Post-Labor Day: Why We Fight

Labor Day 2011 is over, but organized labor and its allies is marching on! Below we've got highlights of labor's fighting mood to create jobs and get the economy moving, action being taken by labor at the FAA (and how you can participate) as well as Obama rolling up his sleeves and talking tough about jobs and union rights.

Obama on Labor Day and This Coming Thursday

You may know that President Obama was on a tour in the Midwest recently, talking to ordinary working folks to see what issues are most important to them. "Jobs, jobs, jobs" was the answer. To that end, he gave a rousing speech in Detroit on Labor Day; covered here by John Rummel of the People World (or watch it here on C-SPAN). The AFL-CIO blogged about how Obama reaffirmed his commitment to the labor movement by saying a voice on the job is everyone's right. And don't forget to watch the President address both houses of Congress and the public on Thursday. Invite some friends over and make a night of it - and as FDR said to the people in regards to progressive legislation and ideas, "I agree with you, I want to do it, now make me do it." In that vein, let's "make Obama do it," too.

More from the People World

Some activists are claiming that Obama's payroll tax reduction may actually hurt working people, but Art Perlo writes it will have positive impact on jobs and Social Security; and Mark Gruenberg details how there may be another "lost generation" due to the Great Recession.

In solidarity,            

Scott Marshall

Labor Chair, CPUSA

Source: Letter from CPUSA

LP Monday Message: 9/11

Dear Friend of Liberty,

I hope you've had a nice summer and are enjoying a relaxing Labor Day.

The tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy will be next Sunday. I am deeply sorry for those killed or hurt, their friends and family members, and others who have had to deal with the aftermath.

It's impossible to turn back time, but Libertarians have warned for decades that an aggressive foreign policy often creates resentment that may incite terrorism. Our platform states:

"3.3 International Affairs

American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world. Our foreign policy should emphasize defense against attack from abroad and enhance the likelihood of peace by avoiding foreign entanglements. We would end the current U.S. government policy of foreign intervention, including military and economic aid. We recognize the right of all people to resist tyranny and defend themselves and their rights. We condemn the use of force, and especially the use of terrorism, against the innocent, regardless of whether such acts are committed by governments or by political or revolutionary groups."

A review of some of the negative consequences of an aggressive foreign policy:

·         9/11: the deaths of thousands of Americans and others

·         The Patriot Act

·         The Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the deaths of soldiers and civilians

·         Trillions in government spending

·         Setting bad precedents for future governments, both domestic and foreign

It is long past time to bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you expect to attend any rallies or other politically-oriented public events in the next couple of weeks, I encourage you to remind people about the Libertarian Party and what we stand for.

If you have any of the door hangers left over, you might hand them out and show people the writing on the back that says: "Bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan."

If you'd like to order some of these, we'll make an extra effort to ship them immediately by Priority Mail, so you might have them by the weekend.

You can find ordering instructions here.

Sincerely,

Wes Benedict

Executive Director

Libertarian National Committee

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.

RNC Chairman Priebus Labor Day Statement

By Matt Sauvage

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement regarding Labor Day:

“On Labor Day, we take time to celebrate centuries of American hard work and ingenuity.  Since our country’s earliest days, the American people have been innovators and entrepreneurs, building the most powerful economy in the history of the world.

“Our workforce drives our economy and makes us great.  As we reflect today on the success of the American way of life, we know that our best days are still ahead as long as we promote America’s greatest resource: our people.

“But this Labor Day, far too many Americans are out of work and struggling to make ends meet.  We must commit ourselves to helping job creators hire the rich talent forced to the sidelines in this economy.  While the President champions regulations, mandates and tax hikes, Republicans across the country have stood up for American workers by supporting pro-growth initiatives.

“With the right priorities, we will get Americans back to work and restore the American Dream.”

America Wants to Work!

Labor Day 2011 is just around the corner. Will it be a day off to just go to a picnic, or will it be a day to demonstrate the need for good jobs now? The need for jobs is obvious. Let's take action and get our friends, co-workers and neighbors involved. The country we save could be our own!

The Fight For Jobs

Last week we wrote about the jobs bill Rep. Jan Schackowski (D-IL) is drafting. This week, over 70 progressive organizations signed a letter to President Obama on this bill and the need for him to make job creation priority number one. Want to help? Sign this petition from the AFL-CIO titled, "America Wants to Work."

Another jobs bill in the works - Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) says, "Rather than allowing the economy to stagnate and leaving our public assets to deteriorate, we can build our way out of this economic downturn. We simply need to remember one of the important lessons of the “greatest generation”: useful work transforms lives and builds our nation forward. " She has introduced a bill for a 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps. In the 1930s, the CCC was up and running and employing almost 300,000 Americans within three months, performing essential work in conservation projects on public land. Many national and state parks still rely on buildings and trails constructed by the original CCC.

Around the Nation

·         President Obama has chosen Alan Krueger as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors. Krueger, who has authored reports for the progressive Economic Policy Institute, is a step in the right direction to get the administration focused on jobs.

·         A Michigan Republican shows great disdain for the poor of his state. Republican Rep. Dave Agema wrote on his Facebook page, "let them that will not work, not eat." People's World author John Rummel has the story.

·         “To save a dime, they lost a dollar.” Minnesota budget cuts eliminate program that helps immigrant doctors gain certification. "Many of them could be qualified to do this job with just a little bit of extra training," Nicholson said. "You desperately need people to do this job. Why not get them out in the game? To tackle some of the health care problems Minnesota is facing we need all hands on deck."

·         Snow plowing cut back in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire state Department of Transportation must cope with an 11.5 percent reduction in its maintenance budget this year, a 13 percent cut next year and a 25 percent drop in funds available for sand and salt. As a result, state transportation officials are contemplating a number of austerity measures, including scaling back the number of plows in service between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. and waiting until 5-7 inches of snow has fallen on side roads to begin plowing instead of 3-6 inches as in the past.

Please make sure to visit the People's World online for the best in worker's news!             

In solidarity,            

Scott Marshall

Labor Chair, CPUSA

Source: Letter from CPUSA

Ways to Honor America

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the summer is full of opportunities to show our pride in our county. But beyond hanging the flag outside our homes and gazing at a night's sky lit up with red, white, and blue fireworks, there are other ways of honoring America and the men and women who protect it. Here are a few ideas from the Federal Citizen Information Center on how you can show your support:

Get active and involved by volunteering your time on public lands. The Take Pride in America Program lets you help protect local, state, and federal lands by getting your hands dirty. Collecting litter, building trails, or pulling weeds are just a few ways you can help. Make it a group or family activity, and volunteer to keep our public lands intact and beautiful.

The story of our country and those who have served is much deeper than the pages of history books. Why not go see for yourself where some of the greatest events in our nation actually happened? The National Park Service has preserved many battlefields and military parks where you can go to pay homage to those who have served, and get a feel for the places where history happened.

Our servicemen and women have earned the country's gratitude and respect. But some veterans and their families are unaware of the benefits to which they're also entitled. Direct any veterans or their dependents you know to the Department of Veteran's Affairs, so they can get the information they need about transition assistance, education benefits, pension plan options, and more.

Looking more for culture than sand and surf this summer? Our nation's capital is the place to be for family activities--many of which are free. Washington, DC is home to beautiful monuments, tons of museums, parks, and events. Besides touring the iconic Capitol building, wander the National Mall, and you never know when you'll stumble upon a free concert or festival paying tribute to the U.S.A.

We all live fast-paced, busy lives. The slower, more relaxed days of summer give us a chance to think about ways we can take pride in and be of service to our country. Use these ideas or others of your own to honor the country this summer--and all year round.