(David Mansdoerfer) – Over the holiday weekend, I was told that since I didn’t support organized labor, I shouldn’t be able to celebrate Labor Day. Yes, the same Labor Day that came about after the famous Pullman Strike in which thousands of union members, who were disgruntled over a recent pay cut, rioted causing thousands (millions in today’s dollars) in damages and 13 deaths.
For a moment, I actually wondered, why should I celebrate a day that is devoted to organizations whose self-serving interests adversely impact the economy and schools at the expense of my tax dollars? As I pondered this question, two things came to mind.
First, having a three day weekend gives me the opportunity to spend more time with my wife and my six month old son. This, more than anything else, gives me ample reason to celebrate an extra day off of work.
Second, as opposed to my liberal friends who believe that Labor Day is meant to honor organized labor, I believe that Labor Day embodies the entire American workforce. At a time when the economy is struggling, we have a national unemployment rate of over 9% and hundreds of thousands of people who have given up looking for work, Labor Day should be a time to honor every worker in the American economy, employed and those seeking employment alike.
Instead of pandering to the Left’s need to highlight their “accomplishments”, Labor Day, to a conservative, embodies the struggle of the American worker to put ends-meat on the table for their family. This year, more than many in the past, putting ends-meat on the table has been difficult across the United States.
For this reason alone, my family celebrated Labor Day. To honor all of those who hold two jobs to provide for their families. To honor single mothers and fathers who hold two jobs – raising kids and work. To say a prayer for all of those who had lost their job during this recession.
That, my friends, is what Labor Day means to a conservative. Not to honor the accomplishments of organized labor, but to honor the entire American workforce.
(Mr. Mansdoerfer is the Director of Federal Affairs for Citizen Outreach)