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Labor Day, United States of America
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.
A national holiday that celebrates work. Since the average American has less time off than other industrial nations this seems appropriate.
However, I would extend that celebration and respect to all workers. Far less isolated, we are all contributors to a global economy and well-being of the larger society. The society extending beyond the borders of my country to nations across the globe. I raise my glass in a toast to workers everywhere.
Out of Town
I'll be in Vegas this week for a competition my daughter is involved in. As a result, I'm not sure how much I'll get around to updating this blog. If you don't hear from me, don't think I've quit, I'll be back at the end of the week.
Meanwhile, if you don't already follow me on Twitter feel free to add me; I'll probably be more active there this week.
Independence Day, United States of America
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
A lot has happened to the “united States” in the years since Thomas Jefferson penned those words (with editing by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, and review by Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman) in June, 1776.
As a superpower America is frequently loved, admired, feared, criticized, ridiculed, and despised. Some of it fairly, some of it not. I love my country, warts and all. No nation’s history survives under the microscope of current standards and review, but I’m proud of mine despite the blemishes. The words of the Declaration are as beautiful to me now as they ever were.
Merry Christmas!
Wishing a merry Christmas and happy holiday season to all my readers, their loved ones, families, and friends.
Thank you you for reading The Small Wave. Next year I envision more frequent posting as I transition this blog from Wordpress to Posterous, so I hope you stick around to read more about what Apple, Microsoft, and the usual cast of characters in tech punditry have up their sleeves.
(Picture via Digital Blasphemy.)
