Labor Day

[Ed W]

So many thing we take for granted - a 5 day work week, safe and sanitary conditions, and the abolition of child labor - came through the struggles of working men and women. Some lost their lives in that effort.

My grandfather arrived here just over a century ago. He worked in a company owned coal town with some friends until they cut a hole in the fence one night and escaped. Yes, the fence and guards were there to keep the workers inside.

When I'm having a rough day at work, I sometimes think about what he endured. I have it so much easier.

My heart and my thanks go out to those men and women who fought and continue fighting to make our country a better place for all.

[guido911]

My heart and my thanks go out to those men and women who fought and continue fighting to make our country a better place for all.

You're welcome.

[heironymouspasparagus]

You're welcome.

Sometimes you really don't get it, do you?

[Ed W]

Sometimes you really don't get it, do you?

Don't pick on Guido. In his defense, I have to point out that shuffling papers is hard work. There's a good chance of getting a paper cut or something.

[Hoss]

Don't pick on Guido. In his defense, I have to point out that shuffling papers is hard work. There's a good chance of getting a paper cut or something.

He might have been huffing white-out or something...maybe we can create some photos appropriately correlating with his obsessive use of bong photos...ooops, my bad.  Water pipe photos.

[guido911]

Don't pick on Guido. In his defense, I have to point out that shuffling papers is hard work. There's a good chance of getting a paper cut or something.

Finally, appreciation for those that truly sacrifice to make this country great. 

[Red Arrow]

Don't pick on Guido. In his defense, I have to point out that shuffling papers is hard work. There's a good chance of getting a paper cut or something.

For those of you who didn't serve in the military, think again before you condemn those who did.

[Conan71]

For those of you who didn't serve in the military, think again before you condemn those who did.

Thanks to you and Guido both, Red.

[Hoss]

For those of you who didn't serve in the military, think again before you condemn those who did.

If you were seeing condemnation then you should probably have your eyes checked. Wow. Don't think anyone here would condemn them.

However most also wouldn't trot that service out as some badge to flash around, either. I've seen people do that and have no respect for people who do serve and then condemn those who don't through no fault of their own.  I respect their (and anyone's ) service but can't tolerate someone who uses it to insult those who chose not to serve.

[guido911]

Thanks to you and Guido both, Red.

Thanks. But I was making a self-deprecating joke in responding to this thread. Had nothing to do with the military. I thought the "fighting" Ed remarked about was the labor movement, which I was not part of.

[heironymouspasparagus]

For those of you who didn't serve in the military, think again before you condemn those who did.

Huh....interesting....now I am wondering just what kind of English is taught in PA to read that into anything said here??

[Ed W]

Perhaps instead of "fighting to make our country a better place" I could have substituted struggled or worked tirelessly. I'd already used struggled above and I don't like to use the same word repeatedly.

Also, despite what Guido read into it, my thanks are not limited to those who began the organized labor movement or those who continue in that effort. Rather, that would include everyone who works - regardless of the type of work - believing that by doing so, they make a better place for themselves, their families, and their community. Sure, we need high tech workers, automobile mechanics, doctors, even lawyers, but at the same time somebody has to collect the trash and clean the restrooms. I couldn't do Guido's job (though there's a ripe opportunity for a lawyer joke here, I'll refrain this time) and I'm certain he couldn't do mine. And that guy down the hall with a mop in his hands makes it possible for me or Guido to do our jobs in a better work environment. I wouldn't want his job but I can't do mine as easily without him. So even that man or woman with a mop or broom contributes to making our world better.

[Hoss]

Huh....interesting....now I am wondering just what kind of English is taught in PA to read that into anything said here??

"Red State English"?

[heironymouspasparagus]

Perhaps instead of "fighting to make our country a better place" I could have substituted struggled or worked tirelessly. I'd already used struggled above and I don't like to use the same word repeatedly.

Also, despite what Guido read into it, my thanks are not limited to those who began the organized labor movement or those who continue in that effort. Rather, that would include everyone who works - regardless of the type of work - believing that by doing so, they make a better place for themselves, their families, and their community. Sure, we need high tech workers, automobile mechanics, doctors, even lawyers, but at the same time somebody has to collect the trash and clean the restrooms. I couldn't do Guido's job (though there's a ripe opportunity for a lawyer joke here, I'll refrain this time) and I'm certain he couldn't do mine. And that guy down the hall with a mop in his hands makes it possible for me or Guido to do our jobs in a better work environment. I wouldn't want his job but I can't do mine as easily without him. So even that man or woman with a mop or broom contributes to making our world better.

Now this is a good nominee for quote of the week....

[RecycleMichael]

I thought guido911's comment was funny.