And the only reason that Rendell is withholding pay from some 88,000 Commonwealth Employees is to put pressure on the legislators.

They’re being used as pawns in a political game which is benefiting no one but special interest groups, lobbyists and the upper one percent looking for more money in their pockets.

So here’s my suggestion to the state workers who aren’t getting paid or receiving reduced pay:

WALK OFF.

ALL OF YOU.

I’m fucking serious. Imagine this situation on a smaller scale. Say a restaurant which employs ten people says to it’s employees “Yes, we have the money to pay you. But we’re fighting internally here and decided that we’re not going to pay you until we come to an agreement. Yes, yes…I know you’re all doing your jobs…but I’m going to use you as a way to get what I want.”

You’ve got the ability to bring this Commonwealth to it’s KNEES. Imagine 88,000 state employees ALL walked off their jobs at precisely the same time? Watch how quick they pass the budget then!

But do we have that in us anymore? As a whole? As a society? Or are we too euthanized by our flat screen TV’s and Facebook accounts and fast food and alcohol and tobacco that we couldn’t possibly fathom giving up these things they call “luxuries”?

“Sacrifice of the few for the good of the many”.

If that were the scenario in a restaurant which employs ten people, they would ALL QUIT.

So multiply that by eighty-eight thousand…they can’t fire ALL of you.

But by you guys continuing to go to work and not organizing en masse you’re sending the message to Rendell that you’re a bunch of pansies who can be walked all over with no regard to your dedication to your trade.

This would not be tolerated in any other industry.

(Let me repeat that…this WOULD NOT be tolerated in ANY OTHER industry.)

Lemme bring this home for a second…a promoter (like myself) says to his production staff “Hey guys. Look. I’m battling with the venue owners to get more money for projects I want to do…and until we get it resolved, I need you to keep on working as hard as you do and I’m not going to pay you until I get this resolved.”

I’d be out a sound crew quicker than you could say “load out”.

So WHY are you all still working!?

Certainly, only a handful of you couldn’t accomplish this.

You need to ORGANIZE.

Union leaders: what the fuck are you guys waiting for!?

Isn’t that what a Union is in place for? Isn’t that why some of you higher ups get paid six-figure salaries? To PROTECT the best interest of the unions membership??

I’m SO sick of the political posturing that happens in this god forsaken Commonwealth.

And it’s not just the State. Harrisburg politics are JUST as fucked up. (Probably even MORE fucked up if you think about it.)

And the politicians who will shake your hand and kiss your baby for the months leading up to their elections are the SAME ONES who are doing this to you right now.

Stand up.

Be counted.

You’re better than this. And deserve more.