I hesitate to quote from the New York Times, the jealous-boyfriend-who-hates-your-besties of newspapers. Ignore it and the Times sends you email about taking it back. Quote it on your blog and the Times threatens you. Well, New York Times: two can play that game. Ead-re the rticle-ay.

Note the tentative language. We’re not talking about egregious labor violations, unsafe working conditions, paycheck theft and extortion; we’re talking about student complaints. Isn’t it charming the State Department took the time to listen? Yes, it’s so charming. As we know, students get riled and have complaints about nothing all the time.

Please hold and our next available representative will be with you shortly.

Complaints Department. How can I help you?

In America, this crap happens all the time, mostly to the working poor. The mistake these companies made was in assuming educated, middle class people would tolerate the same treatment. That the State Department stepped in may be the best reason for hope – about anything – in a long time. I’m shocked it happened. And even though we’re suffering through disgusting finals – the week I call When Freshmen Forget How To Flush – I’m hoping students complain some more.