forcing you to work at a certain job Tgo, I'm fairly sure your side of the argument made that point in the NFL players union threads. So then, yes, joining a union is entirely voluntary.

Also, the point, clumsily made by Back because he's retarded, is nevertheless somewhat interesting: if there are non-union companies, and union companies, and unions cost the working man more, then those unions would cease to exist, no?

-TheE-

[Back]

I am confident that the person in this thread who is being clumsy is the one referencing some company that no one has ever heard of.

[waywardgs]

What he's saying is that by accepting the job, a prerequisite is joining the union. No, no one is "forcing" him to do anything, but if he wants the job, he has to join the union. It's not that difficult, don't be purposefully obtuse.

[Back]

What he's saying is that by accepting the job, a prerequisite is joining the union. No, no one is "forcing" him to do anything, but if he wants the job, he has to join the union. It's not that difficult, don't be purposefully obtuse.

I understand the argument trying to be made but no company has been named and even if it were there are other companies around who do not require you to join a union. In fact, I bet there are more companies out there who do not require it than do.

[Tgo01]

I guess this is the point where I should post a lolwhut pic.

I’ve held multiple jobs over the past few decades and have never been “forced” to join any unions. I live in America. Are you Chinese?

Have you worked at a place that even had a union?

[waywardgs]

I understand the argument trying to be made but no company has been named and even if it were there are other companies around who do not require you to join a union. In fact, I bet there are more companies out there who do not require it than do.

I don't know what company he's talking about specifically, but I don't see why it matters. I gave several industries where this sort of thing is commonplace. He wasn't making an argument either, he was just saying he had to join a union to get the job. It's not that uncommon.

[Back]

I don't know what company he's talking about specifically, but I don't see why it matters. I gave several industries where this sort of thing is commonplace. He wasn't making an argument either, he was just saying he had to join a union to get the job. It's not that uncommon.

If that is the case then I would like to know what country he lives in that he has been “forced” to do something against his will so I do not wind up with a sucky life like his.

[Tgo01]

Also, the point, clumsily made by Back because he's retarded, is nevertheless somewhat interesting: if there are non-union companies, and union companies, and unions cost the working man more, then those unions would cease to exist, no?

Maybe, maybe not, I'm not even commenting on that. I'm commenting on Back's obviously limited knowledge of unions by claiming if people didn't like unions they wouldn't join them and they would cease to exist. Since most unions have it in the contract that all employees must join the union the argument is stupid and shows that someone in this thread has absolutely no clue what they are talking about.

Let's please stop acting like it's so simple to just quit your job or turn down a job offer, especially in these hard economic times.


If that is the case then I would like to know what country he lives in that he has been “forced” to do something against his will so I do not wind up with a sucky life like his.

Never change Back, there is a bright future as a politician for you with all of your back tracking, double talk and misdirection skills.

[Back]

One of the reasons I keep coming back to the PC is because I have a deep appreciation of the absurd. So, thank you.

[Tgo01]

One of the reasons I keep coming back to the PC is because I have a deep appreciation of the absurd. So, thank you.

You don't get enough of that from the thoughts in your head?

[Firestorm Killa]

If that is the case then I would like to know what country he lives in that he has been “forced” to do something against his will so I do not wind up with a sucky life like his.

If you wanna work for the postal service you have to join a union. Sanitation the same, transportation authorities the same. But thankfully for right to work which gives workers the right to work at any job and not have to join a union.

[Cephalopod]

Maybe, maybe not

Maybe fuck yourself.

[Liagala]

Also, the point, clumsily made by Back because he's retarded, is nevertheless somewhat interesting: if there are non-union companies, and union companies, and unions cost the working man more, then those unions would cease to exist, no?
Many things that are not entirely beneficial to the people involved, continue to exist and even flourish. It is human nature to see what we want to see - many people focus on one part of something that is very good for them, and fail to notice the multitude of tiny inconveniences. If weighed out on a scale, those tiny things may well outweigh the benefit - but things can go on for a VERY long time before that is realized.

TL;DR version - Unions were necessary when they were created, because employers needed to be forced to treat their people fairly. Now, the government and the culture those very unions created, eliminate the need for them. Laws govern treatment of employees, and it's relatively easy for someone to just go elsewhere if they don't like it where they are. There are situations where this is not true, and in those places there should be unions, but the vast majority of union membership in the US is people who would be just as well off (if not better) without it.

Long version - story from my company. We're a bakery for Dunkin Donuts. We make all the yummy, artery-clogging goodness, and deliver it to stores overnight for sale the next day.

Just over a year ago, the drivers at my company were approached by the Teamsters, and there was a lot of discussion on all sides (separately - apparently no one's allowed to talk to anyone else during this sort of thing). Out of our ~15 drivers, 3-4 were firmly pro-union because of a contract the Teamsters had gotten implemented at another of the production locations like ours. These 3-4 drivers were amazed that their peers at the other bakery had, on average, gone from $11.50/hour to $13.50/hour, just with the introduction of the union. When you live paycheck to paycheck the way most of them do, that's a pretty serious increase. That, and the "We'll get you better treatment, better routes to drive, no more being walked all over by your boss" line that every union I've ever heard of seems to have, were the main selling points. They distributed copies of a contract they had signed with another bakery in a nearby town, and told our drivers that if voted in, they would get something very similar implemented here.

Points the union glossed over:
$2 an hour is less than it looks like, when you go from an average 45 hour workweek to a solid 40 hours, and then add union dues (and unpaid lunch, see below).

Unions are 100% about seniority - and the people making less, and thus more excited for the union, had been employed here between 4 months and 1 year. The ones who were already making $14+ and would be taking a pay cut, had been here between 4 and 7 years, and had absolutely no intention of leaving. Who'd get the good routes? The leadership positions, with their extra income? Yep.

Employees were getting 1 week of vacation time after a 60 day introductory period, 2 weeks at 3 years of service, and 3 weeks at 5+. The union contract offered 1 week after a year of employment (paid out on the anniversary date in a check, not saved for when you need time off), and 2 weeks after 5 years.

Employees had a paid 1/2 hour lunch, the contract listed an unpaid 20 minutes along with 2 paid 10 minute breaks.


Was it worth it to the employees? It didn't look it to me, and it apparently didn't look like it to most of them either, since we are still a non-union company. Those 3-4 are still disappointed, but the sky hasn't fallen in on them yet.

And that's my semi-annual contribution to the politics folder. See you in a few months.

[Tgo01]

Maybe fuck yourself.

Who took a piss in your wheaties this morning?

[Cephalopod]

Who took a piss in your wheaties this morning?

I'm gonna go have a smoke right now. You want a smoke? You don't smoke, do ya, right? What are ya, one of those fitness freaks, huh? Go fuck yourself.

[Cephalopod]

http://www.polls.newsvine.com/_vine/images/users/600/WillFemia/6337643.jpg

(Meh. About as funny as Atlanteax's political cartoons.)

[ClydeR]

The deed is done.


AUGUSTA — Last week a spokesman for Gov. Paul LePage said the disputed mural at the state Department of Labor would remain there until the administration found a new home.

Apparently the administration has had a change of heart.

The 36-foot mural depicting historical moments in Maine's work history has been removed from the lobby in the Labor Department.

Adam Fisher, a spokesman for the department, said this morning that the mural was removed over the weekend. He referred all additional questions to the Governor's Office.

More... (http://www.sunjournal.com/state/story/1006469)

[Back]

The Maine Labor Mural Projection Bombing On The Capital (Video) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuxSEvFkPiQ&feature=player_embedded#at=82)