I had to laugh when I saw that the Hollywood writers have voted to go on strike. With the dreck they’re churning out these days, it’s the audience that ought to go on strike—although, from what I can tell, that’s precisely what they are doing, what with attendance way down from historic highs and the old moviehouses closing down left and right. That doesn’t deter the Writers Guild of America (WGA): “Writers do not want to strike, but they are resolute and prepared to take strong, united action to defend our interests,” proclaimed guild President Patric Verrone. “What we must have is a contract that gives us the ability to keep up with the financial success of this ever-expanding global industry.”

I’ll tell you what: if all of the more than 5,000 WGA members are so resolutely determined not to hobnob with the stars while collecting four, fix, and six-figure checks, plus a chauffeur ride to “work,” then I’ll gladly volunteer for that particular sweatshop.