When there was a strike at the local candy factory, I had to choose between my love for chocolate…and my communist grandma. Something every 10-year-old boy goes through, right? Watch my newest story for NPR’s Snap Judgment, filmed live at Ann Arbor’s Power Center.
And yes, the two background songs for my story are The Internationale (aka the Communist Party anthem)…and the Oompa Loompa theme song from Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. A-maz-ing.
That combo just about sums me up as a human being.
God is good. Chocolate is delicious. And the best kind of strike doesn’t happen at a bowling alley.
Josh: this is one of my favorite stories ever. I was a red-diaper baby whose parents were active in CA about the same time as your grandma. Your story totally captures the ethical sensibility of much of my childhood ~ for lullabies my mom would generally sang Joe Hill, or I Once Was a Union Maid.
Thank you for crafting this beautiful little jewel.