Labor Day...

Most of us work, but the term "worker" doesn’t apply to us all with equal force. I am an attorney. Indeed, I have come to understand that when politicians speak about the “American worker” they aren’t referring to me. I used to be a little offended by that because I work really hard. However, today, I began to understand.

Today, I volunteered to work the Labor Day Parade for the Obama campaign. Without sounding elitist, this parade gave me the opportunity to experience Americana in a way that I hadn’t done in years.

I grew up the daughter of a banker and an educator. So, my youth was full of parades, pot luck dinners, and church socials. However, after graduating law school, I became this “attorney”. While I always maintained that I remained the same. Gradually, I took on all of the trappings that the job implies. In many ways, it was too easy not to.

I won’t say that I forgot where I came from. But, I became a little disconnected. My job, income, and social life insulated me from some of my community’s simple pleasures. The funny thing is that until today, I was rather unaware of it.

However, today, I realized what I have been missing. I also realized that honoring our workers with parades and recognition is important.

I also have a greater understanding about why Obama’s decision to become a community organizer was so significant. Instead of losing touch and simply becoming an "attorney", he chose to make a difference. And he chose to remain connected.

He took the path less travelled. I am glad that today he gave me the opportunity to do the same, at least today. And on this Labor Day, that made all of the difference.

Happy Labor Day!!!