DEAR READER,

Verizon is a company with deep local roots. Originally part of the Ma Bell breakup via the great but late NYNEX and every precursor before that, it’s a private business born out of the public footprint that was knee-deep for decades. In other words, our telecom forefathers weren’t so much pioneers of free enterprise as they were enterprising freewheeling pioneers.

Fast forward to 2016, and it’s clear that nothing is free and nothing is enterprising. The Verizon union workers have gone on strike and management has dug in its heels. Profits against proletariat and freedom against freedom freeness. Or something.

So what do we make of this? Well, Chris Faraone and his merry maelstrom of reporters have been documenting this madness for the last few weeks, and you should pay close attention to these writers and reports if you want to stay on top of the game. I personally may not agree with them on every issue (unions can be a bitchy lot and act bitchy), but that’s why I love them and why it’s important to read what they have to say. They tend to ignore me.

By the way, FIOS sucks so viva la Comcast!

Jeff Lawrence, DigBoston Publisher + Editor

OH, CRUEL WORLD

Dear Uber Driver –