Labor Day – Voter Focus

Yes, it is Labor Day, a national holiday intended to honor all of us working men and women and the labor movement that won bargaining rights for millions via their unions. You may not be a personal supporter of labor unions, but best you recognize all the benefits we all gained because of their hard-won battles.

I won’t go into the long and often gruesome history. It is one of sacrifice and violence, and yes, death. Like most victories won with great effort, however, the benefits far exceed the costs incurred.

Union member or not, we all share the good they brought us. And I am grateful. The vacation benefits, holiday schedules, sick time and many other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans and the 40-hour work week. All from unions. So thank them all.

This year, however, I would also like us to focus on voter responsibility.

There is a campaign being waged by republicans accusing democrats of building a long list of investigations planned for endlessly probing trump until he disappears from the national political stage. As much as I would like to see that happen, the planned probes are fiction. Fake News.

We have this November the opportunity to vote in responsible representatives that truly mirror our own values, thoughts and positions on key issues. Republicans have not done a good job with that in recent years. They have focused instead on power of the party over interests of the nation. That effort has come home to roost. National concerns are larger than ever, and as intractable, too. No matter what the people want, the politicians get what they want for their own personal gain.

It is time this joy ride ends.

Only you and I can make that happen. By voting for the best candidate regardless of party. In my view anyone but a republican at this point. They have proven not interested in you and I. They say one thing and do another. Campaign finance reform is one such issue. So, too, immigration reform. Messing with women’s rights on abortion is a biggie. Undercutting environmental protections, upsetting the balance of trade via tariffs, unsettling international relations, and a host of other topics, all critical to the long-term health and prosperity of both America and the world community.

Do we care? Do you care? I do! So now it is our turn to make a difference.

Know your candidates. Do not believe the dirty tricks campaigning now long the hallmark of republicans. Understand the issues and vote.

It is that simple. Do not sit out the mid-term elections. This is our chance to restore a semblance of balance and compromise to the body politic both nationally and in our individual states.

Resolve is a good thing. Vote. For. Change.

Oh, and Happy Labor Day!

September 3, 2018