Monday, September 06, 2010

What to Say, What to Say

OK, I'm back and I still don't have any bright ideas, so this will probably seem a bit random, to say the least. Nothing much happened in the last two weeks, except that August finally wound down, and for that alone, I am thankful.

Here it is, Labor Day. It is a holiday dedicated to American workers, but this year, maybe it should be dedicated to out of work workers who, in the past several years have been laid off, let go, downsized and talked into taking early retirement. The companies who let most of these workers go have new workers, in Mexico and other countries, where they don't have to offer decent salaries and/or such benefits as healthcare, pension plans, and other perks that American workers have come to expect as part of their compensation.

So, who is celebrating Labor Day this year? Right! Big corporations, for sure. Pharmaceutical companies and health insurers. The rest of us are trying to celebrate as usual, but we're having trouble finding good reasons for it. So, I thought I might be able to help a bit.

Betty's reasons for celebrating Labor Day and predictions for the coming months:

1. School has started, or will start tomorrow, and it will be safe to walk down the sidewalks without getting run over by all manner of kiddie vehicles that aren't allowed on the streets.

2. There will probably be picnics going on all over the neighborhood.

3. We can look forward to balloon races here next weekend.

4. Labor Day marks the start of the holiday season, during which we can attend county fairs and goat ropin's, lots of garage sales and craft fairs. It's the season when women all over the country know where their husbands are from Friday night until Monday morning. On the couch, watching FOOTBALL!

5. This year, we are fortunate enough to look forward to election day in November, at which time the Democrats are expected to pay the price for their betrayal of the President and their general wussiness. They'll get just what they deserve - a bunch of radical, right-wing wackos who don't have a clue about governance, and only think they are going to be allowed to have their radical ways by the Republicans already in office. Won't they be surprised when the realize they don't have the support for their agenda that they expected to have! Those good old boys in the GOP won't have any use for the BillyBobs and Bubbas that they helped to elect after the election.

6. There may well be an uptick in hiring at the first of the year, by those companies who have been holding back until after the elections. The banks will finally start loaning money and the states that accepted stimulus money will start using the money for its intended purpose - infrastructure. Or, at least they will use the funds that haven't already been pocketed by their CEOs, governors, attorneys general, etc., etc.

7. With any luck, by this time next year, Seniors can expect an increase in their Social Security benefits. They may not be too noticeable, what with their healthcare premiums having gone up this year and probably again next year. But, at least we'll feel like we're catching up, even if we aren't. This is going to be possible only if the Republicans haven't managed to abolish Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Part D (the prescription plan) and have replaced it with their idea of privatization, by investing your payroll taxes in the stock market - and won't that be fun?.

8. And, lastly, people, and possibly most importantly, it's time to put away your white shoes.

Stay tuned.

16 comments:

Margie's Musings said...

Ah yes...my white shoes. Generally.I agree with your thinking too.

Joy Des Jardins said...

Although I don't really have any white shoes...I did put my white slacks away. Again, you've pointed out some issues that are on all of our minds Betty. Some are scary to think about, but they are a reality.

I like your idea about dedicating this Labor Day to out-or-work workers....I'd be one of the downsized ones...for 5 1/2 years now. Well, I do parttime work on the computer for BlogHer, but I still basically count myself as an out-of-work casualty.

betty said...

Margie: I agree with you, too. Funny how that happens!

Joy: I'm a casualty of downsizing, too. Not fun.

Olga said...

For not having anything to say, you sure said a lot and said it well, too.

betty said...

Olga: Thanks. Sometimes I just get on a roll.

Darlene said...

I am becoming depressed already by the prospect of the Republicans taking over Congress in November. What are people thinking? Oh, right, they're not.

Richard Lawry said...

I spent Labor Day Laboring. Isn't that what you are supposed to do. After work I spent the evening installing new ceiling fans on the front porch. I had to finish up in the dark.

An Arkies Musings

Betty said...

Darlene: I'm not sure ANYONE is thinking this year.

richies: You certainly are, if you're a husband with a "honeydo list". By the way, thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see how your predictions hold up. I think for the most part, they will be right on the money.

Grayquill said...

I figured out why I keep coming here. It's such a happy place.
I hope you have a great week!

Betty said...

alwaysinthebackrow: I'm hoping I'm dead wrong. lol

Grayquill: It IS a happy place, actually. You have a great week, too.

NitWit1 said...

My shoes motto for most of my life is NO WHITE SHOES REGARDLESS OF SEASON.
I had to polish to many white shoes when I was in the 10.11.12 grade in the marching band.

Word Tosser said...

#5..right on.... it is under the headline of "Be careful of what you wish for"

#7...yep, up goes SS.... and so does Medicare... so our gain will be? $2 lol

Justen said...

Hopefully we can get more Muslims into politics. Laws need to be changed and they are just the ones to do it. The socialist agenda has never been so close to becoming reality before now. Obama and team have to hold on to this power, they just have to. Our ruler will prevail.

Chancy said...

Oh Heck I will wear white as long as I want to lol

Remember what movie with Kathleen Turner and the line about white shoes?

Chancy said...

It was "Serial Mom" and here is the quote :)


Beverly Sutphin: You can't wear white after Labor Day!
Juror #8: That's not true anymore.
Beverly Sutphin: Yes it is! Didn't your mother tell you? Now you know.
[She whacks her in the face with the phone]
Juror #8: No! Please! Fashion has changed!
Beverly Sutphin: No... it hasn't.
[She hits her again]