Since the Industrial Revolution, two groups have fought for the spoils of their joint production. On one side is capital — the owners and investors who provide the means of production. On the other side is labor — the workers who turn invested capital into profits. Traditionally, capital wielded disproportionate power.
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The war between capital and labor became a three-way battle, with talent wedging its way onto the proverbial playing field. The biggest loser has been labor. Capital has given so much to talent — because it has no choice — that capital is even less inclined to give any quarter to labor. Capital is outraged because it is being beaten up by talent — whether C.E.O.’s, investment bankers, consultants, movie stars, players — and it takes out its anger on the easiest target: labor.
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The first three weeks of the N.F.L. season suggest that refs aren’t so generic and replaceable after all, especially after Monday’s “touchdown reception.” The response of talent was totally expected and undoubtedly exasperating to capital: “Hey owners, don’t be stupid; just pay these guys. You are ruining the game that makes us players rich.”
It's a good read. I would have mentioned it sooner but I've been so preoccupied with all this high school football. (I'm behind in my obits, too. Bear with me while I catch up.)
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