Good Morning Kossacks and Welcome to Morning Open Thread
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I like the way The U.S. Department of Labor describes Labor Day:
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of 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.
Here at History.com you can find a nice Labor Day Photo Gallery.
You don't find a better Labor Day tribute than this music video from our Crashing Vor -- Joe Hill Cryin'
But what I like most of all -- what has been exceptionally sweet this past year -- are the headlines the great state of Wisconsin made this year...
Wisconsin: A Critical Fight for the Labor Movement -- The Atlantic Feb 18, 2011
Will labor strife in Wisconsin cascade across the country? -- Salon Feb 20, 2011
Wisconsin's Walker: Union Man of the Year -- CNN Money March 11, 2011
Wisconsin labor battle pivotal for unions, workers -- SFGate Feb 27, 2011
Viewpoint: Let’s Learn the Right Lessons from Wisconsin -- LABORnotes August 21, 2011
And this great wrap-up:
Mike Tate Column:On Labor Day, middle class under siege -- Sept 3, 2011
The enemies of labor are on the march. But if the labor movement has taught us anything, it is that in their righteous might, the people can organize and beat back the predators that take food from the mouths of their families. The great recall movement of the spring and summer has shown us that the people of Wisconsin are ready to correct Scott Walker's extreme overreach.
After the events this year, it was no surprise for me to learn that Wisconsin's state motto is: Forward
Nor was is surprising to learn their state song:
"On, Wisconsin"
by William Purdy
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Grand old badger state!
We, thy loyal sons and daughters,
Hail thee, good and great.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Champion of the right,
'Forward' - our motto -
God will give thee might!
May the rest of the 49 states follow your lead Wisconsin!!