Let’s journey back 35 years ago, almost to the day — and recall what then-President Ronald Reagan had to say about Labor Day on Sept. 7, 1987.
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| Reagan’s take on Labor Day |
Each year, at summer’s end, we pause to honor working men and women. Their labor, resourcefulness, and devotion to family and country have forged the freest, most prosperous nation the world has ever known. Their trades and occupations are countless, but with all their diversity they are one in commitment to the ideals of democracy and to the dream of a better life for themselves and for their children. In the pursuit of that American dream, every generation has proven anew the dignity of work and of working people,” Reagan advised in his public message for the day.
Labor Day provides all of us with an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of work not simply as an economic necessity but as an expression of deeper human qualities. We can be truly grateful that God has blessed our nation with an abundance which has permitted us to produce a vast quantity of goods for people around the world. But we must always remember that of all of our resources none is more valuable or important than the American worker. We rejoice in the fact that more of our citizens are working than ever before and that we continue to be a land of hope, energy, and opportunity,” the president noted.
On this occasion, let us also remember the freedoms and the sacrifices that have made our abundance possible. We are heirs to a precious legacy, one that has taken centuries to build, and we must forever recognize that its preservation and increase are our glad task and solemn responsibility,” Reagan said.
And while we’re at it, let’s visit the present too.
“Pause for a moment and remember: Every recovery has a lesson to teach. Here’s one for this Labor Day: Never bet against America’s workers,” noted Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, in a written statement issued Friday.
A little clarity
There was an interesting little exchange between Mike Emanuel, Fox News chief Washington correspondent, and Rep. Tom Emmer, Minnesota Republican and the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee — that’s the NRCC for short.
Their conversation took place on “Fox News Sunday,” — and here’s a portion.
“Have you or your team at the NRCC recommended to any Republicans that they distance themselves from former President Trump?” asked Mr. Emanuel.
“Absolutely not. He has been a fantastic ally of ours, especially when it comes to fundraising. And our candidates, again, what we tell them is you know your districts, you know how to run to the people that are going to be voting for you in November. And I am convinced that when people vote, they are going to ask the question, am I better off today than I was two years ago? And they’re going to say overwhelming, no,” the lawmaker continued.