http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/6/1/7418/90981#15
I'm thinking of it as an ongoing publicity device rather than a real strike.
We really need higher profile for solutions that actually work right now. By demanding we get payed for the renewable energy we generate, it also creates the basis for a class action to get access to the power grid.
A level playing field where we can buy and sell renewable kwh amongst the like minded on energy policy reform.
This would create more publicity. Would these efforts ever be succsessful by themselves in overturning the status quo? Doubtfull.
Here is the problem we face. Any green minded politician we support will likely be targeted for swift boating by the power monopolists if they propose reform.
But with grassroots pushing hard enough, our green politicos (mainly democrats, excepting exceptional republicans like Kristy Whitman) can say they are merely responding to their constituent's direction, as democracy is supposed to do.
What will the swift boaters say? These eco-terrorists are trying to tax your gas and raise the price you pay for electricity!
Our guys and gals can then say no, they are trying instead to bring relief for the people who elected them from high energy prices and climate disaster and endless oil wars brought on by corporate monopolists and their bought and payed for members of government.
We need to be idealistic and politically practical at the same time. My epiphany after seeing our new (progressive) congressman here negotiating the crowds at a fundraiser and town meeting. Pragmatic idealism.
It might just work where politics as usual is continuing to fail miserably in the face of disaster ...economic, environmental, and international.
Oh and BTW, what percentage of the workers of this world has any labor strike ever encompassed? 1%? Maybe. Look at the vast improvement in working conditions, pay, safety, health, and pensions that this tiny percentage has won for the rest.
There is phenomenal power in collective bargaining.
