I grew up in northern Minnesota iron mining country, and watched the unions drive the cost of US iron ore to astronomical amounts. I never could figure out why the janitor at the local highschool made about $8/hour while the union janitors at the iron range were making more than double that (this was back in the early '80s, btw).
My family was dirt poor, my father only making about $18K salary with the local phone company. We lived in a trailer out in the woods with no indoor plumbing, no electricity, and no running water. We had an outhouse and had to bring 10 gallon containers of water from a pump at a municipal park in town.
Fortunately for me, my father never asked for any government handouts and instilled in me a sense of self-responsibility so that I've been able to elevate from poorness. (See my post #400 for more details if interested)
Then I have liberal socialist wackos on this forum (Aliska) who tell me that I've always had everything given to me. That I haven't had to work the way she had to work. That I can't understand how it is for poor people. Apparently she has a capacity for compassion that the rest of us just can't comprehend. Well, I have plenty of compassion for those who earn it.
Anyway, I've gotten off on a rant...
Before I got into my rant, my point was supposed to be that not only have unions driven companies out of business; but entire industries.
Hey no need to apologize for your rant!
I know exactly where you are coming from!
I admire you. You have really worked hard and have made your own way in life just like my father and my late husband. You are an excellent role model for your children.
Go ahead and rant. You deserve it! ;)