My first run-in with picketers had a lasting impression. At 6 years old I took part in peaceful picketing with my father, an air-traffic controller at the time, who chose to join the majority of his co-workers and participate in the 1981 PATCO strike. Those controllers were stressed-out and wanted to work less and get paid more. Who doesn't? Unfortunately they didn't grasp that they were dealing with a cowboy. Ronald Reagan, for better or worse, chose then and there to make a stand against trade-unions. He fired all striking controllers. My life changed as my father lost his career.

Piqueteros, like alot of things in Argentina, are similar but different to what we are used to in the States. We frequently encounter them in our adventures down here; though it's not always easy figuring out what they actually want. The guys holding us up for our asado were looking for higher wages from the affluent sugarcane farmers.

Recently, piquetero efforts in Gualeguaychu have prevented a paper factory from being installed across the river in Uruguay. The company building the factory has suspended operations until an independent environmental study is completed.

Unfortunately, striking and picketing has turned violent in France. Proposed labor reform has brought out the rock-throwing savages in men. Students want jobs for life, as their parents had, in a country where 20% of 18-25 year olds are unemployed. Meanwhile the government is trying to give incentive for companies to hire in a land of uncompetitive labor laws.

The bottom line is the world's economies are evolving and the current situation in France doesn't appear to be working. How about some ideas on what should be done in France? A peaceful internet discussion sure beats tear-gas in your eye!

Pushing Tin ASIN: B00000K3CI Binding: DVD List price: $9.98 USD Amazon price: $9.98 USD

BillyBob's acting in this movie won the heart of the budding philantropist, Angelina Jolie.
Get the best price at amazon.com here!