Summary

Chapter 24 is titled “Labor Fest 2010.” The community has always held a big celebration around the Labor Day weekend, but 2010's event included a rally with hundreds carrying signs that read “JOBS NOW!” (Location 1824). This is a “warm-up” for a larger rally in Washington. President Obama was in Milwaukee, promising that auto industry jobs were returning. There were several politicians and political candidates in Janesville that day, including Scott Walker, seeking the GOP nomination for governor.

Chapter 25 is titled “Project 16:49.” Another ripple effect of the major plant closings had an effect on the working-class who were suddenly competing with former GM employees for a limited number of menial jobs, such as food service. That sent many of those families into dire situations and some parents turned to alcohol or drugs, leaving their kids to fend for themselves. While some wanted to ignore...