LaboR day 2015:
A6 Editorial, Monday, September 7, 2015, Bangor Daily News
Founded in 1889
SuSan Young Editorial PagE Editor
george DanbY Editorial PagE assistant
Matthew Stone oPinion PagE Editor
P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, Maine 04402-1329 Tel. 990-8000, fax 433-1048, email address [email protected]
LaboR day 2015:
Raising wages on the agenda
T
his newspaper recorded the events of Labor Day 1904 with unusual enthusiasm, describing a parade of more than 2,000 union members in Bangor as “filled with good-fellowship and triumph … a potent example typified in thousands of silent, stalwart men, of the strength and force and dignity which labor organization brings.” In particular it admired the keynote address — “admirably clear, concise and forceful illuminated by shafts of keen, at times almost satirical wit” — delivered by J.F. Sheehan of Massachusetts, who laid the groundwork for the development of unions. “It is often said that the union men of America are discontented,” Sheehan said. “If this be so — and I deny it not — then it is a virtue and not a vice. The discontent that urges a man to rise above the lowly station where his lot is cast; that makes more money, better homes, nobler men and truer women; that has shortened the hours of labor and improved the scale of pay; that has given the United States the political liberty and social equality which it enjoys now; and which lastly, the trade unions of the land are going to ferment until it has equalized the scale between employers and employed until the American working man can stand up to all the world and say: ‘I am a man, with a man’s feelings and a man’s rights; I will be the faithful employ of any; but the unconsidered slave of none’ — this discontent, I say, must be hailed as a glory rather than as a sin!” Ever since President Grover Cleveland signed an act making the first Monday in September a legal holiday to honor America’s workers, Labor Day has been a holiday of conflicting themes, an odd mixture of the somber and the frivolous. Even 19th century labor organizer Peter J. McGuire, credited with conceiving Labor Day, admitted the holiday designed to honor work was timed to “come at the most pleasant season of the year, nearly midway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving, and would fill a wide gap in the chronology of legal holidays.” It is a gap filled with gusto.
Americans, whether watching stock car races or baseball or, better still, enjoying the last real summer weekend outdoors with family and friends, seem always to enjoy themselves. Where once there were parades, barbecues rule the day. Keeping in mind McGuire’s intent, today also provides the opportunity to assess how far the labor force has progressed, or failed to progress, over the years. The trend is not encouraging. Unions today — particularly those representing public sector workers — are fighting a nationwide contempt. Organized labor has been demonized as the reason, at least in part, for the economic woes that still plague the nation. So-called right-to-work legislation, which would prevent organized labor unions from collecting representation fees as a condition of employment, has been introduced in many states, including Maine. The connection between organized labor and wages generally was made clear several years ago in the annual report “The State of Working America” by Lawrence Mishel, Jared Bernstein and Sylvia Allegretto of the Economic Policy Institute. They measured the decline of labor from about one-fourth of the working population a generation ago to about one-eighth by 2004. Their conclusion is worth recalling today. “This falling rate of unionization has lowered wages, not only because some workers no longer receive the higher union wage, but also because there is less pressure on nonunion employers to raise wages,” they wrote. The difference in wages and benefits between union and nonunion workers then was $30.76 per hour versus $18.11. Stagnant wages have spawned efforts at the federal, state and local level to raise the minimum wage, which hasn’t changed in Maine since 2009. It is $7.50 per hour. Overcoming nearly static wages will take a lot more than the festivities planned for today, but helping workers to the fruits of their labors never has been a picnic.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Iran deal helps region U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has been urged by many Mainers to vote either for or against an agreement that would limit Iran’s nuclear development capabilities. The international community has secured this agreement by offering international sanctions relief to Iran. Collins has expressed concern for the stability of the region — our national security notwithstanding. There is civil turmoil in Syria, sprawling devastation from the so-called Islamic State, abject poverty in Yemen, deterioration of life in Iraq and opium trafficking from Afghanistan. Iran, nevertheless, manages to survive in the region and under the most severe sanctions imposed by the international community. Despite these realities, there have been brash displays of brinkmanship by various politicians on the heels of an anti-Iran-deal lobbying bonanza. A rejection of an international agreement that relies on U.S.Iran diplomacy would likely worsen the region. U.S.-led actions in Iraq and Afghanistan have already strengthened Iran’s regional influence. Isolation is glaringly ineffective. War is brutish folly. Direct diplomatic relations with Iran would bolster regional stability. Despite any perceived limitation, the Iran deal is a jumping-off point for U.S.-Iran relations toward broad regional stability. Furthermore, the Iran deal gives cause for introspection. The agreement was struck in July, when Americans commemorate independence from a Great Britain. What does it say
of our values if Maine’s Congressional delegation votes against diplomacy that has already considered and accommodated the will of another people? Is it not the prerogative of the greatest world power that it can advance stability by a compromise? Mostapha Aghamoosa South Portland
WRITE TO US
Letters must be 250 words or fewer and include a full name, town of residence and daytime phone number. OpEds may be 700 words. Letters may be edited or rejected for clarity, taste, libel and space. If a letter or OpEd is published, submissions by the same writer will not be considered for 60 days. Letters may be sent to letters@ bangordailynews.com. OpEds may be sent to [email protected] or P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329.
Unfair article After reading the Sept. 1 article about protests, I am writing to voice my and my family and friends’ unwavering support for DEW Haven and its owners, Bob and Julie Miner. I have personally known the Miners for the past 14 years. My family and friends have volunteered at their animal sanctuary, and my son did his Eagle Scout project under their mentorship. I find it alarming and questionable that Kristina Snyder, a member of the New Hampshire Animal Rights League, organized a protest in Maine and was given such a large voice in
other voices
.COMMents
ReLigious LibeRty not at stake
Editorial, “What GOP of-touch, xenophobic, racist presidential candidates can and quite frankly delusional learn from Pope Francis”: base. You know, the ones who cheer and nod when told that As long as they hold on to our president is a non-Amerithese antiquated views the GOP can atheist Muslim traitor or will never win another presi- that all the Mexicans crossing dential election. It’s different the border are murderous rapwhen you’re a local politician ists. who runs for office during a — acerbic1 midterm election; just about anyone can get in (e.g., LePage) Calling everyone sinners is especially if certain issues are one of the more unfortunate asup for referendum (e.g., bear pects of Protestantism and Cabaiting). The Supreme Court tholicism alike. We are not sinhas already weighed in on sev- ners. We do stupid things; we eral of these issues, but the do mean things; we fail to live right wing keeps wasting time up to expectations. That’s not and money trying to overturn sinning. That’s being human. established law. Most people are basically good, — rplantlover not basically bad. We don’t need forgiveness of sins from Well, they certainly aren’t anyone, we just need to apologoing to be changing their gize, talk to each other and try stances any time soon. It’s pri- to be better and take some joy mary time, which means that in life instead of grimly calling they have to appease the Repub- each other sinners. lican base, their paranoid, out— Robert Jones
K
im Davis, the county clerk in Kentucky who refuses to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, is going to jail. She brought this on herself by refusing to resign from a government position with duties she openly admits she will not fulfill. When Davis faced U.S. District Judge David Bunning on Thursday, crucial principles were at stake, but religious freedom wasn’t among them. Davis had defied Bunning’s order to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The way for Davis to stick to her convictions and show proper respect to the rule of law was to step down. Instead, she chose to insult the legitimate authority of the federal court and claim the right to ignore the responsibilities with which the people of Rowan County entrusted her. And what of religious liberty? In Davis’ case, it is an irrelevant excuse, not a plausible justification. Davis has every right to oppose same-sex marriage as a private citizen. If she were a member of the clergy, she would have every right to refuse to perform ceremonies for gay men and lesbians. She has every right to peti-
tion the Kentucky legislature to offer clerks such as herself some workaround, though she rejected Bunning’s, and legislators would have good reasons to say no if asked. But her religious convictions do not excuse her from having to apply the law as it stands in her official duties, a commitment she made when she took office. You would expect that candidates for president, an office with substantially more power than that of Rowan County clerk, would understand this simple point. Many, however, seem not to. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, said Thursday that it is “absurd to put someone in jail for exercising their religious liberties.” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, called on “every lover of liberty to stand with Kim Davis.” Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Republican, was equally effusive. Others showed greater wisdom. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, hit the nail on the head: “I support traditional marriage, but she’s accepted a job where she has to apply the law to everyone. And that’s her choice,” he said. That choice remains in Davis’s hands. The Washington Post (Sept. 3)
DOONESBURY
your newspaper. Exactly what are Snyder’s qualifications? Is she a veterinarian or a biologist? I thought blackballing individuals went out after Maine’s Sen. Margaret Chase Smith set Joseph McCarthy in his place with her June 1950 “Declaration of Conscience” speech. Smith’s demands for “validity, accuracy, credibility and fairness” still ring true today, and it is of utmost importance that our media outlets adhere to unflinching journalistic standards and provide unbiased reporting to the public. Giving Snyder’s message this much coverage is purposely creating an atmosphere riddled with damaging statements and distrust unjustly toward the Miners. Sarah A. Sherman Southport Island
Support for Brooks As a friend, neighbor and observer of Joan Brooks since 1958, I would like to declare the following: She has performed many duties in the town of Eddington. Her present position as chairman of the Board of Selectmen is above reproach. Her standards are high. She is educated, earned a Ph.D. and retired from a teaching position at the University of Maine. Recently there has been a petition to recall her for no reason. Social media have run rampant with untruths about her. Let’s take our town back by voting to keep her in office. Hilma Adams Eddington
The pope embodies what the term “pro-life” originally meant, before it was appropriated. It meant a respect for all things living, especially the poor. An early Catholic “prolife” group sent a list of what they saw as essential human rights to the United Nations in the ’50s. The list talked about the right to education and a living wage and the right to life from the moment of conception. Other groups used the terminology to oppose war and advocated for respect for all. — wolfndeer Funny how the tune changes when the pope agrees with liberals. All of a sudden the church/state divide isn’t a problem. A word of caution: Hitching your wagon to the Popemobile can have some serious consequences for your credibility. — HarrySnyder
GARRY TRUDEAU
Founded in 1889
SuSan Young Editorial PagE Editor
george DanbY Editorial PagE assistant
Matthew Stone oPinion PagE Editor
P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, Maine 04402-1329 Tel. 990-8000, fax 433-1048, email address [email protected]
LaboR day 2015:
Raising wages on the agenda
T
his newspaper recorded the events of Labor Day 1904 with unusual enthusiasm, describing a parade of more than 2,000 union members in Bangor as “filled with good-fellowship and triumph … a potent example typified in thousands of silent, stalwart men, of the strength and force and dignity which labor organization brings.” In particular it admired the keynote address — “admirably clear, concise and forceful illuminated by shafts of keen, at times almost satirical wit” — delivered by J.F. Sheehan of Massachusetts, who laid the groundwork for the development of unions. “It is often said that the union men of America are discontented,” Sheehan said. “If this be so — and I deny it not — then it is a virtue and not a vice. The discontent that urges a man to rise above the lowly station where his lot is cast; that makes more money, better homes, nobler men and truer women; that has shortened the hours of labor and improved the scale of pay; that has given the United States the political liberty and social equality which it enjoys now; and which lastly, the trade unions of the land are going to ferment until it has equalized the scale between employers and employed until the American working man can stand up to all the world and say: ‘I am a man, with a man’s feelings and a man’s rights; I will be the faithful employ of any; but the unconsidered slave of none’ — this discontent, I say, must be hailed as a glory rather than as a sin!” Ever since President Grover Cleveland signed an act making the first Monday in September a legal holiday to honor America’s workers, Labor Day has been a holiday of conflicting themes, an odd mixture of the somber and the frivolous. Even 19th century labor organizer Peter J. McGuire, credited with conceiving Labor Day, admitted the holiday designed to honor work was timed to “come at the most pleasant season of the year, nearly midway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving, and would fill a wide gap in the chronology of legal holidays.” It is a gap filled with gusto.
Americans, whether watching stock car races or baseball or, better still, enjoying the last real summer weekend outdoors with family and friends, seem always to enjoy themselves. Where once there were parades, barbecues rule the day. Keeping in mind McGuire’s intent, today also provides the opportunity to assess how far the labor force has progressed, or failed to progress, over the years. The trend is not encouraging. Unions today — particularly those representing public sector workers — are fighting a nationwide contempt. Organized labor has been demonized as the reason, at least in part, for the economic woes that still plague the nation. So-called right-to-work legislation, which would prevent organized labor unions from collecting representation fees as a condition of employment, has been introduced in many states, including Maine. The connection between organized labor and wages generally was made clear several years ago in the annual report “The State of Working America” by Lawrence Mishel, Jared Bernstein and Sylvia Allegretto of the Economic Policy Institute. They measured the decline of labor from about one-fourth of the working population a generation ago to about one-eighth by 2004. Their conclusion is worth recalling today. “This falling rate of unionization has lowered wages, not only because some workers no longer receive the higher union wage, but also because there is less pressure on nonunion employers to raise wages,” they wrote. The difference in wages and benefits between union and nonunion workers then was $30.76 per hour versus $18.11. Stagnant wages have spawned efforts at the federal, state and local level to raise the minimum wage, which hasn’t changed in Maine since 2009. It is $7.50 per hour. Overcoming nearly static wages will take a lot more than the festivities planned for today, but helping workers to the fruits of their labors never has been a picnic.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Iran deal helps region U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has been urged by many Mainers to vote either for or against an agreement that would limit Iran’s nuclear development capabilities. The international community has secured this agreement by offering international sanctions relief to Iran. Collins has expressed concern for the stability of the region — our national security notwithstanding. There is civil turmoil in Syria, sprawling devastation from the so-called Islamic State, abject poverty in Yemen, deterioration of life in Iraq and opium trafficking from Afghanistan. Iran, nevertheless, manages to survive in the region and under the most severe sanctions imposed by the international community. Despite these realities, there have been brash displays of brinkmanship by various politicians on the heels of an anti-Iran-deal lobbying bonanza. A rejection of an international agreement that relies on U.S.Iran diplomacy would likely worsen the region. U.S.-led actions in Iraq and Afghanistan have already strengthened Iran’s regional influence. Isolation is glaringly ineffective. War is brutish folly. Direct diplomatic relations with Iran would bolster regional stability. Despite any perceived limitation, the Iran deal is a jumping-off point for U.S.-Iran relations toward broad regional stability. Furthermore, the Iran deal gives cause for introspection. The agreement was struck in July, when Americans commemorate independence from a Great Britain. What does it say
of our values if Maine’s Congressional delegation votes against diplomacy that has already considered and accommodated the will of another people? Is it not the prerogative of the greatest world power that it can advance stability by a compromise? Mostapha Aghamoosa South Portland
WRITE TO US
Letters must be 250 words or fewer and include a full name, town of residence and daytime phone number. OpEds may be 700 words. Letters may be edited or rejected for clarity, taste, libel and space. If a letter or OpEd is published, submissions by the same writer will not be considered for 60 days. Letters may be sent to letters@ bangordailynews.com. OpEds may be sent to [email protected] or P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329.
Unfair article After reading the Sept. 1 article about protests, I am writing to voice my and my family and friends’ unwavering support for DEW Haven and its owners, Bob and Julie Miner. I have personally known the Miners for the past 14 years. My family and friends have volunteered at their animal sanctuary, and my son did his Eagle Scout project under their mentorship. I find it alarming and questionable that Kristina Snyder, a member of the New Hampshire Animal Rights League, organized a protest in Maine and was given such a large voice in
other voices
.COMMents
ReLigious LibeRty not at stake
Editorial, “What GOP of-touch, xenophobic, racist presidential candidates can and quite frankly delusional learn from Pope Francis”: base. You know, the ones who cheer and nod when told that As long as they hold on to our president is a non-Amerithese antiquated views the GOP can atheist Muslim traitor or will never win another presi- that all the Mexicans crossing dential election. It’s different the border are murderous rapwhen you’re a local politician ists. who runs for office during a — acerbic1 midterm election; just about anyone can get in (e.g., LePage) Calling everyone sinners is especially if certain issues are one of the more unfortunate asup for referendum (e.g., bear pects of Protestantism and Cabaiting). The Supreme Court tholicism alike. We are not sinhas already weighed in on sev- ners. We do stupid things; we eral of these issues, but the do mean things; we fail to live right wing keeps wasting time up to expectations. That’s not and money trying to overturn sinning. That’s being human. established law. Most people are basically good, — rplantlover not basically bad. We don’t need forgiveness of sins from Well, they certainly aren’t anyone, we just need to apologoing to be changing their gize, talk to each other and try stances any time soon. It’s pri- to be better and take some joy mary time, which means that in life instead of grimly calling they have to appease the Repub- each other sinners. lican base, their paranoid, out— Robert Jones
K
im Davis, the county clerk in Kentucky who refuses to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, is going to jail. She brought this on herself by refusing to resign from a government position with duties she openly admits she will not fulfill. When Davis faced U.S. District Judge David Bunning on Thursday, crucial principles were at stake, but religious freedom wasn’t among them. Davis had defied Bunning’s order to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The way for Davis to stick to her convictions and show proper respect to the rule of law was to step down. Instead, she chose to insult the legitimate authority of the federal court and claim the right to ignore the responsibilities with which the people of Rowan County entrusted her. And what of religious liberty? In Davis’ case, it is an irrelevant excuse, not a plausible justification. Davis has every right to oppose same-sex marriage as a private citizen. If she were a member of the clergy, she would have every right to refuse to perform ceremonies for gay men and lesbians. She has every right to peti-
tion the Kentucky legislature to offer clerks such as herself some workaround, though she rejected Bunning’s, and legislators would have good reasons to say no if asked. But her religious convictions do not excuse her from having to apply the law as it stands in her official duties, a commitment she made when she took office. You would expect that candidates for president, an office with substantially more power than that of Rowan County clerk, would understand this simple point. Many, however, seem not to. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, said Thursday that it is “absurd to put someone in jail for exercising their religious liberties.” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, called on “every lover of liberty to stand with Kim Davis.” Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Republican, was equally effusive. Others showed greater wisdom. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, hit the nail on the head: “I support traditional marriage, but she’s accepted a job where she has to apply the law to everyone. And that’s her choice,” he said. That choice remains in Davis’s hands. The Washington Post (Sept. 3)
DOONESBURY
your newspaper. Exactly what are Snyder’s qualifications? Is she a veterinarian or a biologist? I thought blackballing individuals went out after Maine’s Sen. Margaret Chase Smith set Joseph McCarthy in his place with her June 1950 “Declaration of Conscience” speech. Smith’s demands for “validity, accuracy, credibility and fairness” still ring true today, and it is of utmost importance that our media outlets adhere to unflinching journalistic standards and provide unbiased reporting to the public. Giving Snyder’s message this much coverage is purposely creating an atmosphere riddled with damaging statements and distrust unjustly toward the Miners. Sarah A. Sherman Southport Island
Support for Brooks As a friend, neighbor and observer of Joan Brooks since 1958, I would like to declare the following: She has performed many duties in the town of Eddington. Her present position as chairman of the Board of Selectmen is above reproach. Her standards are high. She is educated, earned a Ph.D. and retired from a teaching position at the University of Maine. Recently there has been a petition to recall her for no reason. Social media have run rampant with untruths about her. Let’s take our town back by voting to keep her in office. Hilma Adams Eddington
The pope embodies what the term “pro-life” originally meant, before it was appropriated. It meant a respect for all things living, especially the poor. An early Catholic “prolife” group sent a list of what they saw as essential human rights to the United Nations in the ’50s. The list talked about the right to education and a living wage and the right to life from the moment of conception. Other groups used the terminology to oppose war and advocated for respect for all. — wolfndeer Funny how the tune changes when the pope agrees with liberals. All of a sudden the church/state divide isn’t a problem. A word of caution: Hitching your wagon to the Popemobile can have some serious consequences for your credibility. — HarrySnyder
GARRY TRUDEAU
