Labor Day

Labor Day
STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM

August 29, 2005

This weekend America will pause for the "working man's holiday." Labor Day is a unique holiday in many ways. Labor leader Samuel Gompers said it best when he noted that "All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day…is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race or nation."

The great success of the American economy in the past century is due entirely to the working men and women of America. Even during the height of World War II when most able-bodied men were serving their country, the work got done. Thousands of women left their homes to work in defense plants turning out bombers, ships, jeeps and ammunition.

After experiencing an economic slowdown brought on by the September 11th terrorist attacks, American workers have battled back. In the last two years over 3.5 million jobs have been created. Inflation has been held in check and home ownership is at its highest level ever.

We must continue to ensure that our nation's economy continues to grow stronger and that new jobs and opportunities are created in our country. Job creation continues to be my number 1 priority in Congress.

Our nation's economy will continue to rest on the shoulders of American workers. Despite challenges our economy is growing and the credit belongs to the men and women who do great work, day in and day out. So enjoy the holiday; you've earned it.

http://www.house.gov/graves/straighttalk/2005issue35.htm