With apologies to Dr. Sardonicus for possibly overshadowing his excellent post below, I, like he, a proud union member for much of my professional life, wished to offer my own take.
The first Monday of ever September in the United States, the Right is confronted with a holiday that must irk them to their very core: Labor Day. Though it's observance has been watered down to the point that the very significance of the holiday is now seen as an excuse for a white sale at Wal-Mart, those who know it's true history should give thanks every time they cash a paycheck. Just a few of the rights won by the blood, sweat and tears of the labor movement over the decades include:
- The 8 Hour Work Day
- Overtime Pay
- Health Insurance
- Workers' Compensation
- Paid Vacation
- OSHA Protection & Oversight
- Retirement Pay & Pensions
- ...and others too numerous to mention
These benefits are now seen as common, and expected as part of an average worker's employment. Every right winger that enjoys these simple benefits owes a begrudging acknowledgement to the workers that came before, and they hate that fact.
So before you bite into that late grilled burger or brat of Summer, say a silent prayer of thanks for those who marched, those who striked and those who died to make such a pleasure possible.
Happy Labor Day.
crossposted at Welcome to the Revolution
