Ode To A Scab, by Jack London

Scott · 07-20-2003, 11:12 PM

A recent thread discussed the tender issue of labor strikes in the airline industry. Most airlines have one or more unions, and they wield a BIG stick. By definition, a "scab" is one who crosses a picket line to engage in operations beneficial to the "struck" carrier.

The following poem by Jack London was written in 1915.

Ode To A Scab

After God had finished the rattlesnake, the toad, and the vampire, He had some awful substance left with which He made a scab. A scab is a two-legged animal with a corkscrew soul, a waterlogged brain, and a combination backbone made of jelly and glue. Where others have hearts, he carries a tumor of rotten principles.

When a scab comes down the street, men turn their backs and angels weep in heaven, and the devil shuts the gates of hell to keep him out. No man has a right to scab as long as there is a pool of water deep enough to drown his body in, or a rope long enough to hang his carcass with. Judas Iscariot was a gentleman compared with a scab. For betraying his Master, he had character enough to hang himself. A scab hasn't.

Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. Judas Iscariot sold his savior for thirty pieces of silver. Benedict Arnold sold his country for a promise of a commission in the British Army. The modern strikebreaker sells his birthright, his country, his wife, his children, and his fellow men for an unfulfilled promise from his employer, trust, or corporation.

I'm certainly not a rabid union apologist, but this piece always gives me a chuckle!

Bill G · 07-21-2003, 03:28 AM

Scott

Thanks for sharing this. Wrote it down from some "full term striker's" friends of mine.

Bill G

07-21-2003, 08:31 PM

I really like this. I wish I had this around back in '93, although the way people feel about them hasn't changed 10 years on at AA.

Bill G · 07-21-2003, 08:42 PM

Kevin it never will. Flew with a guy a couple of years ago at US Airways. He said he heard I was former Ozark/TWA and he was former TWA also. I asked when he was hired and he kinda mumbled 1986. Once a scab always a scab. It'll follow you where ever you go in this industry.

Bill G

07-20-2003, 11:12 PM	#1
Scott Insane Collector Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Escondido, Ca. USA Age: 49 Posts: 2,763	Ode To A Scab, by Jack London A recent thread discussed the tender issue of labor strikes in the airline industry. Most airlines have one or more unions, and they wield a BIG stick. By definition, a "scab" is one who crosses a picket line to engage in operations beneficial to the "struck" carrier. The following poem by Jack London was written in 1915. Ode To A Scab After God had finished the rattlesnake, the toad, and the vampire, He had some awful substance left with which He made a scab. A scab is a two-legged animal with a corkscrew soul, a waterlogged brain, and a combination backbone made of jelly and glue. Where others have hearts, he carries a tumor of rotten principles. When a scab comes down the street, men turn their backs and angels weep in heaven, and the devil shuts the gates of hell to keep him out. No man has a right to scab as long as there is a pool of water deep enough to drown his body in, or a rope long enough to hang his carcass with. Judas Iscariot was a gentleman compared with a scab. For betraying his Master, he had character enough to hang himself. A scab hasn't. Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. Judas Iscariot sold his savior for thirty pieces of silver. Benedict Arnold sold his country for a promise of a commission in the British Army. The modern strikebreaker sells his birthright, his country, his wife, his children, and his fellow men for an unfulfilled promise from his employer, trust, or corporation. I'm certainly not a rabid union apologist, but this piece always gives me a chuckle! __________________ Fly the Friendly Skies of United uniTED takes wing Feb 12, 2004

07-21-2003, 03:28 AM	#2
Bill G Insane Collector Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 1,210	Ode to a Scab Scott Thanks for sharing this. Wrote it down from some "full term striker's" friends of mine. Bill G __________________ *Ozark Flies Your Way* FEES DON'T FLY AT SOUTHWEST

07-21-2003, 08:42 PM	#4
Bill G Insane Collector Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 1,210	Scabs Kevin it never will. Flew with a guy a couple of years ago at US Airways. He said he heard I was former Ozark/TWA and he was former TWA also. I asked when he was hired and he kinda mumbled 1986. Once a scab always a scab. It'll follow you where ever you go in this industry. Bill G __________________ *Ozark Flies Your Way* FEES DON'T FLY AT SOUTHWEST

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07-21-2003, 08:31 PM	#3
NYCAAer Guest Posts: n/a	I really like this. I wish I had this around back in '93, although the way people feel about them hasn't changed 10 years on at AA.