On the bright side, I had a glimpse of Shangri-La. I got to work four weeks on the front lines of the War on Economics – on the defensive side, that is. I was shelled away in an obscure manufacturing plant with people who loved to work and work hard. It was a piece of the final frontier being swiftly pushed into the ocean. Not everybody could cut the pace and the intensity, but those who did were a special breed. These guys were so good, the international corporation was going to return a line from a foreign country to the little WNC plant. I recall my enthrallment upon getting a smile from one of the most demanding of trainers.
Morning after morning, I’d drive home with thoughts of how much I loved this or that coworker. They were country folk with country values, and they were all so helpful in trying to make me succeed in working as hard as they did. Well, not worthy to be among the best, I sustained an industrial accident Saturday morning. All the kind words, encouragement, and backup from my coworkers was heavenly, but it did not compare to the concern and diligence paid as they rushed to pull my hand out from the machine. Thanks to their quick response, knowledge of mechanics, and brute force; I am fully functional today. Sadly, I could not return to work tonight, even though the doctor said I could, because my papers are still being processed.
I’d be surprised if any of these good people had a computer, so a shout-out would be of no avail. All I know is I want to go back to what is probably a losing battle to giving my best to support the old idea that prosperity comes from combining labor and resources rather than shifting money and making rules (that keep people out of work).
