from the belly of the operation…

“This sign would be witty and ironic, but I’m on strike.”

Today, I went out to Washington Square Park to check out the writer’s strike. I must say, I was impressed. Of course, when any union bands together, great things can come together — but usually celebrities aren’t included. Today I saw:

• Tina Fey
• Colin Quinn
• Tim Robbins
• Danny Glover
• Gilbert Godfried
• Evan Handler
• Kirsten Davis

And a bunch of other important writerly people. I was enlightened as to the real reasons they are striking. Most of the writers have no benefits and are paid very poorly. They aren’t trying to be millionaires. They’re trying to support families. I support that. I take back my wanting to be a scab.

A funny moment was when Gilbert Godfried said there were fewer Jews in Schindler’s List. Duh. All in all, it was an interesting day. Pretty cool to feel like a part of something, even if I’m not really in the union. However, I’m surprised that no one has pointed this out: There is major irony in the fact that writers are striking, since they are the most passive aggressive people, in general. There is just no way any of them will become violent. They’ll just… well, write about it.