Labor Day 2007
“American workers stay longer in the office, at the factory or on the farm than their counterparts in Europe and most other rich nations, and they produce more per person over the year. The average U.S. worker
produces $63,885 of wealth per year, more than their counterparts in all other countries…”
-International Labor Organization
Today is the first Monday in September, Labor Day, a legal holiday in the U.S. that serves as our unofficial “last gasp of summer” three-day weekend. It also marks the beginning of the season for the National Football League and NCAA College Football. The NCAA usually plays their first games the weekend of Labor Day, with the NFL playing their first game the Thursday following. Traditionally celebrated with parades, picnics, and barbecues, Labor Day also marks the date after which it is no longer appropriate to wear white. But have we forgotten what Labor Day actually celebrates?
The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the “working man” and became a federal holiday by Act of Congress in 1894. It’s celebrated today mainly as a day of rest that marks the symbolic end of summer for many.
In keeping with tradition, Dawn and I spent the three-day weekend with family and friends. We ran a few errands, ate a few hotdogs and took Steve and Lori’s boxer dog, Jasmine, on a walk along Lake Natoma. Jas is a real sweetheart and a pleasure to take on walks. Our regular route takes about an hour, but with Jas it took two, was considerably shorter and was much more “fun.” She stayed right beside us while we walked, laid down on the grass next to us for rests in the shade, wasn’t at all bothered by other dogs or people, chased sticks at the edge of the lake (and laid down in the water while we chatted with a kayaker), and was a joy to have along. We look forward to doing it again!
Tomorrow begins a four-day work week as we head towards cooler weather and the official end of summer. I’ll miss the longer days and summer activities but, truth be told, fall and spring are my favorite seasons. Winter, well, let’s just say that cold and wet are not my friends.
Doug
7 Comments
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (7)
Who sings that?
It's by English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Bragg
I know that back in the day during the sweat shops and all, there was a great need for unions. But that day has been long over. Today unions are dwindling because they really can't offer much that employers aren't willing to provide even without them (check out non-union shops.)
I'm a working man and if it wasn't for the union, we wouldn't have any health care or decent wages. The working man would be getting screwed.
You have been brainwashed by your union, my friend. Unions are on the way out. They keep diminishing in membership. Why do you think that is? Because we need them? Nope.
I forgot to mention he has been performing for 20 years, writes mostly protest type songs.
I confess that I had forgotten what Labor Day is supposed to honor. So to everyone who works and especially those who worked on the holiday, thank you.