The Waiting

 

 

 

The Waiting

(by R.P.Edwards)

 

Seeds are planted

The growing done

The sickle stationed

Almost won

For the morrow waiting

With its frenzied fill

And the coffers bursting

With defining till

Oh anxious waiting!

For the harvest's sway

For the weighted winner

That rules the day

For our future plantings

In life's fallowed field

Will receive the chosen

And its children...yield

 

It was august of 2018. President Trump made an appearance at a downstate Illinois Steel plant; the beneficiary of his policies that held back the gush of cheap foreign steel so that the local variety...could thrive.

It was a work day and although most of my coworkers were prevented from attending (somebody's got to get the steel out) I was afforded a place in the back due to a vacation day used to accommodate the extraction of two teeth (one of which I miss dearly). After the rude removals I spat out my blood-soaked gauze and attended. It was four hours well spent.

One would suppose my heavy leaning towards President Trump is due to his unwavering support of American-born industry. I, and so many of my hard-hatted peers appreciate this; but this is not the primary pointer for me.

One might think it has to do with his tax-cut, or regulation removals, or military build up, or VA overhaul, or staunch defense of the 2nd Amendment. All good. But these only move me a little.

For, you see, since I am more than just a slightly disheveled steel tender; since I am in fact a person of deep faith, I cling to our commander-in-chief, Donald J. Trump, because he knows, and DEMONSTRATES that he knows, that human life in ALL stages...has value.

Yes, the Republican party under the leadership of Trump, is the party of Life. And although they weren't always this way, the Democrat Party is the party of infanticide, child slaughter, and God-denying death.

Dear reader, make no mistake, those who tout this choosing as one of the most important elections of our time, are absolutely right. It is, in fact, in many ways a veiled replay of 1860. As you recall, on one side were those who loved, cherished, and sought to protect the vile institution that considered fellow humans as something very much less; and on the other side were those who thought being "made in the image of God," applied to all. Therefore, without apology, without regret, and with all my heart my vote is for four more years under the leadership of President, Donald J. Trump.

 

PS The Lord has allotted me some degree of talent in more than just physical labor, and three songs (over time) have been produced to support President Trump. I suppose two will retire gracefully. But the third has the potential for longevity. Thank you for viewing.

 

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STRIKE?

Union

(By R.P.Edwards)

I was beaten down, mute, and weak

Then a brother came to help me speak

A sister gave a lifting hand

Then others joined, to help me stand

At last the oppressor made his run

To finish the job he had begun

He thought only "I" would field his blows

But instead, he found a Union...

Standing toe to toe


  King Rehoboam talked it over with the elders who had advised his father when he was alive: “What’s your counsel? How do you suggest that I answer the people?”
⁷ They said, “If you will be a servant to this people, be considerate of their needs and respond with compassion, work things out with them, they’ll end up doing anything for you.”
^8-9 But he rejected the counsel of the elders...
(1 Kings 12:6-9)

The context of the above scripture: King Solomon had died. Before his exit, however, he had loaded the people down with oppressive taxes and burdens. They wanted some relief. His heir, Rehoboam, asked his father's counselors what to do. They advised compassion. He, instead, listened to his arrogant friends, and the kingdom was subsequently divided.

Of course, there's more to the story, but it came to mind upon hearing of the offer from the "rulers" in Pittsburgh who have answered the USW's (United Steelworkers) request for a fair contract with something that is ridiculous, insulting, and unthinkable. I have no doubt that if the offer is unchanged the "people" (workers) will strike and the kingdom of U.S.Steel will be divided (for a time, anyway).

I'll not over-expound, but I would like to express my amazement and curiosity at these recent events.

Amazement: it was but a short time ago when we had a presidential visit where said chief executive highlighted how the steel industry has come back to life. Indeed, the facility where I work was, not long before, on life-support and now (then) grateful returning steelworkers were once again bringing home a living wage. The community rejoiced. Workers rejoiced. And it appeared that the leaders of the industry also rejoiced, and oh, it would have been such a simple thing to add to the "feel good" future of labor and management by the acceptance of a contract that mirrored the last one, with just a slight sweetening of a long overdue pay raise. 

But, instead of the no-brainer decision (especially given the profit margin of the players) there now seems to be an attempt by the company(s) to punish, break, and irreparably wound and weaken current workers, new-hires, and even retirees. Perhaps such rhetoric is (was) supposed to cause fear, resulting in submission. But, instead it has galvanized the many to stand in opposition. And, sadly, what was an environment that was ripe to birth a new partnership based on mutual respect and a common goal, it is now quickly devolving (at least on labor's part) to an atmosphere of toxic suspicion and even abject hatred.

And now, curiosity: Given that the last contract--when things were bleak and the future uncertain--given that even THAT agreement had elements of compassion (and we were, quite frankly, glad to get it!) I truly wonder what has happened since then to cause such an odious offering to be produced this go round? Is it new upper management? Outside consulting? I don't know. But I DO know that the battle-lines are being drawn, and that the hearts and will of the many are being steeled in order to fight for our families and future. How sad, it all could have been so easily avoided.

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