I just did a tour of empty buildings that housed papers I used to work for. And I see a couple of them every day. I’ve heard owners say how they regretted selling them. And growing up in a John Deere town as the son of a UAW worker, and now the father of a Deere employee, I know how much those folks in the shop floor care about their work. Just as journalists do. And they all want the companies they make money for to care about them and reward them and their families and let them retire with dignity. I’ve also interviewed a spouse who lost her laid-off husband to suicide. And I also had several news colleagues die of heart attacks. So this story hits close to home for me on a lot of levels. I’ve always believed in the simple dignity of human labor. Thanks to Phoebe for her diligence and storytelling (which I know comes from years of cultivating trust with folks) - and to Doug for “putting himself out there” and allowing his story to be told. It’s courage some of only aspire to. You and your chariot are like Roy Rogers and Trigger Doug. Many happy trails ahead to you.
Thank you, Tim. I would give anything to be in the room to see the reaction of the UAW members. The second-gen factory worker I interviewed became very, very emotional. Working on the line takes a toll on the body and soul.
Well done. "Hello, Detroit Auto Workers, Let me thank you for your time, you work a 40 hour week for a living, just to send it on down the line." Alabama
We so take the work of the work of so many people for granted but we all depend on what so many people do. We just don't pay attention to that. And we should. Good on Doug for doing this and for persevering himself. And for the storytellers like you, Phoebe.
Amazing story. I never knew Doug was taking this newspaper business shift so hard: the paper has been so, so good. Good read for people who think the media are run by elites.
If I had known what Doug was going through we would've found a way to donate to the cause sooner! Now will go dig around and find something to send. And as a longtime UAW member I say thank you both for this!
Thank you Phoebe. I’ve known Doug casually for a while now and appreciate his sharing with you. This story has given me a personal side that that’s given me additional respect for this hard working, quiet Iowa man.
I just did a tour of empty buildings that housed papers I used to work for. And I see a couple of them every day. I’ve heard owners say how they regretted selling them. And growing up in a John Deere town as the son of a UAW worker, and now the father of a Deere employee, I know how much those folks in the shop floor care about their work. Just as journalists do. And they all want the companies they make money for to care about them and reward them and their families and let them retire with dignity. I’ve also interviewed a spouse who lost her laid-off husband to suicide. And I also had several news colleagues die of heart attacks. So this story hits close to home for me on a lot of levels. I’ve always believed in the simple dignity of human labor. Thanks to Phoebe for her diligence and storytelling (which I know comes from years of cultivating trust with folks) - and to Doug for “putting himself out there” and allowing his story to be told. It’s courage some of only aspire to. You and your chariot are like Roy Rogers and Trigger Doug. Many happy trails ahead to you.
Your perspective means so much to me, Pat. Thank you.
Powerful...thanks Phoebe. And Doug thx for sharing your story. It will be a real honor for the UAW guys to hear it.
Thank you, Tim. I would give anything to be in the room to see the reaction of the UAW members. The second-gen factory worker I interviewed became very, very emotional. Working on the line takes a toll on the body and soul.
Well done. "Hello, Detroit Auto Workers, Let me thank you for your time, you work a 40 hour week for a living, just to send it on down the line." Alabama
Thank you, Tedd.
In the end, what we all do really does matter.
Wow. What great writing, and subjects being their unvarnished selves. Thank you, Phoebe and Doug.
Yep, doesn't take much for tears to come these days. Wonderful story!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Katy.
We so take the work of the work of so many people for granted but we all depend on what so many people do. We just don't pay attention to that. And we should. Good on Doug for doing this and for persevering himself. And for the storytellers like you, Phoebe.
Amazing story. I never knew Doug was taking this newspaper business shift so hard: the paper has been so, so good. Good read for people who think the media are run by elites.
This is such a great on every level, Phoebe. Thank you for all of the “oh wow’s” and smile moments.
Definitely needed the tissue box for this one! Beautifully written, Phoebe. Powerful story about such a wonderful person.
Chills. Just chills.
Thanks Phoebe for a wonderful profile on cars, and especially on Doug Burns. National treasures both!
Thanks, Phoebe. This is the brilliance of Doug Burns. Trudy Holman Hurd
Fantastic piece!!!!
Amazing story! A delight to read. Now I want to see the video that's going to Ford/UAW!
Doug and Phoebe are both treasures!
If I had known what Doug was going through we would've found a way to donate to the cause sooner! Now will go dig around and find something to send. And as a longtime UAW member I say thank you both for this!
Suzan, Thank you for reading + writing + making me smile. Hugs.
Thank you Phoebe. I’ve known Doug casually for a while now and appreciate his sharing with you. This story has given me a personal side that that’s given me additional respect for this hard working, quiet Iowa man.
Denise, I'm so happy to hear from you. Thank you for the thoughtful reply.