LA Times: Ed Asner on SAG's choice (the union can't take the deal that is being offered) by Ed Asner

[Omaha Steve]

Marta and I had the privilege to meet Mr. Asner 2 years ago. He was wonderful to us fans sticking photos in his face for him to sign.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/sunday/commentary/la-oe-asner28-2008dec28,0,4328996.story

Former SAG president Ed Asner says actors in the union can't take the deal that is being offered.
By Ed Asner
December 28, 2008

"If you stand together, you cannot lose. Actors cannot be beaten except by actors. The guild is for you, and you must be for the guild. Stand together."

Eddie Cantor, president, Screen Actors Guild, at the guild's first annual membership meeting, El Capitan Theater, Hollywood, May 13, 1934

The guild is for me, and I am for the guild.

One of the singular privileges of my life is having served as president of my union. No laurels ever bestowed upon me meant as much. I love my union, and it has taken good care of me throughout my acting career.

But I now fear for the future of the Screen Actors Guild and for the acting profession.

Over the years, I've been accused of being crusty, crotchety, curmudgeonly and stubborn. And those were the nicer adjectives. Today, I embrace such descriptions, speaking with both my brain and my backbone.

Our guild has been trying for several months to get a realistic contract signed with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers -- an association representing the eight global conglomerates that control movies and television. Meanwhile, the question "Why not just take the deal?" is being uttered from all corners.

FULL story at link.