Open Letter to the WGA

Dear WGA:

Being Thanksgiving weekend and all, I have spent a lot of time the last few days thinking about what I am thankful for. I am very thankful that I have been able to make a living as a writer. I am thankful that every day I am able to do something creative, something I love.

As I’ve walked the picket lines, I’ve been very thankful for the overwhelming support I’ve felt from non-writers who have given up their time to march alongside us, or bring us homemade cookies. I am thankful for every car that honks, and for every virtual honk I’ve received on LAist.

I am also very thankful for all of the businesses that are offering discounts to the writers during the strike. For many of us, the strike is quite stressful. I am seriously watching my spending, and these offers allow me an occasional guilt-free night out. Last night, I went wine tasting at Colorado Wine Company in Eagle Rock, who are offering $1 off every glass of wine for writers.

Last week, I stopped at the Griffin on Los Feliz for some $1 happy hour beers. This is a truly generous deal, and I look forward to taking advantage of it as much as humanly possible.

While I was at the Griffin, I started thinking about all of the other people who are losing their jobs because of the strike. It seems like such a shame that they can’t get the same discounts we’re entitled to.

Obviously, part of the difficulty of extending discounts to so many people is that it’s hard to prove that they were affected by the strike. That’s when I came up with the idea for the “Also On Strike Card”.

WGA, I know you’re hands are very full trying to negotiate us a fair deal, but perhaps with your help, we can create a committee to help verify who has lost their jobs, and issue them an official “Also On Strike Card.”

It would be a wonderful way to let them know that we are thankful for their sacrifices and their solidarity.

Keep fightin’ the good fight,
Heath

In the meantime, if anyone out there who’s lost a job because of the strike sees me at the Griffin, introduce yourself. I’ll buy you a drink, and I’m sure any other writer would do the same.

After the jump, a LONG list of businesses offering discounts.