Three words, five syllables, a theme of the Writers’ Guild of America. “Somebody wrote that." They’re the perfect words for sending this writer’s fist straight into the air with a fervent YES!

I just heard someone say, after a report on the Guild’s strike, “I’m against strikes." Well, as a progressive, I am for many a strike and as a writer, I am wholeheartedly for this one.

The corporate owners of film studios, television networks, and DVD distribution networks are boasting of record profits at the same time that they’re stiffing writers, the seeds of their wealth.

The only chip that writers have in this game is to put their pencils down and let the suits see how they like trying to make a buck without them.

Our everyday language is full of words that bring actors’ faces and voices to mind—not those of writers. But if you say—

“You ain’t seen nuthin yet"

“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn"

“Here’s looking at you, kid"

“I am shocked, shocked!"

"I’ll be back."

“You can’t handle the truth."

“Houston, we have a problem."

“Snap out of it!"

or

“Show me the money."—

you’re not quoting actors. Somebody wrote that—an invisible writer who’s not making a dime out of the ongoing profits from the stories, characters and dialogue they created.

Go strikers!