Writers need a union. Why? We need sustenance. We need the essential articles of life. We need to earn a living. In short if we intend to live we must earn our living in some manner. In short we need to be paid. Perhaps we are ignored because many workers cannot see the sweat upon our brows. Many still equate work with the stretching of muscles and the bending of bones. Hard work is not writing , many believe. Many will tell you the average writer is nothing but an intellectual near do well who should get a job as a common laborer.
I disagree. We work hard and in this society of mass media we provide the society with not only information but entertainment. The average person spends a good portion of his or her time watching movies ,shows and video written and developed by writers. The number of articles on the internet, newpapers and magazines are testament to our long hours of hard work and tenacity. Many have even given their lives trying to procure stories to insure that the U.S. and World public is well informed. The right of free speech requires sacrifice and human sacrifice is the greatest labor a human can give.
It is for the reasons listed above that I feel writers should be well paid. Poets who reshape and develop their language should not be forced to starve in corners because of the mismanagement inherent in the capitalist system. Journalists who are free lance should recieve not only remuneration for their work but health insurance as well. Short story writers should be paid for the countless hours of entertainment they provide to the reading, listening and looking public who spend countless hours on TV, internet and radio. Books are more than door stops. They are created by dedicated hard working people who deserve the right to something every human being should have: collective bargaining.
