The Rat

Perhaps you've seen this guy around? The Rat? I remember seeing him first, years ago, on the Upper East Side. I think he's grown bigger over the years, just like me. I smile whenever I see him because my sympathies always lie with labor. Such a simple and direct message--so much more effective than a line of sad people with signs, led by a guy with a whistle shouting,"What do we want (Jobs!); when do we want 'em (Now)." How much more potent would labor be if it deployed humor and mockery to fight big business?

Anyway, here's our rat--today in front of Atlas Mall. I spoke to the workers very briefly and they have some beef with some of the stores in the mall. The rat is a thumb in the eye; they are saying: "Take that Hummdingers! Shame on You!!!"