Thoughts on the Hollywood Strike

I recently read an interesting newspaper column about how the Hollywood strike might actually improve the Oscars.
Of course, as with the Golden Globes, there might be no stars at the Oscars as the writers have requested that they not cross the picket line.
For the record, I am neutral on the strike. I know it must be irritating for coal miners from Welch, W.Va., who risk their lives every day to see well-paid writers complain about compensation.
But, on the other hand, many television shows and movies would suck if not for a good script. Tom Shales of "The Washington Post" said the writing on "The Wire" is absolutely superb as it is on "Friday Night Lights" and "30 Rock." And, indeed these folks need to be more appreciated- even if they don't live in Welch, W.Va or Burlington, NC- where many textile plants have closed.
The columnist had also mentioned that the strike would take out all those annoying introductions. I know they really go over the top with the best foreign-language film nominations. I can just imagine what they would say if the Iranian film "Offside" (see last entry) was nominated:

"This is a story a girl. A girl who desperately wants to get into a soccer stadium. But, she can't get into the soccer stadium because she lives in Iran. Here is a tremendous story of bravery and courage and (pause) sacrifice."

(Note: This entry was modified from its original version)