This is a great time to be alive. I wouldn't want to go back to any point in American history because I like being able to vote, have my own property, have legal access to contraception, and I really like my iPhone.
Today presents another reason to enjoy and be grateful for the present: Labor Day. I'm glad that I was able to attend school instead of work in a mill; that I work eight hours (more or less) instead of 15; that there is a minimum wage; that I have a right to work under safe conditions.
As a reminder that so many labor strikes during the Industrial Revolution were led by women, I leave you with this beautiful rendition of Bread and Roses by Kate Vikstrom.
As we go marching, marching, in the beauty of the day,
A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill lofts gray,
Are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses,
For the people hear us singing: Bread and Roses! Bread and Roses!
As we go marching, marching, we battle too for men,
For they are women's children, and we mother them again.
Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes;
Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses.
As we go marching, marching, unnumbered women dead
Go crying through our singing their ancient call for bread.
Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew.
Yes, it is bread we fight for, but we fight for roses too.
As we go marching, marching, we bring the greater days,
The rising of the women means the rising of the race.
No more the drudge and idler, ten that toil where one reposes,
But a sharing of life's glories: Bread and roses, bread and roses.
Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes;
Hearts starve as well as bodies; bread and roses, bread and roses.
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