Reply #14: I went to Vons tonight... [View All]

... I knew that a strike might be coming up, but didn't realize it was actually on. So when I saw them picketing out front, I walked up to them, got one of their flyers, asked where they suggested I shop, and left.

For those in the L.A. area, some suggestions: Vallarta, Gelsons, Whole Foods Market, or Trader Joe's. Of course, your local corner grocer (if you still have one) is always a good idea, too. Do not shop at Vons, Ralphs, Albertsons, Pavilions, or Food 4 Less.

As far as the bumper sticker goes, it's definitely pro-Union. Just because somebody drives an Explorer (or any SUV) doesn't mean they're a complete freeper. Actually, sometimes unions and environmentalists find themselves in opposition (although they're also often on the same side, as with farm workers and pesticides).

And, finally, about socialists/unions... I don't know exactly how the weekend came about, but I can say that many of the early labor organizers were socialists, so it may have been one-in-the-same in that case. Both of my grandparents on my dad's side were socialists and active labor organizers in Chicago (grandmother with seamstresses and grandfather with fur workers). Shame I never really got to know either of them.