Massive DU History and Cultural FAIL!...May First is International Workers Day,

[bvar22]

not "Loyalty Day,"

and THIS Union THUG will continue to celebrate the Blood shed by my Fathers and Grandfathers to secure Workers Rights in the USA,
and JOIN in International SOLIDARITY with the Working Class of the World.

"International Workers' Day (also known as May Day) is a celebration of the international labour movement. May 1 is a national holiday in more than 80 countries and celebrated unofficially in many other countries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Workers'_Day

Our Corporate Owned, Big Business, Free Trading, Anti-LABOR politicians in Washington can issue all the "proclamations" celebrating "Loyalty Day" they want to,
but on May 1st,
I KNOW who speaks for my Working Class ass,
and I KNOW who I am honoring.


[font color=firebrick][center]"There are forces within the Democratic Party who want us to sound like kinder, gentler Republicans.
I want a party that will STAND UP for Working Americans."
---Paul Wellstone [/font][/center]
[center][/font]
[font size=1]photo by bvar22
Shortly before Sen Wellstone was killed[/center][/font]




You will know them by their WORKS,
not by their excuses.
[font size=5 color=Firebrick]Solidarity![/font][font size=2 color=green]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center]

[bvar22]

1. Meanwhile,

Corporate Profits Hit Record High While Worker Wages Hit Record Low
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/12/03/1270541/corporate-profits-wages-record/?mobile=nc

[bvar22]

2. Happy International Workers Day (May Day) to my UNION Brothers at DU!

Solidarity!!!

[bvar22]

6. A May Day Tribute to Woody Guthrie:

[tavalon]

120. And sisters

WSNA/ANA/NOA AND NEWLY AFL/CIO!

[Brickbat]

3. K&R for a clever copycat.

Solidarity forever.

[msanthrope]

4. IT'S BELTANE!!!! Where's my maypole!!!! nt

[FailureToCommunicate]

34. That's was we were doing at dawn on May Day...

(Nearly our fortieth year tradition in Cambridge) THEN went to march in Loyalty Day, Labor Day, and International Workers Day events of course!

[freshwest]

56. Wow, I love that pic! Thanks! Always celebrated May Day with our local unions, too!

[freshwest]

49. Right here! We celebrated it in elementary school.

Last edited Mon May 6, 2013, 05:30 PM - Edit history (2)

Sheshe posted a thread about May Day on April 27th being celebrated in Boston, but it sank like a stone:

Mayday Mayday



BMDC will join the rally in East Boston immediately following Boston City Hall rally

Supporters: ANSWER Coalition, Boston Anti Authoritarian Movement, Boston Rosa Parks Human Rights Day Committee, Greater Boston Stop the Wars Coalition, Harvard No-Layoffs Campaign, Industrial Workers of the World, Latinos for Social Change, Mass Global Action, Sacco & Vanzetti Commemoration Society, Socialist Alternative, Socialist Party of Boston, Socialist Workers Party, Student Labor Action Movement, USW Local 8751 - Boston School Bus Drivers Union, Worcester Immigrant Coalition, National Immigrant Solidarity Network, Democracy Center - Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridge/Somerville/Arlington United for Justice with Peace, International Socialist Organization, Community Church of Boston, Dominican Development Center

http://www.bostonmayday.org/

We have work to do!

http://election.democraticunderground.com/10022766354

I was going to add what we were taught about American socialism and the labor movement in public school in the sixties.

No one was interested, but here's the May Pole dance pretty much how we did it in the fifties and sixties:



I was going to post this next to it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day

And this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Workers%27_Day#United_States

Also this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_socialist_movement_in_the_United_States

It's a natural evolution. I was a member of the YSA, SWP and a union steward for years and we learned even more doing that work. I guess this is all something new to some here now. But it's not because most of us don't know, much less that we don't care.

[sheshe2]

55. Thank you freshwest! nt

[FailureToCommunicate]

145. Now THAT's a cool may pole dance photo!

[sabrina 1]

61. Mocking the Workers of the world are we? Well, they are silly really, thinking they have

rights, such as a livable wage and all. Think what that would do to Corporate profits.

Still, as a Democrat, I have to celebrate International Labor Day since I don't belong to the elite club that profits from their labor. My loyalty is with them.

[FailureToCommunicate]

146. ??

Forgot the sarcasm smilie?

May Day, in many forms, is hundreds of years old.

[msanthrope]

164. Sabrina likes to chide me. It's our thing. nt

[tavalon]

121. I wish I hadn't still been on bedrest

While I'm union, I'm also Wiccan.

[OKNancy]

5. That's fine, go ahead and celebrate it

I grew up singing "Union Maid", and no one is stopping you from celebrating. However, the whole fuss about the Loyalty Day proclamation is just ridiculous. Obama does not have your freedoms. He can't celebrate or proclaim. He needs to stay in office. Can you imagine what would happen if he proclaimed it IWD? Shit meets fan.
I'm talking about the real world, not DU-world.

[rhett o rick]

7. I am confused. Are saying that the president is a supporter of labor? or not? nm

[KoKo]

8. REALLY? I live outside DU World, also....I find many Americans are blindsided by

Obama's turn to the Right...and even those Ford Red Truckers are getting upset with what's going on with Obama...

And "the fuss about Loyalty Day given Obama (Hope and Change from Bush) is starting to wear thin amongst VOTING DEMS that I'm in touch with ...I'd say you have "given up" ...but the REST OF US AREN'T!

I don't know why you put in there about UNION MADE... maybe you were a Reagan Democrat...and I knew some who felt the Dem Party was just going to be made up of "PeaceNics and Hippies" and they wanted to match the Repugs at their own Big Business Game.

Sad thing is...we Dems did beat them....and it continues so that we are nothing more than an arm of the Old Repug Wall Street Voters....it's just we support "Weed for All and Gay and Immigrants Rights. (In THEIR MINDS we are only about rights for what they see as a FRINGE...but Average Americans are now also caught up in that FRINGE! Obama isn't listening to much from the Fringe and lip service to the Social Issues.

But...he (as head of Dem Party) is looking like he doesn't give a shit about the REST OF AMERICA that should be included in the SOCIAL AGENDA!

[HiPointDem]

41. union maid, not a typo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Maid

[Raine1967]

48. +1 Glad you posted this.

I suspect it will be ignored by most...

...but not me.

[aquart]

81. You never sang "Union Maid"? I learned it from my grandmother.

She was ILGWU from the age of 17.

[OKNancy]

95. Union Maid! It's a song by Woody Guthrie

Geesh... I'll skip the rest of your jumbled up post.

[ctsnowman]

96. Reagan Democrat

Since coming back to DU that phrase keeps coming to my mind. Peace.

[bvar22]

9. " I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America,

do hereby proclaim May 1, 2012, as Loyalty Day."

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/01/presidential-proclamation-loyalty-day-2012

(admittedly, whitehouse.gov is a propaganda site,
but I trust them on this issue)


---bvar22
Proud, FDR, UNION THUG.
On May 1st, I CELEBRATE the blood shed by my father and grandfather in their fight to secure Workers Rights.
President Obama can call May 1st whatever he wants to,
but I won't forget what May 1st REALLY stands for.


Did you notice if our President mentioned anything about International Workers Day while proclaiming May 1st as "Loyalty Day"?

Please post some statements from our Party leadership showing their support for International Workers on May 1st.


You will know them by their WORKS,
not by their excuses.
[font size=5 color=green]Solidarity99![/font][font size=2 color=green]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center]

[woo me with science]

15. Issuing this "proclamation" was wholly optional.

It was an action that was taken proactively, when it would have been easier to do nothing.

*Especially* in this atmosphere of escalating inequality, when this President ran for re-election on the promise of being a voice for the 99 percent who have been impoverished by corporate greed, even quietly saying nothing would have been a less odious choice.

[Summer Hathaway]

31. As per your usual stance

had it come to your attention that Obama chose NOT to issue the traditional proclamation, you'd be bitching about how he doesn't even observe the time-honored actions of the presidents who preceded him.

You DO know how obvious you are, don't you - not to mention predictable?

[woo me with science]

32. As per yours,

except while mine typically discuss policy positions and political choices, yours discuss me.

[Summer Hathaway]

35. As per my what?

I don't spend my time looking at everything Obama does in order to bitch that he should have done the exact opposite. That's your bailiwick.

Is it anywhere near as tiresome digging up things to complain about as it is to actually read your posts about them?

You might consider a new pastime. The present one is a bit worn out, and is pretty much like reading the same OP over and over.

[FSogol]

103. One person's pastime is another person's job.

[woo me with science]

112. Hey, let's talk about that!

FSogol, nobody pays me or employs me to post, nor is any of my posting, or the fact that I post here, connected in any way to any organization, group, or person other than myself. Since you brought it up, it might be interesting to see who around here can make that definitive statement, and who can't.

I have said for a very long time at DU that I believe advertisements should be clearly labeled as such, and that those who are paid to post here or who post here for political groups or organizations should disclose that and the organizations they represent. Do you agree?

[FSogol]

117. Nah, I don't agree. It's Skinner, Elads, and EarlG's website.

They can run it however they want. In fact I wish more Democratic Party members and employees posted stuff here. I can tell when something is an ad or whether something comes from GOP's Opposition Research. I also see ratfucking examples all over DU. I don't need any childish disclaimers. Plus, how would they be verified?

[woo me with science]

118. Of course you don't agree.

Last edited Fri May 3, 2013, 02:51 PM - Edit history (1)

And obviously your "radar" is not as good as you think it is.

Corporatists have deep, deep pockets, and that goes for corporate Democrats and Republicans alike. We know Republicans have long pushed for corporate poison. It is corporate corruption from within our own party that is destroying this country, driving millions into poverty, and stripping our civil liberties, because now-purchased Democrats have abandoned their traditional role as the only ones who stood BETWEEN Americans and those predatory corporate policies. There is an awful lot of despicable Third Way propaganda on this site, trying to convince Democrats that that's not really happening, and that the corporate agenda is just A-okay.

[FSogol]

124. I imagine spittle flew out of your mouth by the time you got to the term "3rd-way."

Sorry, but it is pretty screwy to believe the Democrats are the ones that are: "destroying this country, driving millions into poverty, and stripping our civil liberties"

What civil liberty have you lost? Your paragraph could have been written by Ron Paul.

[woo me with science]

125. I have lost the right to protest peacefully without anticipating

that I may be corralled onto a bridge by militarized police and subject to violence or arrest.

I have lost the right to protest peacefully without assuming that I may be placed on a "Watch List" and surveilled by my own government.

I have lost the right to fly without the risk of being singled out to spread and have my crotch groped by a government employee.

I have lost the right to assume that my internet and phone communications are private from my government and from corporations, and will remain so.

I have lost the right to certainty that I will not be strip searched for a minor offense, even perhaps a traffic offense, thanks to President Obama's Justice Department's work at the Supreme Court.

I have lost the security of knowing that my government may not subject me or any of my fellow Americans to imprisonment without end or targeted murder without a trial and evidence and all those things we used to call "due process."

[FSogol]

127. Hysterical nonsense. Bonus points for placing the blame on Obama.

[woo me with science]

128. Tell me what is false.

This is the creeping destruction of our civil liberties that we are facing in this country, and yes, it is incremental, and, yes, it is being implemented, in turn, by both corporate parties representing the One Percent.

The infringements begun under Bush have been permitted to continue, and new ones added under Obama.

Keep spitting out "Ron Paul!" and "hysterical!" and "nonsense!" in the face of reality you cannot refute. That is the very same reaction our corporate Democrats gave to the lengthy list of corporate betrayals I posted repeatedly over the last few days, that have nothing to do with Republican obstructionism and everything to do with corporate money and influence driving policy within our own party.

Your empty, smearing denials here are emblematic of the deadly serious problem we face in this country and within our own party.

[FSogol]

130. Whatevers.

[sabrina 1]

67. I never heard that proclamation before. Did Bush declare International Labor Day to be 'Loyalty

Day'? Is Obama living in the past? This is 2013. Labor issues are far different now than they were in the '20s. Don't you think it's time for him to move forward and catch up with today's International Labor Movement and their concerns? Way, way back, where he chose to go, the concerns were about Communism. But that is nearly 100 years ago. Isn't it time for him to move forward?

Today, Labor is adversely, badly actually, by Predatory CAPITALISM. See India this week, see India a few months ago, see Texas a week or so ago. Look at China, Europe. As an intelligent man I find it very odd that he traveled through time to go way back to a long ago era that has zero relevance to today's Labor Force, don't you?

[tammywammy]

74. Yes, Bush did as has every other president the last 5 decades

With the exception of Eisenhower in 1959 and 1960, Loyalty Day has been recognized with an official proclamation every year by every president since its inception as a legal holiday in 1958.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyalty_Day

[sabrina 1]

75. I thought we voted for change? Twice. This is totally irrelevant to today's Labor Force, and

it's ludicrous for any president to continue to drag it out on this day as it has zero to do with today.

Hopefully one day we will have leaders who are not living in the past and who care enough about the working class to dispense with these silly, old, outdated, irrelvant and insulting 'protocols' and simply speak out for the working class at least on this day. I doubt there is any law that requires a president to read that old thing. If I were president I would give my own speech and dispense with this ancient tradition.

[tammywammy]

77. Yes, there is a law

(a) Designation.— May 1 is Loyalty Day.
(b) Purpose.— Loyalty Day is a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.
(c) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation—
(1) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Loyalty Day; and
(2) inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/115

I suggest emailing your senators and congressman about changing the law.


And for good measure, here's a link with all the Loyalty Day proclamations: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?searchterm=loyalty%20day

[Summer Hathaway]

76. Is Obama living in the past

when he follows other traditions set by his predecessors?

When this nonsense started on DU yesterday, the hue and cry was that Obama was changing May 1st into something different, and that "Loyalty Day" smacked of a fealty oath to the government. Obama was pilloried for having come up with the idea himself, and then foisting it on the public.

The minute it was made known that May 1st was designated as "Loyalty Day" decades ago, the same hue-and-criers - rather than admit they'd been mistaken - switched their argument to "well, he shouldn't be following that tradition anymore anyway."

It is difficult to take people seriously when their argument becomes a massive fail based on their own ignorance, and their own eagerness to find fault with the man, and their immediate reaction is to try to justify their failure by conjuring up a new argument to take its place.

And more often than not, as in this case, the 'replacement argument' is downright silly, not to mention being so obviously born of desperation to have something - anything - to complain about.

But then again, I'm SURE that everyone who was bitching about "Loyalty Day" yesterday have expressed the same outrage every May 1st since they joined DU.

Maybe they could all post links to their vitriolic May 1st rants from previous years, so we can all understand how long-standing their anger on this topic has been.

[sabrina 1]

79. I expect Bush to live in the past, in the old Cold War days. I don't expect a Democrat to do so.

Change it, it's way past time. Some things are not that difficult. Simply don't drag it out again and give your own speech. That is not so hard, is it? Especially since a majority of the people ARE the Labor Force and would support such a speech. Which only goes to show who our politicians are most concerned about. It sure isn't the people.

[Summer Hathaway]

82. So I take it

that you've been posting an objection to "Loyalty Day" every May 1st since Obama was inaugurated? I appreciate that you let Bush slide on this one - but surely you've been expressing your utter disdain for the practice since 2009?

If you have the links to those posts from past years, I'd love to read them.

And just in passing, I believe we have something called Labor Day, a very time-honoured tradition of setting a holiday to mark the nation's recognition and appreciation for the labor force that has always been the backbone of our country - or maybe Obama should stop 'living in the past' (it is, after all, a reaaaaally old tradition) and move on to something new and different?

[DevonRex]

89. None of them EVER gave a flying fuck before.

[Summer Hathaway]

90. And most of them

never even knew about it before!

Hard to believe, being as these same DUers consistently point out how far more well-informed they are than the average citizen.

I guess the decades-old tradition of "Loyalty Day" just slipped past them - along with a few million other facts.

[dixiegrrrrl]

134. I had never heard of Loyalty Day either...

but quite a few DU folks tracked down and posted the law, via Wiki, altho a few also stated it started in 1921.
Both versions of the date agree the intent of "Loyalty Day" was to counter the "Red Scare", aka communism.

In any event, the law states Presidents have the OPTION of making a Proclamation.
Apparently only Eisenhower opted out in 58 and 59, say some posters, while others state the law became effective in 1960, which would explain why he did not proclaim before then.

I found it interesting, in all the posts of the last couple days, that many many DU members had not heard of Loyalty Day,
and that some had heard of it on a local level but not nationally.

I posted about it because I had never heard of it before, which I can attribute partly to the fact I grew up with little exposure to TV.

The posts and comments since then also show that Loyalty Day is viewed much differently than it was back in 1960.

[socialist_n_TN]

149. I don't think so. I think from reading his/her (?) posts.......

that wmws would have been ELATED to have Obama issue a proclamation supporting the workers of the world and not some RW canard about "loyalty" to imperialism.

His/her stands seem to be based in principles about the POLICIES of the Obama administration rather than any sort of PERSONAL dislike.

[Summer Hathaway]

154. Many of us will be elated

to hear what the President has to say about the workers of the world on Labor Day, which is when we, as a nation, observe the perserverance, the sacrifices, and the incredible efforts made by the workers who are the backbone of our nation.

As for WMWS, he wouldn't be 'elated' about anything this president does - and he has made that abundantly clear. As I said, had Obama ignored the traditional proclamation of observing Loyalty Day, WMWS would have posted have a vitriolic OP about his arrogance in breaking with tradition.

I've read the "it's not the man, it's his policies" argument from many here. And for a handful of posters, it is their honest assessment, demonstrated by the fact that they will praise certain policies with as much enthusiasm as they condemn others.

The problem with accepting that argument from certain posters arises when they consistently find fault with every decision made by Obama, every appointment made, every word uttered, every speech delivered, every act observed, every initiative suggested, every proposal touched upon, every opinion expressed, every function attended, every relationship forged, and every statement made.

Said posters do not have a problem with "policies" - they have a problem with the man himself. And it is obvious.

VERY obvious.

[socialist_n_TN]

156. I disagree with your charactarization of that poster......

and I disagree with your characterization of the US Labor Day which was ALWAYS AN ARTIFICIAL HOLIDAY CREATED TO TAKE AWAY FROM WORLDWIDE WORKER'S SOLIDARITY AND DIVIDE THE WORKING CLASS. THAT is the true history of Labor Day in the USA. THAT was it's ONLY meaning. All the rest of it is just fluff.

Unfortunately, we won't ever find out which of us are right because Obama has proven that he will NEVER side with the workers over the bosses.

[Summer Hathaway]

162. Well, alrighty then

Bitter, and PRONE TO ALL CAPS to express it.

Have yourself a cheery life!

[socialist_n_TN]

165. All caps to me when I'm posting means that I'm stressing a word like......

I would stress it in conversation OR making a strongly believed point. And personally I'm a pretty optimistic person. However I am a Marxist which means I analyze things from a scientific socialist perspective and most of the time when it concerns capitalism, it's not going to be optimistic for the working class.

And what I said about the American Labor Day holiday is historically accurate. It was put together by the ruling class to take away from the REAL worker's day of May Day. The bosses and their toadies in the political class didn't want to bring any attention to a holiday that actually WAS created by radical, revolutionary and ACTUAL workers and was ESPECIALLY intended to foster class consciousness across national borders. That type of solidarity by CLASS rather than nations would interfere with the imperialistic ambitions of the owners.

[AverageJoe90]

24. Very true, from a guy who, too, appreciates May Day for what it stands for. n/t

[sabrina 1]

63. What??? He's a Democrat isn't he? It goes without saying that a Democratic President

supports Labor. Your comment is very confusing. Are you saying that Democrats now try to hide their support for labor and if so, WHY? Why should they? A majority of the people are part of the Labor force, who would a Democrat have to worry about by declaring their expected support for the Working Class?

Sometimes I do not believe what I read on this once democratic forum.

[OKNancy]

94. nothing confusing about it

Last edited Fri May 3, 2013, 04:14 AM - Edit history (1)

Of course he celebrates labor... on labor day and in many other ways.

You do understand that IWD is associated with a philosophy ( communist/anarchist) that would be political suicide for Obama don't you?

You can't believe what you read? I think it's because you are not reading correctly or understanding.
You want to take offense and get upset about every little thing.
This Loyalty Day vs. International Workers Day is one of the dumber arguments that I have read on DU.

I do agree with you that I sometime can't believe what I read on a Democratic forum.... but it's not coming from the Democrats and the logical folks.

[Scootaloo]

101. "Can you imagine what would happen if he proclaimed it IWD?"

I'd rather not have to use my imagination. Instead of flapping his gums to some John Birch Bullshit because of "tradition," maybe he could actually regard and remind others that the day is to honor and celebrate the workers and their struggle for freedom and equality.

"he needs to stay in office," beg your pardon? He won in November, he's in office until January of 2017. he can throw the working class a fucking bone, we don't ask for a hell of a lot down here in the mines.

[OKNancy]

102. Familiarize yourself with the background of IWD

If he had done that, there would be calls for impeachment.

However, I realize there is no discussing it with the politically naive.

[Scootaloo]

133. There are calls for impeachment when the man brushes his teeth

I think we'll all live.

[rhett o rick]

10. I stand with labor.

[billh58]

16. There's a pill

for that...

[bvar22]

135. There certainly IS a pill for that!

It is called "The Blue Pill".

"This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes."

Take the Blue Pill,
wake up in your bed,
and celebrate "Loyalty Day".

Take the Red Pill,
and join with the proud heritage of Organized LABOR, the New Deal, and the Working Class of the World.

Its pretty clear which pill you took.
Happy Loyalty Day!

[billh58]

137. You extremists are

so sad without a sense of humor. My response was to another person, but you just couldn't resist jumping in to flaunt your version of "workers rights" could you? My post to rhett o rick was a word play on his statement of "I stand with labor" as meaning that it is hard for him to stand. Get it? No, I didn't think that you would.

You strike me as one of those "all talk, and no action" Union grand-standers. I have actually been on strike, and lost my livelihood because of it. I have actually been before a Federal Judge and fined for striking against the US Government. I have attended the George Meany National Labor College to learn the finer points of striking. I have walked the talk -- have you?

So please spare me your fucking ranting and raving about "International Workers Day." I am a part of the American Labor movement, and I don't need to bash other American Democrats in order to prove it.

[bvar22]

142. OTOH,

...many here will find my reply to your bland and unimaginative cliche "there is a pill for that" quite humorous.

Hurling unsupported invective is easy,
but the truth is that I am FAR from an "extremist".

I am a:
mainstream-center, FDR/LBJ, Working Class, Pro-LABOR, Loyal, Democratic Party activist for over 46 years,
recently labeled a Fringe Leftist" and "extremist" in today's "New Democrat Centrist Party.
I haven't changed.



Meanwhile:
Corporate Profits Hit Record High While Worker Wages Hit Record Low
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/12/03/1270541/corporate-profits-wages-record/?mobile=nc





[font color=firebrick size=3][center]"If we don't fight hard enough for the things we stand for,
at some point we have to recognize that we don't really stand for them."
--- Paul Wellstone[/font][/center]
[center][/font]
[font size=1]photo by bvar22
Shortly before Sen Wellstone was killed[/center][/font]

[font size=5 color=firebrick]Solidarity![/font]

[billh58]

144. Yep, you've posted the very

same bio of yourself many times today, so it must be true. I'm sure that many reading this thread are just as impressed with your credentials and pedigrees as you are.

Take care and Happy International Workers Day to you and yours...

[bvar22]

152. Yep. Same Bio, but not just today.

Same Bio I've always had at my eleven years at DU,
and in the 35 years of Democratic Party Activism that precede DU.
I still support these same Traditional Democratic Party Values of the New Deal that I embraced as a proud, young, Pro-Working Class Democrat 46 years ago.

"In our day these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be [font size=3]established for all—regardless of station, race, or creed.[/font]

Among these are:

*The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation;

*The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;

*The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;

*The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;

*The right of every family to a decent home;

*The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;

*The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;

*The right to a good education.

All of these rights spell security. And after this war is won we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being.--- FDR, 1944

There was a time not so long ago when voting FOR The Democrats
was voting FOR the above values.
Sadly, this is no longer true,
but it IS true that I still fight for the above values.

Having an internal Moral Compass that consistent allows one to avoid that embarrassing situation common on DU today of OPPOSING a certain policy when Bush does it,
but SUPPORTING the same exact policy when a Democrat does it.
It also frees one from the constant need to make excuses, rationalizations, and absurd explanations.

Like I said, "I haven't changed",
but it IS revealing that you would look at this old, faithful, Middle-of-the-Road FDR Democrat, and scream "EXTREMIST".
It lets us know where YOU sit on the political spectrum.

You may add that to your Bio.

CENTRISM!!!....because its so damned EASY!
You don't have to STAND for ANYTHING,
and get to insult those who DO!

[billh58]

155. Thanks for the history lesson

Last edited Fri May 3, 2013, 10:02 PM - Edit history (1)

Bubba, but I believe that I've got a few years on you. I've been a Democrat for well over 50 years, served two combat tours in Vietnam, was very active in the air traffic controllers union, went on strike, and got fired along with 14,500 of my Union brothers and sisters. I also live in a state that overwhelmingly supports Unions, and still walk the line when the need arises at age 72. And, I'm not the only Union member you have disrespected on this thread today because we tried to educate you.

Yes, you are an extremist when you rant and rave at other Democrats for not meeting your standards of purity. Yes, you are an extremist when you scream and yell about the "blood" of your ancestors, as if our ancestors did not shed any blood for this nation. Yes, you are an extremist when you believe that yours is the only valid position on Democratic values, and that you are qualified to judge someone else's moral compass.

Here's the deal Bubba: You can have the last word, but your "holier than thou" bullshit is just that -- ratfucking bullshit. I applaud your stand for Labor, but your obnoxious bashing of our President and other Democrats in the course of your multiple diatribes is despicable. You really need to get over yourself and chill out.

I'm outta here, and have a nice day. Heah?

[ProSense]

11. "In the United States, efforts to officially switch Labor Day to the international date of May 1"

In the United States, efforts to officially switch Labor Day to the international date of May 1 have not been successful. In 1921, following the Russian Revolution of 1917, May 1 was promoted as "Americanization Day" by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other groups in opposition to communism. It became an annual event, sometimes featuring large rallies. In 1949, Americanization Day was renamed to Loyalty Day. In 1958, the U.S. Congress declared Loyalty Day, the U.S. recognition of May 1, a national holiday; that same year, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1 Law Day as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Workers'_Day#United_States

Loyalty Day
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022788782

Massive DU History Fail.....the CONGRESS passed "Loyalty Day' in 1958.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022789102

Presidential Proclamation -- Law Day, 2013
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/04/30/presidential-proclamation-law-day-2013

[rug]

13. lol

[DevonRex]

20. It never WAS Labor Day!! Thank you! I was wondering WTF planet people were on. nt

[bvar22]

26. It never was "Labor Day".

It IS "International Workers Day" or May Day,
and it is celebrated around the WORLD.
If you got out more often (or actually READ the OP),
you would know that.

No Charge,
but DO try to keep up.

[DevonRex]

30. Well, bvar darlin', people called it Labor Day in another thread.

Keep up or not - I don't give a damn.

[bvar22]

36. Go thank a Union Thug for your weekend off.

"Loyalty Day" didn't get that for you.

Meanwhile:
Corporate Profits Hit Record High While Worker Wages Hit Record Low
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/12/03/1270541/corporate-profits-wages-record/?mobile=nc



[font color=firebrick][center]"There are forces within the Democratic Party who want us to sound like kinder, gentler Republicans.
I want a party that will STAND UP for Working Americans."
---Paul Wellstone [/font][/center]
[center][/font]
[font size=1]photo by bvar22
Shortly before Sen Wellstone was killed[/center][/font]

[DevonRex]

37. I belonged to a union when I worked bvar. So can it. nt

[bvar22]

42. Oh? and did you enjoy your "Loyalty Day", devon?

[DevonRex]

45. Better Believe It!!!!

[nadinbrzezinski]

39. Get out some

Día del trabajo, aka Labor Day.

It is sad I learned who the martyrs of the Haymarket were in Mexico, but here I was met with eyes of surprise and questions...ready for this? In a history dept.

These days not so much, cause you know what? Labor is reclaiming for itself a holiday that the powers elites insist don't exist. Have you ever asked why Labor Day in the US does not match the rest of the world? Do you think it was coincidence?

And it was, and it is...about immigrant and labor rights.

So yes, I find it creepy that an optional declaration is signed as American workers continue to hold May Day parades, starting with 2006

[DevonRex]

43. Why don't you get out some Nadin? We have Labor Day here, too.

It happens to be in September every fucking year. Have you EVER thrown a fit about Loyalty Day before? Link it up or it didn't happen. If you never cared about it before then this is a non issue. And by "cared" I mean to the extent you did today - NOT just in passing.

[nadinbrzezinski]

51. and the post went over your head

So slowly...why do you think the power elites changed a holiday that started in 1887 in Chicago Illinois...to September? May Day is an American labor holiday

It started in the United States, not a foreign land

Perhaps I missed my cue and Chicago is not in the US...totally possible you know

[DevonRex]

88. As I thought. This is the Very FIRST TIME YOU GAVE A FUCK about it. nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

109. What the Día del Trabajo?

And the Haymarket? Given I grew up in Mexico...wrong on multiple counts.

What is sad is how you are dismissive of US history. and you, yes you, don't give a shit.

Funny dat, this discussion on how it was moved in the US and erased in the US mostly completely...was a matter of school papers ...in Mexico, middle school papers...and academic discussions that were common. (Are still common)

And the May Day parade at the Plaza Mayor was always spectacular, and it was a day off from school and shit...so I have very fond memories of watching the CTM march on my tv with my dad.

I will grant you this...it is a pleasant surprise that American workers are trying to recover May Day for workers...what is not a surprise is that these are mostly the Coalition for Change Unions, which are full of immigrants from countries where this very American in origin Labor Day is celebrated.

And if you have no idea what the Coalition for Change is...you should look it up. Let's just say the AFL-CIO is not the only dog in town any longer, though May Day is now being organized by the Federation.

I know, way too much inside baseball. Which is impressive for one that does not care.

As to loyalty day, like the "under god" in the pledge, it's a product of the second red scare...in law, and a product of the first in practice. Can you connect some dots now? Really.

But you are correct, until this year I did not care....

[freshwest]

59. Don't make me say it.

[madrchsod]

160. i remember that law day shit...

after that there was no more traditional may day celebration around the flagpole. even at my tender age i thought it was wrong. what? no more candy!

[rug]

12. Never let history be rewritten.

http://www.libcom.org/history/1886-haymarket-martyrs-mayday

http://www.forestparkreview.com/News/Articles/5-1-2013/Forest-Park's-Haymarket-Martyrs-Monument-visited-by-annual-pilgrims/

[billh58]

14. From the WikiPedia article:

"In the United States, efforts to officially switch Labor Day to the international date of May 1 have not been successful. In 1921, following the Russian Revolution of 1917, May 1 was promoted as "Americanization Day" by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other groups in opposition to communism. It became an annual event, sometimes featuring large rallies. In 1949, Americanization Day was renamed to Loyalty Day. In 1958, the U.S. Congress declared Loyalty Day, the U.S. recognition of May 1, a national holiday; that same year, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1 Law Day as well."

The American Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September each year, and President Obama issued a Labor Day proclamation last year in honor of Labor Day which was on September 3, 2012. I am confident that he will do so again this year on, or about, September 2, 2013.

[freshwest]

60. Ssssh! You'll ruin the gloom with facts.

[ProSense]

17. Here:

March 2013: U.S. Department of Labor Celebrates 100 Years of Helping American Workers
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022789805

The original thread sank like a rock!

[magellan]

19. Words are easy

The lack of action from this administration on matters concerning unions and workers in general belies all the gratuitous lip service.

"I'll put on a comfortable pair of shoes myself. I'll walk on that picket line with you as President of the United States of America." ~ Candidate Obama, 2007

[ProSense]

25. You mean

"Words are easy"

...proclamations are "words"? Is that why the outrage over the decades-old Loyalty Day?

The NLRB was revitalized (http://blog.ourfuture.org/20110621/NLRB_Success_Shows_Value_Of_Recess_Appointments?q=blog-entry/2011062521/nlrb-success-shows-value-recess-appointments) by President Obama and has been pretty successuful

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014345108

That's why Republicans want to shut it down.

http://sync.democraticunderground.com/10022662256

[bvar22]

38. I will make EFCA the Law of the Land!

My how things have changed.
He never did find those "comfortable shoes".


Anyone who wants to know how this Administration feels about Organized LABOR
needs to look no further than the Arkansas Democratic Primary of 2010.

Ed Schultz on White House rescue of Anti-LABOR Blanche Lincoln's failing Arkansas Primary Campaign
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/ed-schultz-if-it-wasnt-labor-barack-obama-

[ProSense]

52. Or

"Anyone who wants to know how this Administration feels about Organized LABOR
needs to look no further than the Arkansas Democratic Primary of 2010."

...you could look to his own re-election: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002521617

[woo me with science]

64. +10000 Also the ongoing legal action to strip union rights and whistleblower protections

from hundreds of thousands of federal workers:

The Obama administration's legal battle against whistleblowers, federal unions.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022672473

[freshwest]

62. So did this about May Day thread posted days earlier:

Sheshe posted a thread about May Day on April 27th being celebrated in Boston but it sank like a stone:

Mayday Mayday



BMDC will join the rally in East Boston immediately following Boston City Hall rally

Supporters: ANSWER Coalition, Boston Anti Authoritarian Movement, Boston Rosa Parks Human Rights Day Committee, Greater Boston Stop the Wars Coalition, Harvard No-Layoffs Campaign, Industrial Workers of the World, Latinos for Social Change, Mass Global Action, Sacco & Vanzetti Commemoration Society, Socialist Alternative, Socialist Party of Boston, Socialist Workers Party, Student Labor Action Movement, USW Local 8751 - Boston School Bus Drivers Union, Worcester Immigrant Coalition, National Immigrant Solidarity Network, Democracy Center - Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridge/Somerville/Arlington United for Justice with Peace, International Socialist Organization, Community Church of Boston, Dominican Development Center

http://www.bostonmayday.org/

We have work to do!

http://election.democraticunderground.com/10022766354

So who doesn't care? Why this coordinated outrage when they didn't post on these before?

[SidDithers]

18. At least DUers aren't trying to co-opt MayDay marches as Occupy marches this year...

unlike last year.

Sid

[Summer Hathaway]

33. Yeah, I noticed that, too.

It's especially surprising considering that the OWSies are still insisting that Occupy is "bigger and stronger than ever!"

Of course, in making that statement, they include every protest going on anywhere in the world and declare it an Occupy event.

[freshwest]

65. Short terms actions instead of that tedious, long-term, everyday, thankless stuff like governing.

[Luminous Animal]

72. Tell that to the occupiers that are still offer relief to the hurricane victims.

Tell that to the Occupiers that are working their asses off to save "condemned" beach front property from being taken over by developers.

Indeed, tedious long term advocacy for the victims of government which is colluding with the 1% to bar them from rehabilitating and returning to their homes.

[Luminous Animal]

71. Really. Prove it. Show me the links that Occupy takes responsibility for all social movements.

You won't because you can't.

And what are you doing to relieve people of their debt. And what are you doing to keep people in their homes. And what are you doing to support the thousands still homeless from the hurricane.

[Summer Hathaway]

80. Not going to name names.

But you can easily find the info. There are certain prolific posters here who have consistently called Occupy a 'global movement', and have attributed protests in various countries to being part of OWS, OWS-influenced, or having taken their cue from Occupy.

I've seen posters refer to labor strikes here in the US as "following Occupy's example", as though no worker had ever gone on strike before OWS existed.

Occupy made many, many mistakes from the outset, which is to be expected of any new movement. The problem lies in the fact that they never learned from those mistakes, nor corrected their course accordingly.

[Luminous Animal]

85. All hat. No cattle.

[Summer Hathaway]

86. Well, that sums up OWS

succinctly - even though there wasn't much of a hat either.

[Luminous Animal]

91. That sums up your unsubstantiated accusations. DU used to pride itself

on being a reality based community. A community of intelligent individuals that were willing to back up their assertions.

By the way, I heard that Al Gore invented the internet and Bill Clinton is a rapist and John Kerry received a medal for a scratch.

There is quite of bit of baseless "facts" spread around that those who spread them can't stand up when challenged.

[Summer Hathaway]

92. Hey, believe what you want to believe

It's of no consequence to me.

[Luminous Animal]

68. The Occupy marches were in solidarity. They didn't attempt to coopt the historical

significance of event or pervert it to a limp ahistorical top down event.

[DeSwiss]

78. Well Sid I'd say....

...that May Day belongs to the people in the streets fighting for equality way BEFORE some career BS politician has any claim to it.

As you may not know American history that well, it was the politicians who sent in the police at the Haymarket Riots to beat the workers as I recall. And which was the reason for the creation of the holiday in the first damned place.

A holiday to commemorate those who were killed and beaten by the government for standing up for their right to redress their grievances. If the government had gotten their way, there'd be no May Day.

- So no, the government has NO ownership here. Fuck that shit!

[truebluegreen]

21. And if there is anything we need right now

it is Solidarity with workers around the world. Not Loyalty toward a government that is in thrall to big business and multi-national corporations at the expense of the citizenry.

[zeemike]

27. Well said.

[deutsey]

99. Truth.

[nadinbrzezinski]

22. This is how I spend International Workers Day

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022785133

And it was a good work out to boot.

[Half-Century Man]

23. Fiber..it's not just for breakfast anymore

Millions of little threads make a damn strong rope, one which can pull a world to where you need it

[Octafish]

28. Third Way Sensibles say it's time to move on to new forms of organization.

It's the same-old, same-old: Loyalty Day to the Almighty Dollar and the heavenly feast above.

[tabasco]

29. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Fool.

[Number23]

83. !

[HiPointDem]

40. loyalty day belongs in nazi germany. along with homeland security.

[bvar22]

44. I agree,

...and anyone who isn't the least bit creeped out by "Loyalty Day",
ESPECIALLY when it is a naked attempt to bury the History and Celebration of the LABOR Movement,
is either very naive,
a member of the 1%,
or carrying water for the 1%.

SOLIDARITY!

[Bobbie Jo]

54. And it's Godwin for the win!

[Arctic Dave]

46. Thank you!

Finally someone gets it.

Loyalty Day was introduced to give working people in the US a finger in the eye and drive a wedge between us and the rest of the world when celebrating our labor history.

[ReRe]

47. Hear! Hear!!

K&R

[Blue_In_AK]

50. Thank you and Arctic Dave for pointing out

Last edited Fri May 3, 2013, 12:56 AM - Edit history (1)

what should be obvious. Loyalty Day, my a**.

[Bobbie Jo]

53. Piggybacking the outrage widget

A+ for creativity.

[freshwest]

66. This one was shorter on fatalism and angst than some of the others, almost parodies.

I don't believe half the outrage posted here, but I do think it's reimbursed by the word.

[freshwest]

70. A century-old American anniversary that I posted on days ago, along with others.

I have no problem with answering you. You're not the only one on this board who knows about workers or any other kind of rights or works on them in the real world, or has done so for years.

Save the snark. I always supported you on this board Nadin. But for the cheap thrill you make a cheap shot that is beneath you. Or at least so I thought it was. If you'd read the long drawn horror stories being posted here, without facts, you might think less of manufactured outrage that isn't even on the right day.

The self-righteousness and hatred is dishonest. Judge for yourself what has been said, why it is being said, to what purpose it is being said.

You have a saying you use. Since you are in a mood tonight, you can guess what it is. Good night.

[raouldukelives]

57. Free marketers probably find it hard to stand with international workers.

Especially when some are still being dug out of their rubble.

[Honeycombe8]

58. I'll second that emotion. nt

[leftstreet]

84. DURec

[Fire Walk With Me]

87. All power to all people! Workers of the world unite! n/t

[suffragette]

93. So I just thought I'd read a couple posts and here you go and post this thread

And that makes me have to log in so I can K & R it.

Oh yeah and ...

[malthaussen]

97. Oh, don't tell me DU'ers have been pushing Loyalty Day.

May I puke now?

-- Mal

[datasuspect]

98. dogs are loyal

men and women are free (or should be).

loyalty is earned and it is a two way street.

[woo me with science]

114. Yup, and that's the mentality the one percent seek from us.

Have you seen the insurance commercial that promises to "reward good behavior"? It's all about this dog that goes around trying to be very good, so it can get rewarded.

The dog represents the customer.

[Bobbie Jo]

100. Ugh...more knee jerk misinformation

No, DU'ers have not been "pushing Loyalty Day."

Please read before you post a knee jerk interpretation as fact.

It's embarrassing.

[malthaussen]

104. How is a question "misinformation?"

I asked, you answered. I appreciate the info. Glad to know there haven't been threads in DU praising Loyalty Day while I slept.

-- Mal

[Bobbie Jo]

105. Here you go

Last edited Fri May 3, 2013, 10:55 AM - Edit history (1)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2789102

Catch up.

Your question sounded more rhetorical than inquisitive. Looks like the other poster who responded to your "question" knew exactly what you meant.


eta: Disingenuous spin and blind contempt. May I puke now?

[malthaussen]

110. Oooh, I didn't know I was dealing with the Shadow!

May I have your autograph?

-- Mal

[Bobbie Jo]

111. Um....okay

You're dealing with someone taking issue with your misinformed post.

[bvar22]

119. Happy "Loyalty Day" Bobbie!

How did you spend your "Loyalty Day" holiday?

My family and I celebrated Workers Day our usual way,
honoring our Fathers and Grandfathers (and GrandMothers!) in the Workers Movement who shed Blood fighting to secure the RIGHTS that so many take for granted these days.

Of course, that HISTORY (along with the History of the New Deal) is being dismantled and pushed down the Memory Hole,
and "Loyalty Day" is only a small part of that revisionism,
but as long as I'm alive, I WILL continue to pass down the stories and history of the LABOR Movement in the USA that lives in my veins,
because it is MY Family Heritage, and MY story as well.

So, how did you celebrate your "Loyalty Day'?
Did you take any oaths or anything?

[Bobbie Jo]

122. What a complete load of

horseshit.

Would you like to see my papers so you can complete my cred check?

The latest installment of your progressive manifesto completely misses the point. You're fabricating an issue that is essentially a NON-ISSUE.

NO ONE is pushing this meaningless Loyalty Day nonsense but those who routinely go out of their way to conjure controversy and look for new and creative ways to express their contempt for all things Obama.

So save your resume and straw man novelettes for your groupies. I'm neither impressed nor interested.

[billh58]

131. Bravo!

As a life-long Union supporter, and one who has sacrificed for the Labor Movement in this country (PATCO member and leader) this sorry-assed excuse to bash President Obama over a 50+ year old tradition is pathetic.

I don't believe anyone "celebrates" Loyalty Day, OR International Workers Day in the same vein as we celebrate and observe uniquely American national holidays such as Memorial Day, or Labor Day. As a veteran, I can certainly appreciate Loyalty Day, but that doesn't mean I "celebrate" it.

It appears that some people will go to great lengths to fabricate any excuse for controversy and feigned indignity. Happy Whatever Day.

[bvar22]

132. Odd.

Impartial readers of DU would come to the conclusion that "Loyalty Day" has many defenders and promoters at DU.
If it didn't, then WHY are you guys working so hard?

On one hand, you say it is meaningless,
but on the other hand, you guys are all over the DU attacking anyone who thinks that the
Working Class celebration of May Day should be honored by a president that campaigned on his support of organized LABOR.

Ed Schultz on the White House Rescue of Anti-LABOR Blanche Lincoln's Failing Primary Campaign in the Arkansas Prmary, 2010
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/ed-schultz-if-it-wasnt-labor-barack-obama-



I am promoting something I am proud of,
my Working Class heritage and the New Deal
that built the Largest, Wealthiest, and most Upwardly Mobile Working Class the WORLD has ever seen.

So, how DID you celebrate "Loyalty Day"?
Take any cool oaths or anything?

[Bobbie Jo]

143. So, yeah...

The current price of tea in China is: € 1.40
with a max bid of ... 70.67

disclaimer: not to be confused with a butterfly's wings flapping in China. This price is scientifically derived from numbers only tangentially related to the actual price of tea in China, which we have found is profoundly more accurate than actual prices paid for tea in China. How this affects you, your child, or an acquaintance is derived, again, scientifically, by a patent-pending method we'd love to discuss, but can't, at this time. It has little to nothing to do with the technology behind the magic eight ball. A brief overview of the connections between the price of tea in China and these results (both the price and actual bearing on events) is illustrated here.


What does that have to do with the price in tea in China?

http://supertart.com/priceofteainchina/index.php

[FairWinds]

106. OK. so what are ya gonna DO about it?

There is no such thing as an anti-social socialist.
You need to be part of a movement and/or group.
As a founding member (1982), may I suggest
http://www.dsausa.org/
They have a great line-up of supporters, but are not
too strong on foreign policy. For that I recommend . .
Veterans For Peace.

[Laelth]

107. k&r for labor.

Attempts to subvert May 1 in service of the goals of the 1% do not sit well with this liberal.

-Laelth

[djean111]

108. I did not get the impression that thinking Loyalty Day was kind of creepy had anything to do with

Obama. More to do with the fact that lately, the Proletariat has been crapped on by the Corporatists and Wall Streeters, etc., and right now a Loyalty Day seems a bit much to ask.
Of course Obama is just doing what every other president does, in making a proclamation about the whole thing.
It is a bit funny that it looks a bit like not caring for the tone of a Loyalty Day in these current times has been put down as some sort of attack on Obama, as if it is blasphemy to be critical of anything he has put his presidential stamp on.
Has nothing to do with Obama.
And, for those asking why wasn't this day scoffed at before, as if we all were quite cognizant of it and all quite on board - maybe no one posted an OP about it.

[sabrina 1]

123. I laughed at your last sentence. So true, 'maybe no one posted an OP about it' before. Exactly.

But it was a nice distraction you have to admit.

Another thing, the working class around the world were not devastated to the extent they are now back in LBJ's time so not much attention was being payed to these 'protocols'.

When something becomes as irrelevant as this it is time to dispense with it and deliver a speech from the heart that is actually relevant to today's Labor force.

[bread_and_roses]

113. I'm a day late but thanks, bvar - I'm with you

Workers of the world, unite! (it's still the only way we'll win - Solidarity forever! )

[Egalitarian Thug]

115. Hear, hear! The latest step in the program to eliminate

our history from the American consciousness. They've been trying to get rid of May Day for as long as I can remember.
& R

[WillyT]

116. Hear, Hear !!! - K & R !!!

[FairWinds]

126. So youse are all talk?

As someone once said, "Don't mourn, organize!"
Come on folks, what do you do besides complain?
The best and only way to show your solidarity is to join
and be an active part of . . . . .
Fill in the blank. What are the good leftie organizations out there?

[bvar22]

138. Are you from Joisey?

"...youse are all talk?"

Whatever gave you the idea that I'm "All Talk".

Noice fantasy youse got der, paulie.
Where'dja get dat?
Out yur A**?
Be a shame if sumpin happnd to it.

If you are serious about joining "leftie" organizations, I can give you a list,
but I don't believe you are serious.

--bvar22
a mainstream-center FDR/LBJ, Working Class, Pro-LABOR, loyal Democratic Party Activist for over 46 years

[idwiyo]

129. K&R

[LanternWaste]

136. I don't think the existence of the one denies the existence of the other

'May First is International Workers Day, not "Loyalty Day,"'

I don't think the existence of the one denies the existence of the other, any more than than the existence and my celebration of my gf's birthday on Memorial Day denies hers and I celebration of, and the existence of Memorial Day.

I suppose there are indeed a few smallish minds that are unable to celebrate national pride while celebrating national workers-- and consider doing so a historical or cultural "fail" (or vice-versa), but (quite) luckily, I don't know any of these sub-literate, half-educated, trout-for-brains on a personal level who indeed, think that way.

[billh58]

141. Now there you go

interjecting reason and common sense into a perfectly good righteous indignant tirade.

If you don't recognize that May 1 is only reserved for Intrnational Workers Day, and for absolutely no other reason, then you are anti-labor, and worship Hitler.

(if necessary) but close to what's being bandied about on this thread.

[freshwest]

147. As a former SWP who got my district to vote SWP in the past, I have no problem with more than one

meaning of the day, either. My years as a union steward and educator in labor rallies and teaching socialist theory weren't confined to one day.

Unions do not live or die based on one day of the year being ballyhooed in the mainstream media, as if the conservative media gives a rat's ass about labor. This is short sighted and ratfucking. Maintaining worker rights is daily work, never just one day. EOM.

[Number23]

148. You have been absolutely magnificent in this thread.

This web site really needs your voice. The inmates are not only running the asylum, as this thread proves, they're starting to recruit.

[Rex]

139. Well now you went and did it, you done kicked the hornets nest!

I am constantly amused by the fake battle rage produced here in large quantities. It is like an outlet for the perpetually frustrated forum user that cannot stand any other viewpoint.

So May 1st is celebrated or declared or whatever for this ideal and that ideal...ho fucking hum...

Workers show loyalty to their unions. There I went and did it...

[bvar22]

140. "Workers" show much more than just "loyalty to their unions."

On May 1st,

*we show our SOLIDARITY with Workers in every nation,

*we celebrate our proud history that built the largest, wealthiest, and most upwardly mobile Working Class the WORLD has ever seen

*we honor the blood shed by our fathers and grandfathers in their fight to secure Workers Rights in THIS country

*we celebrate the traditional Working Class Values of New Deal and the old Democratic Party that STOOD UP for the Working Class.

You may thing that is a little thing, and Ho-Hum those of us who embrace that heritage,
but if you Work for a Living, YOU OWE US.

Is it too much to expect a President that pays so much lip service to Organized LABOR during campaign season to mention this on May Day?


You will know them by their WORKS,
not by their rhetoric, promises, or excuses.
[font size=5 color=firebrick]Solidarity99![/font]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center]

[socialist_n_TN]

150. I don't really give a rat's ass about the bosses "Loyalty Day"....

Except to note that it WAS, and apparently still IS, a pathetic attempt to co-opt a worldwide holiday celebrating workers and celebration FOR workers into some lame assed attempt at "loyalty" to an imperialistic nation-state ruled by the very people who are attempting to DESTROY the working class.

Fuck it. May Day IS the worker's holiday, not some end of summer distraction party.

[Summer Hathaway]

151. Condensed version of events ...

The anti-Obama crowd went haywire upon hearing that Obama had invented a new holiday called "Loyalty Day".

Mayhem ensued as the usual suspects chimed-in with their vitriol, insisting that Obama was shoving a fealty oath to the government down the populace's throat.

Several level-headed and knowledgable DUers pointed out that the observance of "Loyalty Day" was passed into law decades ago, and has been 'proclaimed' by every president, every May 1st, since then.

The anti-Obama crowd - after unsuccessfully attempting to wipe the egg off their respective faces - then went on to their alternate complaint (and with them, there is always an alternate complaint) that Obama should have ignored the law, along with the tradition followed by his predecessors.

Re-directing the vitriol to a different outrage-de-jour was considered preferable (again, as always) to simply saying "I was misinformed about and/or unaware of the origin of Loyalty Day, and stand corrected."

Note: We have a holiday to celebrate and honor the contributions of the American worker - it's called Labor Day. You might have heard of it. It is observed in September, not May - sorry if that conflicts with your personal schedule and/or agenda.

The fact remains that the anti-Obama crowd have now shown their true colors; they will enthusiastically glom onto anything they perceive as a stick with which to beat the president. And should their reason for doing so prove to be unfounded, they will jump through hoops in order to twist that stick into something of substance on some other ground.

This Massive Fail is now part of DU history, set out in black-and-white posts for all to see. And no amount of back-peddling, obfuscation, or feigned poutrage will ever undo the damage the I'll believe ANYTHING if it puts Obama in a bad light folks have inflicted upon themselves.

[FSogol]

153. Well said.

[Summer Hathaway]

157. Thanks, FSogol ...

... but I was just stating the obvious.

It's a shame that so many here (who often tout the notion that DUers are far more well-informed than the average Joe) prefer to double-down on their BS rather than admit the truth.

[zappaman]

158. And that is even more well said!

Same predictable DUers saying how only they are real Democrats and only they can tell us what to say or think.
And if they say Obama is bad, well then by golly, he is!

These DUers, who love to apply some sort of purity test to other members, really need to take a good long look in the mirror.

[billh58]

161. Thank you for so

eloquently recapping the unbelievable vitriol of the anti-Obama crowd, and the 2008 Primary Election sour grapes leftovers. The elephant in the room is the reality of the Socialist, Communist, and Anarchist influence on the establishment and expansion of International Worker's Day.

The majority of the American public did not accept those Far Left political philosophies over our unique form of American democracy then, and do not today. The Far Left does not now, nor at anytime in the past, represent the majority of the American Democratic Party, or the majority of American Third Party and Independent Progressives for that matter.

American Democrats and Liberals, since FDR, have supported the American Labor Movement and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

[madrchsod]

159. why do`t we go back to the original may day celebration?

the springtime celebration of young women enticing young men by carrying gift baskets full of goodies while dancing around a big pole.

sometimes those pagan rituals are a whole lot better than a fight over what is politically correct

[ozone_man]

163. You win the thread!

Actually, it is possible to have both, the pagan and labor interpretations. I think it works.