Labor Day should remind us not to let them divide us

[senseandsensibility]

The Labor movement built the middle class in this country through sacrifice, and in some cases, serious injury and death. It was a hardwon fight, and most of us have benefitted from it to this day. It may seem that the dream is dead, but it is not. It is just on life support and we can revive it.

Here's a dirty little secret: we outnumber them! So after all the barbeques, the revelry, the family time, let's roll our sleeves! There's work to be done.

Happy Labor Day, DUers.

[NYC_SKP]

1. K & R nt

[senseandsensibility]

2. Thanks!

Let's get this on the greatest page!

[NYC_SKP]

3. Yeah!

:kick:

[LWolf]

4. Does that mean that Democrats, and DUers, are going

to call a halt to teacher bashing/blaming?

[senseandsensibility]

5. Teacher bashing is a corporate effort

to break their union, so yes, I sincerely hope so. I am long time DUer, and this particular trend on DU is heartbreaking.

[LWolf]

6. It's heartbreaking to this teacher.

I'm glad that the families of my students are not so virulent in their attacks as my fellow Democrats.

It's had some effect, though. This August, when we had our annual "meet the teacher" hour on a day before the first day of school, I had 28 smiling, eager parents. I had two sets of parents who were scowling, glaring, and overtly hostile.

They'd never met me before. They knew nothing about me, or my classroom, or my teaching, or how I treat students. But they were starting the year in an oppositional, hostile position.

Where does that come from? I think it comes from teacher bashing as the current national sport. I hope to win them over. But it sure doesn't set a good tone for the year to come. It doesn't help ANYTHING, and can cause harm.

Edited to add:

I answered their clearly belligerent questions calmly and politely. As they left, I invited them to contact me at any time with any other questions or concerns. One dad muttered, "Oh, you'd better BET we will."

[senseandsensibility]

7. Couldn't we all see this coming?

I'm a teacher as well. Sigh. No one is claiming we're perfect, and if we make mistakes we deserve to be called on them. Open communication is a good thing. But to assume a hostile attitude from the very beginning is uncalled for and won't do those parents' children any good. I hope they can be open minded enough to give you a chance.

[LWolf]

8. I hope so, too.

There's nothing to be gained in conflict or a stand-off.

[w8liftinglady]

9. exactly-my post-labor day editorial will be on the destruction of the American Dream

through the destruction of unions(currently only 15 %)

[pscot]

10. K&R

Solidarity forever!

[pscot]

11. K&R

Solidarity forever!

[senseandsensibility]

12. Thanks!

I appreciate the kicks. Labor is almost over; I hope the spirit continues tomorrow and beyond.