September 01, 2014 12:49 PM UTC

Taking Back Labor Day

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• by: dictionhound

Taking Back Labor Day

In 1776 the economist Adam Smith said, “Labour was the first price, the original purchase – money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labour, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased.”

Since its founding, the framing principles of the American economic system have been based on the notion that with hard work and determination,anyone can achieve a life of prosperity. As one of the world’s wealthiest countries, and our citizens should be able tap into the resources and opportunities to make the best life for themselves and their families. 

Unfortunately, many Americans work long hours, but make barely enough to pay rent. Somebody working for minimum wage at 40 hours a week should not need to be on public assistance. In our own state the Douglas County school board has put teachers on a pay schedule that’s subject to completely arbitrary change and whims of administrators. 

How is it that those who do some of the most demanding work are getting the least back for their efforts? The income disparity is worsening, and it’s gotten to the point that the trickle-down effect from tax cuts to corporations is not going to repair the economy. If we want a truly wealthy nation, we need an economy that works for everyone and not just those at the very top.

What we need is a return to the very values that inspired the creation of Labor Day back in 1887. It’s time to celebrate the hardworking Americans who allow this country to run by doing the jobs that we need to function as a society: teaching, social work, infrastructure, construction, customer service, the list goes on and on. 

Only by using our voices together can we make this system work for everyone, and not just the wealthy few. We need to be valuing the working class for their invaluable contribution to the nation by giving them comfortable living wages, job security, and most of all the freedom to shape a healthy life. 

This is the American Dream- that with honest and diligent work, every individual will be able to work up from the very bottom to create a better life for themselves and their family. And it is in honor of that vision that we need to take back what it means to fully value our workers, in the true spirit of Labor Day.