Editorial: Labor Day - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: Labor Day

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By Collin R. Gaston - bio | email

  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:20:04 GMT
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:20:08 GMT
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
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Labor Day, the first Monday in September each year, constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.  That's the "official" definition of this day by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Labor Day to the rest of us is the representation of the end of summer, back to school or one last neighborhood barbeque.

How about those that are out of work here in Alabama – have you thought about what Labor Day means to them?   There are approximately 216,000 Alabamians needing jobs right now that will not be looking forward to yet another day off on Monday. 

So while it's important to pay tribute to our vital workforces each year on Labor Day let's not miss an opportunity during this day to also reflect on our current state of unemployment here in Alabama. 

Governor Bentley - following this long Labor Day weekend let's re-energize a plan that supports job creation, encourages entrepreneurial spirit, cuts red tape and allows Alabamians to put Alabamians back to work.  With state unemployment rates at 10% it will be hard enjoying time off knowing so many are struggling – let's change this.

We appreciate your feedback.

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