When the union's inspiration through the workers' blood shall run, There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun; Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one, But the union makes us strong.
Monday was Labor Day, which we celebrate here in the US in September. The powers that be were afraid that if we observed it in May with much the rest of the world we might be reminded of the Haymarket Incident and the struggle for the 8 hour workday, which just wouldn't do.
To mark the occasion this year, hundreds filled Courthouse Plaza in Lexington, Kentucky for the Workers Over Billionaires rally and protest.
Befitting Labor Day, there was a slew of unions and other community organizations there as well. 'Solidarity Forever' was sung, organizers were heard from, and streets were lined with signs.
Is there aught we hold in common with the greedy parasite, Who would lash us into serfdom and would crush us with his might? Is there anything left to us but to organize and fight? For the union makes us strong.
Organized by the 50501 movement in conjunction with a host of other groups, it brought people from all over the state to downtown Lexington.
With all the attacks on working people and organized labor this year, it seemed fitting that one person brought a sign featuring Joe Hill's last words: "Don't Mourn, Organize!"
In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold, Greater than the might of armies, multiplied a thousand-fold. We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old For the union makes us strong.
Solidarity Forever! (All quotes from that old Wobbly anthem by Ralph Chaplin.)
