Ever wonder about the origin of holidays? Some are obviously religious....Easter, Christmas, Hanukkah. Some are obviously contrived for commercial reasons, like Valentine's (thank you Hallmark Cards and FTD). Some are to recognize the sacrifice of our armed forces....Memorial Day, Veteran's Day. But Labor Day? Yes, it is to honor those who "labor", and it was pushed for by the early labor union movement, but it wasn't until 1894 that President Grover Cleveland made it a national holiday after a particularly bloody fight between the military and federal marshals and strikers at the Pullman Co. (railroad car mfg.) ended in a number of deaths.
Fearing more labor violence, Labor Day was a bone thrown at workers to calm things down and prevent further unrest. The Prez was careful, however, to NOT have it the same day as International Worker's Day so as not to give any credence to the growing communist movement. Now you know.
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I heard a quote today that resonated with me: "Don't have an opinion where you have no responsibility."
This as opposed to the way things are now, namely, "Opinions are like a__holes....everybody has one."
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I also read something interesting written by a journalist covering the Republican convention last week. He observed, "There is no organic connection between Romney and the GOP base. He is renting the party to fulfill his dream of becoming president, and they're renting him to get rid of President Obama." Good point. It really doesn't feel like they belong together, but they're trying to force it, sort of like an arranged marriage. It's just an odd chemistry.
The Democrats start their convention this week. Now it's their turn to bore us to tears. Football season couldn't have come at a better time, for me at least.
The Democrats start their convention this week. Now it's their turn to bore us to tears. Football season couldn't have come at a better time, for me at least.
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We're forecast to have triple-digit heat most of the week in Dallas, but a weather front comes in for the weekend cooling things off into the 80's. Do I dare hope? Is this "it"....the first stirrings of Autumn? I even like the sound of it....."Autumn". :)
S
We didn’t get a workers’ holiday until the Labour Party introduced May Day (the first Monday in May) in 1978, and the Conservative Party have been muttering about getting rid of it ever since. The idea of workers having any power makes them feel uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteI like that analysis of Mitt & the party - that helps me understand it a little bit better.
ReplyDeleteWe're in the 70s today & it's drizzly! Except for the part where I have to get groceries it's a perfect day to rest from my labors (such as they are - ha!).
It rained much of the late afternoon yesterday here. We had doors and windows open to enjoy the cool breezes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the education on Labor Day. I've been wondering how and why it became a holiday. I also agree with your comments about Romney and the Republicans. Strange bedfellows.
ReplyDeleteYour explanation on Labor Day reminded me of a bumper sticker I saw once: "Like your Sundays off? Thank God. Like your Saturdays off? Thank the unions."
ReplyDeleteAnd the analysis of the Romney-Republican alliance makes sense.