Man is demoted for wanting more than a week off to help with newborn child. Hotel maid is fired after attending too many school meetings for her child with learning disabilities. Colin Powell's daughter is denied job because of racism. Powell tells GOP to either support affirmative action or he'll become a Democrat. Five service workers leaving work suffer multiple fractures in crackup.
None has health insurance.
All have wives and small children. HMOs couldn't care less. Helper'' cast gathers around the fire to hold hands and say the Pledge of Allegiance, with liberty and justice for all, and not a million dollars for the most manipulative son of a female dog. Derrick Z. Jackson is a Globe columnist. With A Friend Common Dreams NewsCenter is a non-profit news service providing breaking news and views for the Progressive Community.