LB: the last couple years doing socialist activism have taught me that union rank & files are pretty great, but that the union _leaders_ aren't so hot. a lotta these bureaucrats have class snuggled up to the Democratic party in a toxic fog of cynicism & desperation.

the teachers' strikes, mostly organized and waged by rank & file, illustrate this problem. there are fighting union leaders out there - just not nearly enough. but sooner or later, new leaders will be found among the ranks :)