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From: Joyce Gerocs
T1: silentmourningwhisper@hotmail.com
Date: 4/9/01
Time: 11:09:58 PM
Remote Name: 152.163.205.81
Although not in chapters 3 and 4, but rather chapter 6 I found a major theme of exploitation. It is basically what the entire chapter is based upon. The descriptions of the living conditions quoted from chapters 3 and 4 mirrored those given in chapter 5.
The mine workers were forced to work not only extremely long hours of physical labor, but they had to do it under unbelievable conditions. The temperatures many of them had to work under was shocking, and the fact that they had to do it often 12 hours a day made it that much worse. Deaths from lead poisoning and accidents were a common occurrence among the workers. As terrible as all of these conditions were, it only got worse once the strikes began.
The mine owners wanted to exploit the workers as much as possible for the least amount of pay. When the miners began to strike, in turn threatening the owners' profits, they saw but no other choice than to try to keep the workers divided, which made them easier to conquer.
On page 152 a short description is given about the conditions the imprisoned strikers were under. All union men were thrown into a military bullpen under terrible living conditions not fit for animals. The strikers were held without any charges and without trial.
It is strange to learn about events such as these, due to the horribly one sided history of this country we are taught in our formal education. But at the same time it is a relief to know that people can ban together for a cause they deem worthy, and make a difference.