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Labor Day reminds us of the need for jobs
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Forsyth County News
God sells us all things at the price of labor.
 – Leonardo da Vinci

The Labor Day holiday is somewhat unique in that its purpose isn’t religious, patriotic or meant to honor a specific individual, but rather is a celebration of the efforts of the nation’s working class.

For more than a century the nation has been celebrating Labor Day, which has its roots deep in the labor union movement late in the 19th century.
Much has changed since the days when the holiday was synonymous with organized labor, but the concept of a special recognition for those who comprise the nation’s workforce remains both valued and important.

Unfortunately, for far too many Americans, this holiday will mean just another day spent trying to find a job, as unemployment rates remain near 10 percent nationwide.

For those in the corridors of power in Washington and state capitols, Monday’s holiday should serve as a reminder that the top priority for returning the nation’s economic strength is the creation of private sector jobs.

That theme has to resonate between now and November as candidates campaign for elective office. It has to be a deciding factor when voters visit the polls. It has to be the driving force for setting policy as state legislatures prepare to meet next year.
New job creation is the cornerstone of economic growth.

For many working Americans, Monday will be a chance to have an end of summer day off with the family, cooking on the grill, watching a ball game and enjoying the fruits of their labors.

But for many others, it will be a stark reminder that there is no pay check to deposit for yet another week.

Our nation will emerge from its economic doldrums, and it will do so on the power of the private sector job market. Whether that happens sooner instead of later will depend on large part on the decisions made by government leaders across the country in the months to come.

Hopefully by Labor Day 2011, many more Americans will have reason to celebrate.