Thank you Bob. As you stated there probably are issues within the railroad workers world but a big thank you for highlighting your 4:30 am observations. Safe travels and my condolences.
For many years I did IT work for a larger industrial manufacturing company. Everyday there was a lot of corporate BS to deal with. But the rewarding part of the job was being able to use my skillset to help the frontline managers and workers do their jobs. Jobs which actually produced something. There is a kind of joy associated with doing meaningful work. Thank you for writing this article.
You are an Iowa treasure. Thank you for consistently capturing life as it's actually lived. So sorry to hear of your family trauma. We should all heed your advice . . .
Prayers for your strength and for comfort in your family trauma. And your story about Walmart and mcDonalds employees being on taxpayers programs is awful. While the owners of those companies are getting richer and richer. Higher wages are needed for justice.
I thought you were describing ICE getting ready to do a raid. But that's a different rant to do later.
Food stamps/SNAP/Meidcaid/Section 8 Housing--these programs have always had a significant component to them that is nothing but welfare to Walmart, fast food corporations and a host of other companies, both large and small, who don't pay their workers a livable wage or provide adequate health insurance. It has been repeatedly reported that Walmart provides information to its underpaid employees on how to apply for taxpayer benefits. Walmart isn't alone.
"Walmart: The High Cost of a Low Price" is a documentary available online that covers this issue and others.
Where was the provision in the Big Beautiful Bullshit Bill that eliminated the waste, fraud and abuse of these corporations lining up like hogs at the trough as they exploit taxpayers and their workers?
Yeah, the part that resonated with me (yes, I’ve heard it before) was that McDonald’s and Walmart’s wages are augmented by Title XIX. Those Republican jabs at “29-year-olds playing video games blah blah blah” is a fantasy served up to the Fox crowd.
Sorry for your family pain and loss. But thank you for the writing and honoring workers.
I grew up near the Chicago 95th railroads and the Steel Mills, the Union and Pacific rolls right behind my current abode and my late father in law worked for the rails in SW Iowa.
But also thanks to @BobShreck. I remember when Bill Riley went around the state interviewing Iowans with different backgrounds -in early 80's
My heart goes out to you and your family, Bob. My grandfather worked (very hard) for the railroad until he was no longer able to, and made enough to support his family of six. This story took me back to those treasured times and gave me the gift of remembering so many loved ones who are no longer here.
A poignant reminder: Not only to be loved, but to be told I am loved; the realm of silence is large enough beyond the grave. I found myself needing to text those I could not hold close. Godspeed, Bob and Annie and family!
I see this made the KC Star today (7/20).
I also enjoy this piece. Keep on shining the light.
Women work in the field for BNSF also
I presume so. If there had been any in the Casey's store that morning I would have mentioned it. Thank you.
Thank you Bob. As you stated there probably are issues within the railroad workers world but a big thank you for highlighting your 4:30 am observations. Safe travels and my condolences.
For many years I did IT work for a larger industrial manufacturing company. Everyday there was a lot of corporate BS to deal with. But the rewarding part of the job was being able to use my skillset to help the frontline managers and workers do their jobs. Jobs which actually produced something. There is a kind of joy associated with doing meaningful work. Thank you for writing this article.
You are an Iowa treasure. Thank you for consistently capturing life as it's actually lived. So sorry to hear of your family trauma. We should all heed your advice . . .
As always, i appreciate your thoughtful commentary, and am sending warm thoughts your way.
you nailed it Bob and hugs from here for the struggle you're going through.
Prayers for your strength and for comfort in your family trauma. And your story about Walmart and mcDonalds employees being on taxpayers programs is awful. While the owners of those companies are getting richer and richer. Higher wages are needed for justice.
I thought you were describing ICE getting ready to do a raid. But that's a different rant to do later.
Food stamps/SNAP/Meidcaid/Section 8 Housing--these programs have always had a significant component to them that is nothing but welfare to Walmart, fast food corporations and a host of other companies, both large and small, who don't pay their workers a livable wage or provide adequate health insurance. It has been repeatedly reported that Walmart provides information to its underpaid employees on how to apply for taxpayer benefits. Walmart isn't alone.
"Walmart: The High Cost of a Low Price" is a documentary available online that covers this issue and others.
Where was the provision in the Big Beautiful Bullshit Bill that eliminated the waste, fraud and abuse of these corporations lining up like hogs at the trough as they exploit taxpayers and their workers?
Yeah, the part that resonated with me (yes, I’ve heard it before) was that McDonald’s and Walmart’s wages are augmented by Title XIX. Those Republican jabs at “29-year-olds playing video games blah blah blah” is a fantasy served up to the Fox crowd.
The minimum wage is way overdue to be doubled.
Sorry for your family pain and loss. But thank you for the writing and honoring workers.
I grew up near the Chicago 95th railroads and the Steel Mills, the Union and Pacific rolls right behind my current abode and my late father in law worked for the rails in SW Iowa.
But also thanks to @BobShreck. I remember when Bill Riley went around the state interviewing Iowans with different backgrounds -in early 80's
My heart goes out to you and your family, Bob. My grandfather worked (very hard) for the railroad until he was no longer able to, and made enough to support his family of six. This story took me back to those treasured times and gave me the gift of remembering so many loved ones who are no longer here.
A poignant reminder: Not only to be loved, but to be told I am loved; the realm of silence is large enough beyond the grave. I found myself needing to text those I could not hold close. Godspeed, Bob and Annie and family!
It’s not too clunky. I’m amazed you were able to write this. Thinking of you and the family.
Offering words of comfort as you and your family go through your situation. This is a great piece. Thanks!