I am still getting used to running holidays solo. Granted, I thought I would be better at it by now but I set unreasonable standards for myself (we all know this). Either way I am managing. In reality the worst thing I have to worry about is burning the salcissia. It is nice to hear the house full of noise. My life is pretty good all things considered. But something is eating at me today; this holiday is not honored as it should be.
Why you ask? Because this is a holiday meant to honor the labor movement. A holiday intentionally placed in September (occasionally August) to prevent its association with May Day and Socialism (if you don’t realize by now that we are marionettes then you haven’t been paying attention).
I used to march in the Labor Day parade. I represented IUOE Local 148 Maintenance Workers. 2016 was my last year in the union and in the parade. It was interesting because I noticed we got so damned comfortable. We had politicians wearing the same dress shirt they wore during the week but they switched to jeans in order to come across as relatable. They weren’t us. And we knew it then. But sweet Jesus the opposition was so well organized we did what we had to. If you think “Big Labor” is well organized you should see the opposition.
There is no “Big Labor.” There are just people trying any way they can to avoid drowning. They are trying to survive. This transcends union organizing. A life and a living wage are fairly quantifiable in my opinion. If you don’t agree, enjoy your barbeque today…you don’t know what you are talking about.
I’ve been one paycheck from ruin. I have owned my own business. I have worked for others. If you want to argue the microeconomic realities with me come on ahead. I am certain I have the chops.
I am proud of my stance on labor. I am proud of my stance on living wages. And I appreciate Labor Day. But remember it is a concession given to quiet the possibility of a riot. Really, the fact that those who use their hands and backs for their labor as their currency are likely working today while I sit at my laptop (on my paid day off) is a damned shame. Those the holiday was meant to honor are working today. This should piss you off. If it doesn’t then you don’t understand the holiday. Or like me you are practicing cognitive dissonance (anyone want a hot dog?).
Solidarity brothers and sisters. One way or another we will force the tide to rise.
Happy Labor Day!
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