Labor Day For 23 Million Unemployed Workers In USA

“Without labor nothing prospers.”~ Sophocles ~ 

Labor Day is the first Monday in September and in 2012 it lands on September 3rd. According to the United States Department of Labor, Labor Day was created by “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.”

Unfortunately, this year it is a reminder to 23 million Americans that they still don’t have a job. The number continues to increase and the outlook remains grim for economic growth or a reduction to the unemployment numbers. The unemployed works in the United States of America want to work and labor at a job!

Although I currently still have a job, as well as millions of other people, this Labor Day will be a subdued celebration. My heart goes out to all who are unemployed and under employed. I am frightened for the future of United States because selfishness and greed are more rampant now in our political leaders, a blind ignorance abounds in the people they govern and a sense of hopelessness for a brighter future is everywhere.

“Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital.Capital is only the fruit of labor,and could never have existed if labor had not first existed.Labor is the superior of capital,and deserves much the higher consideration.”~ Abraham Lincoln ~ 

The United States Department of Labor’s website also states that “The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.”

I do believe that “the people” are the heart that makes the United States of America beat. Without the people, our country would not have come this far. “The people” of the United States have a dream of being happy and productive workers who support their families. Because of that dream, we are willing to study, work hard and improve ourselves in order to be prosperous.

When Labor Day arrives, it is the unofficial end of summer. Children are returning to school, the weather begins to change and there is an overall feeling of routine. There isn’t a routine for the 23 million unemployed workers or under employed workers in the United States of America. There is a sad hopelessness that our dreams will not see fruition.

For all the people who have ever worked to make the United States of America the land of the free and the home of the brave, I commend and applaud your labor, loyalty, dedication and continued hope. Remember it is because of our contributions and achievements as American workers that there is even a country called the United States of America. I think it would be fitting if our political leaders would remember that fact and also that their job is to serve the people…you and me.

God bless America and happy Labor Day to everyone. May our country always be free!

“God give me work, till my life shall endAnd life, till my work is done.”~ Epitaph of Winifred Holtby ~