Remember Norma Rae's "Union Now" moment when they were

[texpatriot2004]

coming after her at work and she scribbled on something handy "union now" and stood up on the table in the factory. It was loud, all the machines were running but within in a few moments after her silent stand the whole room shut down and everyone stood with her in defiance.

Remember? That is such a powerful moment. Every time I see it (which is not often it's an old movie) I am so moved by that moment. The risks she took to speak truth to power. The personal attacks. The threats. The sleepless nights. The hard work. The rejection.

Then there was that moment. Surely she was desperate as things had not been going so well; she was under the gun. So, she made a sign and she stopped everything and she stood up.

That's what I hope for, hope beyond hope sometimes, that Americans will stop everything and stand up. Kind of like they did in the Ukraine.

[begin_within]

1. Who and where are the Norma Raes of today?

[BiggJawn]

11. Watching Teeeee-Veeeee... n/t

[Bluebear]

2. A visual aid :)

[texpatriot2004]

3. Bluebear you're the greatest. Thanks for this image. I did not

expect to see it except for in my mind...that was very thoughtful and kind of you to retrieve it.

[Bluebear]

4. It was thoughtful of YOU to cite it!

An intense scene, extremely American. Indeed, where are the Norma Rae's?

[texpatriot2004]

5. Lately, I have a secret thought where I take an impeachment

sign and go stand on some street corner in the enormous city I live in where the traffic is heavy and hold up my sign and people stop and join my protest...or maybe I go to the supermarket and do the same thing...or go downtown during the week and do it.

Funny huh. Just had an idea it would be great if on Nov. 2nd we did this sort of thing all over.

[jillan]

6. I loved that movie! That and Silkwood.

Everyday people making a difference.

[texpatriot2004]

7. I thought of Silkwood too. Both are really great fighting for justice

movies.

[countryjake]

8. The best part was silencing that rumble...

those machines create a feeling that sticks with you long after you're home and I thought the quiet sweeping over that plant was the most awe-inspiring scene...reminded me of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis". I know that many a spinner or weaver probably sits down with "Norma Rae" now, with memories of their mill and heavy hearts, wondering where those days went and wondering how they'll keep warm this winter or buy food or even the medicine for their brown lung!

The sparks that flew in that movie are smoldering, still, and many, many of us know exactly how exhilarating it is to hit the "off" button when the boss-man is standing over you!

[texpatriot2004]

10. Yes, I loved the silence that fell there, shutting off the rumble...

Thank you for your post. I really like the last line about what a thrill it is to shut it down with the boss man standing over you. Well said.

[GetTheRightVote]

9. Loved Sally Fields in the movie, but we do so need today's Norma Rae

I believe Cindy Sheenan is a Norma Rae, could we produce a listing here and add more woman or men to it. I know we have more of them our there.

:kick:

[TahitiNut]

12. "We must be the change we wish to see in the world." (Gandhi)