Strike Blogging

NYC Transit went on strike early this morning. Periodically, extraordinary things happen here in New York City. Sometimes, buildings fall to the ground, sometimes, the power goes out for millions, sometimes, the trains stop running.

Invariably, New Yorkers hit the streets, and talk to each other. Today is no exception.

I'm sure, for many, it was a serious hardship that the trains stopped running. For the vast majority, it was just the right level of inconvenience that they got shaken out of their little shells and looked at the amazing city around them, and stopped their busy lives to see the extraordinary people.

This is a good thing.

I got up early, and walked into the city over the Brooklyn Bridge, which was very crowded. It was rather chilly.

The Red Cross, which apparently didn't have any disasters to deal with this morning, set itself up at the foot of the bridge to serve people coffee and hot chocolate.

I think its important for the city that both the union and the MTA work this out without either side needing to capitulate. They have (and many New Yorkers) have very different ideas of labor and the value of labor. But this city is negotiation central, and we're seeing it at its best, not its worst. So let's help those who need help, and the rest of you, stop whining.

More pictures at Flickr.