The postwar social compact was a tradeoff; the other side went back on the bargain.

There never was a real bargain- labor just wanted to think  there was- and by 'Nam, labor was so co-opted they would have supported an invasion of hell to save their club greens privileges. And then the US went and lost- so there was no longer a need to pretend. They lost them anyhow.

Sadly, if we were winning in Iraq--if the transport and teamster's unions even thought we were winning -OUR oil, and all that- there would be burnt offerings to Bush, and a rush to enlist.
That said, your Linebaugh link was a good one. I'm reading Rediker and Linebaugh's Magnum Opus- "The Many-headed Hydra"--tough, chilling read, but powerfully informative.
I defy anyone who posts on ET to read this book--and not be seized by a desire to kneel down and kiss the God Of Whimsical Good Fortune on the right spot ---because we have been born here and now, and not there and then.  

Capitalism searches out the darkest corners of human potential, and mainlines them.