And so the big combines rolled into 1930s Oklahoma, driving out the farmers, destroying their farms and farmhouses to earn a wage.
Today in E-Town, the Telus crews roll thru neighborhoods tearing up lawns (befitting of a wasteland city), putting up ugly orange, red, and blue flags. Only afterward does some smiling guy come to the door (regardless of No Soliciting and We Do Not Answer signs) to say that the ‘combines’ have arrived again (as if you did not notice), that they want permission to run a line to your house beyond those markers on your real property (the question to invade the house will come separately by a better-dressed guy).
And, if you don’t agree, they will leave a ‘flower pot’ at one spot on your lawn for perpetuity until you cave in to in this massive takeover war against Shaw here. You’ll pay more and Telus will own you own right. ‘Friendly persuasion’ to avoid a permanent ugly pot you never asked for. And not a word from the City about your rights.
Yup, it’s back to the ’30s Dust Bowl and that helpless feeling that Okie farmers had as they watched the big combines invade, this time to destroy your house and property. All for money, jobs, and another uncontrolled corporate takeover in depressed times. Smilin’ guys at your door (“It’s my job” and “No problem”). Grapes of Wrath revisited.