Umm, Ms. Swanson is "complaining about capitalism?" Nowhere in her remarks is this supported. Certainly not in her criticism of the share-the-wealth socialist bailouts to mega banks.

And obviously unions, altthough they only represent 6.9% of private-sector workers (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010), are responsible for the majority of outsourced jobs. Imagine that!

Fox News talking points. Silly, silly.

I came across your blog after reading the article in the T.U. Thank you for your insight and ideas -- and for the important work you are doing. Looking forward to supporting and following your efforts.

I agree with the Gazette's editorial and steveg.

Thank you Mr. Strock for boiling it down to this:

"After a few hours I got the feeling that the everyone-is-equal atmosphere was itself the message. No need for a 10-point program or a list of non-negotiable demands. If you want to see what’s wrong with the world, look at us and see what’s right, was the idea."

I'm not sure why some people are so threatened by this -- evidenced by a few commenters here.

Viva the 99% for raising awareness of, as MDogsMom so aptly put it the plight of hardworking Americans who seem to be getting further behind with each generation:

"Many people work 2 or more low paying jobs to pay their bills and do not expect to be able to have free tuition, $20/hr jobs etc."

Thank you Mr. Riggi for all you are doing.

Carl, the Tea Pots call this the Great American Experiment; they don't need an actual example of success! But the experiment is more medieval alchemy than science. Their attempt to turn pure selfishness into gold will sink like lead in an ocean filled with idealogical shipwrecks. Unfortunately, they may drown the rest of us in the process.

Very entertaining column. Keep up the good work Mr. Strock.

Torture is a throwback, championed by those who embrace primitive behavior that the rest of us have long rejected. The Inquisition comes to mind.

Torture is un-American. Period.

I ride the bus down Rt. 5 from Niskayuna to Albany several times a week. The new BusPlus 905 is a far better ride than the former 55 that stopped at virtually every corner along the route. About ten minutes is shaved off the commute, and the many fewer stops and starts is better for reading (one of the true advantages of taking a bus).

The early morning and evening runs are pretty full, seemingly just enough seats for everyone. In the morning, I drive my car a mile or so and park in a handy lot near the bus stop on State and Balltown Rd. In the evening, I take the 8:54 at Lark back up towards Schenectady.

The cost per ride, if you buy a pass ahead of time (which most regular commuters do) is still $1.50. It's a far better way to travel than fighting traffic and parking with a car, and considering the price of gas (not to mention parking), it might even be cheaper, and it's cleaner, too. CDTA has done a good job with both its "iRide" on-line schedule and the new BusPlus.

Mr. Birch, you are a class act. Sounds like its time for your kindness to be repaid (by peers and community members -- and maybe some generous Gazette readers?).

To Marcy Velte, the writer of this article, thank you for the wonderfully detailed story -- very well researched and thoughtfully written.