Rant #3,542: Let's Work

Yesterday, I had to cover another meeting for work.

These things usually drag on and on and on, with the moderatir(s) talking a blue streak seemingly without taking a breath so they can get everything in that they want to talk about, but yesterday's meeting moved at a good pace, and spoke about some interesting topics 

One was the potential government shutdown, which evidently has been averted ... but things do happen, and it isn't a done deal until it is a done deal.

It can also be put off for later this year, so it is like putting a Band Aid on a ... quad injury (something I know a lot about).

The other interesting topic was the impending port strike, which if it actually happens, will force stoppage of shipping on the East Coast and the Gulf Coast.

The union, the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), wants a massive pay raise as well as assurances that modern technology will not cost its members their jobs.

This potential strike could also have further national and international complications.

The strike does not impact the West Coast ILA, but as you can probably figure out, this group could walk out in sympathy with their union members in the East and Gulf.

And internationally, the Nethertlands and the Bahamas have shown solidarity with the union, and if that spreads, shipping could be completely halted or at the very least, slowed.

And don't think that this doesn't affect you, because it does.

Many products we use every day come through these ports, and if the ports are being struck, you might not be able to find certain products that you want to purchase ... not just food, but other products too.

There are end arounds that can be used, including airliftng products and even laws that can be put in place to lessen the effect this might have on our country, but the longer such a strike goes on, the worse it can get for everyone.

And both a government shutdown and a longshoremen's strike would not signify a good way to go out for the lame-duck Biden Administration. 

And these things cannot help Kamala Harris in her quest for the presidency.

So this potential port strike--which could begin on October 1--can impact all of us.

Work is work, but when you actually learn something when you work, it makes the work a bit more interesting.

And again, work is work, and I am still a bit tired from covering this meeting.

Interesting stuff, though.