A fearful reaction to labor unrest is this day, Labor Day. Strategically placed at the opposite end of the summer from the internationally celebrated May Day, so as not to be linked with the Haymarket massacre, it was an effort by the Cleveland administration to quell American domestic labor tension.
Today, Labor Day is celebrated by most as the “official” end of the summer without a clue as to the origins. Speeches and political demonstrations are more subdued than the May Day celebrations in other countries, but unions often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office. Interestingly,
Senator Webb kicks off the day in Buena Vista at a Democratic breakfast; a hopeful sign for those wondering if he will seek a second term; he won’t make the parade because he’s off to support Congressman Perriello in other venues.
George Allen, the Republican pretender, does not seem to have an engagement for the day; or he’s reluctant to announce it. Maybe he’ll be on horseback at the Buena Vista Labor Day parade. Or, maybe he is spending the day rearranging the deck chairs on the Titantic. I anxiously anticipate his celebration of the origin of Labor Day.
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