The Jungle, Upton Sinclair, and Immigration

[me b zola]

Poll question: The Jungle, Upton Sinclair, and Immigration

Who has read the classic novel by Upton Sinclair, 'The Jungle'? Has it affected the way that you view the immigration debate?

For those who haven't read it, it is a novel about immigration and working conditions at the turn of the (20th)century. The novel depicts how immigrants in Eastern Europe were lured to the US by corporations via fliers in order to flood the market place with cheap labor, and the struggle the immigrants had to survive. Mind you this is all pre-labor laws.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553212451/ref=sib_rdr_dp/102-6463035-0825729?%5Fencoding=UTF8&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&no=283155&st=books&n=283155




So, I'm curious. How many of you have read 'The Jungle', and if so has it affected your views on the current immigration debate. Please, I would love a civil discussion on the topic.

[evlbstrd]

1. It spurred the creation of the Food and Drug Administration.

And gained a lot of sympathy for workers' rights in general.

[gunsaximbo]

2. My letter to the editor to the Chicago Trib 3/24/06

Dear Editor,

Ronald Reagan and the Republican Party began to dismantle labor, Unions and American Jobs, starting with the Air Traffic Controllers in 1980 making it illegal to strike. Reagan also made it legal for the employer to hire scabs to replace the striking employee.

Unions across the country including the UAW have had their hands tied by conservative politicians who are DESTROYING this country. They are ripping the heart out of the workingman and woman and giving it to the corporations. If the UAW strikes they lose their job to someone else. If they don't strike they lose their power.

I hope everyone has an opportunity to read or re read THE JUNGLE by Upton Sinclair and get an understanding of why Unions are a necessity in America. Without Unions we/everyone, would be controlled by corporations. It is important to us all to help make the unions stronger because they have made life better for all of us. Your Grand Father was probably a union man and he fought – literally in some cases, for his job, his wage, his medical coverage and a five-day workweek. The next time you see a Union man - say thank you.

Joe Serra
Candidate for the Illinois General Assembly, District 50
P.O. Box 1234
Batavia, IL 60510
630-364-9489
www.serra06.com

[Tahkcalb]

9. Free text version

Via Project Gutenberg

[madeline_con]

3. I'm a xenophobic, "racist sewage" spewer.

I just want to call people names who don't agree with me. :silly:

[Kutjara]

5. But at least you're honest about it,

which is refreshing in this age of Big Lies.

You are to be applauded.

You loon.

[madeline_con]

6. Welcomen.

:hi:

[me b zola]

8. I offered this topic because I really thought it would help open debate

...and be less likely for anyone to resort to calling anybody a xenophobe as I have seen in so many other threads. I think that the novel really speaks to "both" sides of the debate.

Really, this thread was meant to facilitate debate about the issues, I'm so sorry that the name calling has been occuring.

[wiley]

4. Jacob Reis' How the Other Half Lives is also excellent

and STILL true.

[NYC]

7. Riis.

In case someone wants to Google Riis.