How did Hollywood, where people like to pat themselves on the back over how socially progressive they are, end up in a labor showdown over pennies?

This industry is responsible for movies like Norma Rae with Sally Field, John Sayles' Matewan and The Grapes of Wrath - movies that trumpet the triumph of the working stiff. Hollywood is so proud of itself that the 2006 Oscar show paid video tribute to the town's social consciousness.

So how can that industry let its labor relations devolve to this point? Selective amnesia?

Glad to hear that the writers and producers, who haven't met since the strike began Nov. 5, have agreed to start talking again, beginning Monday. The sooner they can iron out their differences, the quicker all us entertainment writers can get off strike watch and back to critiquing the next Saw sequel or episode of Cavemen.

chris.kaltenbach@baltsun.com