I hate to be a downer and all. Really, Im grateful for the day off but its hard to be excited about Labor Day when the rights that our predecessors so courageously fought for are being eroded every day. At will employment contracts, corporate interests stubborn lobbying against raising the minimum wage, a growing voice of hatred toward unions, and student loan indentured servants, are all signs of how dark things have become in todays working world. Yet there is some hope as states, VT included, are taking matters into their own hands and rising millions out of poverty by offering a living wage. Some employers are realizing the benefits of a happy workforce and offering paid maternity/paternity leave, flexible schedules, and acknowledgment to their workers. Everyday people in the face of overwhelming financial insecurity are questioning their habits of consumption and helping each other any way they can. Many of us will use this day off to catch up on errands or shopping and encounter people that dont have the luxury of a day off. It is them who should be saluted today. If you find yourself grocery shopping, going out to eat, or a movie, please treat the people who serve you with the respect and kindness they deserve. Leave an extra tip, smile and ask about their day, look them in the eyes and say thank you from the heart. And if you see someone down on their luck, unemployed, on government assistance, please resist the urge to blame them for their circumstance simply to satiate your fear of your precarious financial luck running out. It can happen to anyone and as the trend toward growing wealth inequality gets steeper, the odds are increasing that someday it will be you. Actually, nevermind, please do those things EVERYDAY. We are all struggling. We are all scared. We are all doing our best. Kindness is free.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 11:48:27 +0000
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