Labor Day: I Wonder What That Means Anymore

Professor Richard Feynman

What does Labor Day celebrate?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the holiday is “a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.” Labor Day is a “yearly national tribute” to the “contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and wellbeing of our country.” – Newsweek

Odd, then, that Big Labor is opposed to Trump’s Make America Great Again agenda. On its face Trump’s platform would seem to promote positions Big Labor has traditionally supported. Such as:

1. Restricting immigration to the legal channels where it can be controlled. Otherwise the market is flooded with cheap laborers that undermine the pay and benefits of Big Labor Union members.
2. The re-negotiation of international trade agreements in order to make American-made products competitive with cheaply manufactured products from overseas. Remember when Progressives used to love the “even playing field?” 
3. Repealing Obamacare, a plan that – except for the companies who received temporary waivers – caused employers to cut benefits and/or full-time employees and increase out-of-pocket costs. A plan that if if not repealed before the “Cadillac Plan” tax kicks in next year will surely result in a cut to Big Labor’s hard won benefit rich healthcare plans.
4. And since when has Labor been opposed to tax cuts?

I concede: I simply do not know how it can be that way.

Oh well, Labor Day, like everything else, really isn’t what it used to be. Now is simply a holiday to say farewell to summer.

So I will take a  chairlift to the top of Park City, take a short hike, take in the splendor of the mountains at the first hint of fall…and wonder how it can be that way.

Have a wonderful holiday.