Blog
09.05
Labor Day isn't quite what it used to be
Today is a day many of us know for several different reasons. Either we remember Jerry Lewis or chillin' out by the lake? Is that really what this day is supposed to help us appreciate - the original Nutty Professor and barbecue?! For a refresher, we have been officially celebrating Labor Day since 1882.
Why? Oh yeah, for those that worked.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor:
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.
That's sweet until you read this unfortunate opinion piece from the Washington Post that reminds us all while we are sitting with our feet propped up, there are many others still pounding the pavement.
There was no job growth in August, and the overall numbers are stupefying: 14 million unemployed; nearly 9 million part-time workers wanting full-time jobs; 6.5 million who want jobs but have given up looking and are, therefore, not counted in the official labor force.
I realize the holiday is cause for good times and relaxing around a hot grill with a few of your favorite friends and dead bovines, should this day stand for something else? It seems there is more attention paid to those not working on this day, so why not?
I'm a little sensitive because I was among those harrowing statistics once upon a time if it weren't for this guy and this chick. Had it not been for them giving a brother a chance, I wouldn't be... well, I wouldn't be blogging about this day now.
Consider this a public service announcement: There are many out there who abuse the system and live off the donations from street corner sponging. However, there are many more who legitimately are banging their head against the wall and use the papers we use to read these stories as pillows, blankets and the occasional want-ad that fits their resume.
This day really isn't what it used to be, but perhaps it could be a lot more. Just throwing that out there.
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