Slow’s the word—Managers of the Pennsylvania Turnpike are struggling to replace 2,000 striking toll collectors plus maintenance and office workers. They’re fighting for better job security, back wages, and improved benefits. The Turnpike managers said “many” drivers are providing exact change to speed things up. Guess they don’t have 2,000 managers.

Crisis of overproduction?—In the recent elections, Los Angeles county voters rejected an amendment to hike the sales tax. It was sponsored by sheriff Lee Bacca to put more deputies and cops on the street. Since then it was disclosed that to cut costs in the past two and a half years, a tad under 120,000 inmates were released early from the overcrowded California jails, some after a day or two. Here’s an alternative solution: Slash the number of arrests by mass layoffs of cops.

Merely free enterprise—A Barbourville, Kentucky, jail worker pleaded guilty to helping inmates escape by selling them saw blades.

In Scotland, a costly puff—Folks who smoke in public places will be hit with fines ranging in the thousands of dollars. Operators of public places failing to strictly enforce the ban will also face similar punishment.

Cold capitalism—Rhode Island utilities say up to 400 homes in the state will not have gas or electricity service this winter.

Hooking the child—We try to avoid numbers except the essential and awesome. Here are some that are awesome. Peddlers of children’s items find it a good investment to invest $15 million a year for direct mail and other advertising for children—some still in diapers. A list broker on one website claims to have a children’s list of 20 million. A list of 1,000 for $70.

That’s what it’s all about—“Cash registers are ringing in the season”—News headline.

Note to creationists—“Developing a contraceptive for men may involve promoting an immune reaction to a protein that is produced in the male reproductive system. The method worked on male monkeys and could one day complement condoms and vasectomies.”—News item.

Your help, please—In good part, this column depends on clippings from readers. But since turkey time, the mail has fallen off. You can help turn it around. Send items to: Great Society, Pathfinder Books, 4229 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011. Or, e-mail: Thegreatsociety@sbcglobal.net  
 
 
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