chapters 5-8 Summary and Analysis

In chapter 5, Hamper begins by saying that 1979 was not a good year for Flint. "My beleaguered hometown was like some banged-up middleweight resting its rump on the ropes, covering up its soft belly, hoping only to last out the round" (Chapter 5, page 68).

According to Hamper, the tune of prosperity had turned into a funeral dirge. Flint wasn't the only place affected, but the region did show the highest unemployment rate. The situation for the factory workers became strange. One was not required to work; however, that also meant no job security. The biggest issue for Hamper regarding the layoff was the fact that he had to deal with the Unemployment Line. Other states allowed the unemployed to file by mail. The Michigan Employment Security Commission (MESC) required the person's appearance. Hamper believes that it is a sadistic conspiracy.

Hamper...