The significance of Labor Day

US Labor Day, September 6th this year, honours the works and contributions of labourers to the development and achievements of the United States. It is a Federal holiday and comes on the first Monday in September after a Labor Day weekend, a time of picnics and some parades. It marks the unofficial end of summer as the Northern hemisphere moves into autumn, and a time to enjoy the diminishing opportunities for outdoor barbecues.

Most European countries celebrate their Labour Day on May 1st, or on the nearest Monday to it. It cannot escape notice that the European Labour Day comes in Spring, at a time of planting and promise, whereas the US Labor Day comes in the Autumn, when the harvest is in. It highlights the difference between hope and achievement.

The difference between the two Labour days also illustrates the difference between Socialism and Capitalism. Socialism is full of promise and aspiration, but does not achieve in practice the results it aspires to. Most Socialist countries have been racked by shortages and shoddy goods, some even by famines. Inflation has abounded in many. Never do its Springtime plants deliver their hoped-for harvest.

Capitalism has delivered the goods. Its harvest is in, and has lifted more people out of subsistence and starvation than anything else people have ever done. Its wealth has eliminated malnutrition for most, extended life expectancy, reduced child mortality and deaths in childbirth.

Socialism is Spring; Capitalism is Autumn. By all means enjoy the Springtime hopes of better weather and a better world. But more realistically, enjoy the Autumn achievements of human success, and reflect on what it has taken to bring it to pass. Happy Labor Day.