Psalm 63: O God, you are my God – For you I long! For you my body yearns:
For you my soul thirsts.
Labor Day 2016,
as usual, was an inspiring celebration for Joanne and me. To march with fellow workers, to sense the
enthusiasm of younger workers, enlivened hope in our hearts. As old timers, we had attended many Labor Day
celebrations, but this year was special.
I was moved by talking to old friends who
were in the battles beginning in the early 80’s. The company we worked for, Briggs &
Stratton, mounted a full blown attack on our union. We went on strike, but were forced back to
work. Labor law as interpreted by the
Reagan Administration left us with little voice. Of course, since that time the situation for
labor is worse. Most now recognize the problem
of income inequality, but few favor changing labor law so that workers’ demands
for fair wages can be effective. Where
does Hilary Clinton stand on E.F.C.A., the Employee Free Choice Act?
After the parade and chatting with friends, we
headed home. We set out to walk to our
car which was parked a couple of miles away near Zeidler Union Square where the march
began. Both of us were exhausted from
parading in the heat and standing talking to friends. At the gates of the festival grounds we met an
African American woman with her CWA t-shirt
who told us she was waiting for the bus that takes people back to their cars. We waited, but decided to walk. After a few blocks in the heat we wondered if
we could continue. The woman we met at
the festival ground gate was right behind us.
After taking a look at us she advised us to sit down and rest, and we
did. She went on ahead, but soon came
back with two cups of ice cold water. It
was emotional for us; we could only come out with a simple thank you.
Matthew 25:
Lord when did we see you thirsty and
give you a drink?
When did we see you a stranger and
welcome you?
I say to you, whatever you did for one
of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.
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