Coffee Break [7/9/20]

It can be a struggle to get through the second half of the day.

It’s Labor Day in North America. It’s not the end of summer, the Autumnal Equinox occurs on Sept 22. It’s not Let’s Make Jeff Bezo’s Richer Day, happening on Oct. 5. It’s a day set aside to honor the Labor Movement, or as the US Department of Labor puts it, a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. The modern Labor Day bears little to no resemblance to the original celebration, a day off for the working class, with parades, picnics, and union fundraisers. Retail, restaurant, hospitality, and manufacturing workers are on the job today. Those lucky enough to remain employed during the partial lock down anyway. Many workers aren’t earning enough for housing, food or health care. While the country has prospered, workers, and unions have not. And the importance of their contributions have been ignored or denied. But, there are SALES!

By all means, enjoy the day, cook out, relax. If the weather sucks where you are watch a movie, I recommend Matewan. Catch up on some light reading. How about Jocobin magazine? Pick up a new book.

Listen to some music.

And take a moment to remember the blood that was shed for the 8 hour work day, safety regulations, and collective bargaining.