Free Republic

On a November morning in 2002, as overstuffed trash bins sat untouched along curbs from Alviso to Almaden Valley, San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales worked swiftly to avert a sweeping garbage strike. His telephone call to the garbage workers union got trash collectors back on the job before most customers ever noticed. But today, surprised San Jose City Council members are being asked to approve an agreement that grew from Gonzales' assurances to the union that day. It calls for $11 million in additional labor costs and ensures another rate increase before 2007. Some council members say the mayor and...

In a world of dualities look at the Coke can on the 55 gallon barrel. Life is full of ironies.