Presidential Proclamation--Labor Day

[ProSense]

Presidential Proclamation--Labor Day

Every day, hard-working men and women across America prove that, even in difficult times, our country is still home to the most creative, dynamic, and talented workers in the world. Generations of working people have built this country -- from our highways and skylines, to the goods and services driving us in the 21st century. On Labor Day and throughout the year, we celebrate our Nation's workers, and we commit to supporting their efforts in moving our economy forward.

The right to organize and collectively bargain is a fundamental American value. Since its beginnings in our country, organized labor has raised our living standards and built our middle class. It is the reason we have a minimum wage, weekends away from work to rest and spend time with family, and basic protections in our workplaces. Many Americans today are given opportunities because their parents and grandparents fought for these basic rights and values. The principles upheld by the honorable laborers of generations past and their unions continue to fuel the growth of our economy and a strong middle class.

This year has seen a vigorous fight to protect these rights and values, and on this Labor Day, we reaffirm that collective bargaining is a cornerstone of the American dream. From public employees -- including teachers, firefighters, police, and others who perform public services -- to workers in private industries, these men and women hold the power of our Nation in their hands.

In the last several years, we have pulled our country back from the brink, through a series of tough economic decisions. While we have come far, great challenges still face us. Many Americans are still struggling, and many are unemployed. My Administration is working tirelessly each day to promote policies that get Americans back to work. We will always strive to keep our fundamental promise that, in America, anyone who works hard and acts responsibly can provide a better future for their children. When we come together, there is no limit to what the American workforce can do.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 5, 2011, as Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the tremendous contributions of working Americans and their families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

[ProSense]

1. No comment? n/t

[Lionessa]

2. Pfft. Yeah, like he really gives a crap about laborers. Pffft.

[ProSense]

3. It's true that

actions speak louder than words.

[pnorman]

4. "The right to organize and collectively bargain is a fundamental American value. ...."

"The right to organize and collectively bargain is a fundamental American value. Since its beginnings in our country, organized labor has raised our living standards and built our middle class."

Who was the last President to speak up for Organized Labor, to ANY degree let alone so unambiguously?

[boxman15]

5. Speaking of President Obama and Labor Day,

I'm going to be attending the UAW's Labor Day parade followed by a speech by the president in downtown Detroit tomorrow. I'm looking forward to hearing his remarks on the importance of labor and the success of the auto bailouts.

[roguevalley]

6. yawn

[John Agar]

7. When they came for the unions, in Wisconsin and Ohio...

The White House was strangely quiet.

This statement rings hollow as a result.

Sadly.

[RetroLounge]

8. "we reaffirm that collective bargaining is a cornerstone of the American dream"

unless republicans say otherwise, then we'll just stay silent and let public unions swing in the breeze.

:eyes:

RL

[ProSense]

9. Please

commment in this thread.

[RetroLounge]

14. Yawn

:eyes:

RL

[John Agar]

10. Indeed. That seems to be their attitude.

When they were needed, they were nowhere to be found.

[polmaven]

13. You do know that the

leaders of the Unions in WI preferred that the president keep a lower profile during that debacle, right? They agreed that if he were to go to WI and get more involve than he did that it would take things in the wrong direction, as it would then become about HIM and the Republican hatred of him, rather than keeping the focus on the workers!

He made a very clear statement about the importance of collective bargaining and of unions.

The involvement of the POTUS can sometimes be more counter-productive than productive.

[John Agar]

16. I've spoken to many friends in the region...

Who felt differently.

Besides, showing up was not the only option.

We know from undisputed reports that the Wisconsin Dem party was instructed to "step back" from the recall action, for example.

[polmaven]

17. Once again...

Involvement in the recall action could have done more harm than good.

[John Agar]

20. So, you think the promise about joining picket lines was just...

What?

A lie?

A bad idea?

Pandering to an audience?

All of the above?

My take: Good or bad, he pledged his support, then failed to deliver it, either in public, or behind the scenes.

[polmaven]

21. Several of the Union heads disgree with you

and have stated that the president's statements on the matter were helpful and sufficient, and that if he had actually come to WI it would have taken away from the message, and become about him rather than about the protesters. But I guess you know more about it than do the Union presidents....so you tell 'em!!!

[treestar]

18. That would be bargaining between union and employer would it not?

Are you saying unions too should never agree until they get all they want? Would that really work?

Is Trumka weak then? He must be a weak leader if he's ever allowed for any agreement where the employer got anything they wanted out of it.

[RetroLounge]

19. No, but thanks for playing...

:rofl:

RL

[Tx4obama]

11. K&R n/t

[lynne]

12. Cart before horse -

- for all his talk about collective bargaining and the right to organize he needs to recognize one very important thing . . . we can't do either without JOBS.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

15. Good