The Industrial Workers of the World — the I.W.W. — “the Wobblies.” The most righteous labor movement ever, and the first to have a sense of humor…and a great songbook.
Just wanted to say I appreciate Arthur’s mix of the great and weird, in art, music, whatever comes along, with The Wobblies, who were among the greatest, weirdest, most truly radical bunch in American history. Franklin Rosemont’s excellent book “Joe Hill: The IWW & The Making Of A Revolutionary Working Class Counterculture” ties together the militant revolutionary spirit back in the early 20th century with the artistic avant garde and bohemian lust for life that was taking place. A good post to start 2011, thanks.
What an excellent documentary. WTF has happened to the fighting spirit of the American working class? Nowadays we just eat one shit sandwich after another. Bring back the Wobblies!
Just wanted to say I appreciate Arthur’s mix of the great and weird, in art, music, whatever comes along, with The Wobblies, who were among the greatest, weirdest, most truly radical bunch in American history. Franklin Rosemont’s excellent book “Joe Hill: The IWW & The Making Of A Revolutionary Working Class Counterculture” ties together the militant revolutionary spirit back in the early 20th century with the artistic avant garde and bohemian lust for life that was taking place. A good post to start 2011, thanks.
Any union led by a guy named “Big Bill” has got my vote for righteousness. Ah, for the days of an organization like the IWW…
What an excellent documentary. WTF has happened to the fighting spirit of the American working class? Nowadays we just eat one shit sandwich after another. Bring back the Wobblies!
oleolo: Thanks for the kind words and the book rec. Ordered the Rosemont.
Necromancer and Steve: Thanks. The Wobblies still exist. http://www.iww.org/