A Salute to Work and Workers

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A salute to work and workers

Rep. Bradley, Commentary

Labor Day is upon us, and it occurs to me how intertwined this holiday is

with our more highly celebrated Independence Day. The complementary nature

of these national holidays was unexpectedly brought to mind while waiting

for a light to change at a busy intersection.

He was in the crosswalk alone, each step rapid and deliberate, a destination

clearly in mind. The business establishment on the corner he is heading for

has a well-manicured lawn and sports a flagpole, with the Stars and Stripes

waving in the warm breeze. Wearing a fresh, clean uniform shirt with neatly

pressed trousers, he is to the other side of the street in short order.

He has a serious and kind face, he also has the physical characteristics of

Trisomy 21, otherwise known as Down syndrome. Having crossed the street, his

goal is now very clear, there is a public bus pulling up just ahead of him.

Startling, to me at least, his approach to the bus is abruptly interrupted.

He stops completely and, as if an unseen drill sergeant has suddenly

commanded his attention, he straightens his posture, clicks his heels and

renders a crisp and perfectly executed salute to the American flag. Just as

smartly he drops the salute and proceeds directly to the waiting bus.

In the time it takes to wait for a traffic light to change, on a muggy busy

afternoon, in a city partially paralyzed by a gas crisis, is made manifest

so much of what is good about this country. Here at a congested

intersection, the themes of justice, liberty, opportunity, responsibility

and duty make a refreshing appearance.

A young man cheerfully on his way to his daily labor takes the time with no

prodding or fanfare to acknowledge the symbol that permits his life to be

what it is despite nature's foiled attempt to handicap him. Here, embodied

in a simple gesture, clear evidence that, given the opportunity, nurture can

overcome great odds.

In other eras and other places justice would not be so well served. His

countenance alone would have sentenced him to an institutionalized life at

best. This young man with the noble gait commands respect. Respect literally

means to look again. Look again and see what belief in another person can

accomplish. His pride is not simply self-induced.

It is, in part, the product of others believing in him, encouraging, guiding

and teaching him.

Natural law dictates self-preservation. That is why work is so important. It

is our affirmation and acceptance of our duty to carry our weight, to

survive no matter the odds. Providing this man and so many others like him

with the opportunity to work is what being in a civil society means.

Pope XXIII noted more than 40 years ago, " State activity in the

economic field, no matter what its breadth or depth may be, ought not to be

exercised in such a way as to curtail an individual's freedom of personal

initiative. Rather it should work to expand that freedom as much as possible

by the effective protection of the essential personal rights of each and

every individual. " This young man's individual labor is the objective

manifestation of our collective freedom.

If July 4 is the celebration of our independence, then perhaps Labor Day is

the celebration of our interdependence. None of us labors in a vacuum. One

way or another we are beholden to each other. The collective value of our

labor is directly proportional to the value of our relationships with one

another.

As a function of his own determination and nurtured by the grace of some

unknown freedom lovers, a young man makes his way to work. He stops to

acknowledge the symbol of what makes his walk possible. We are all part of

it.

Off to work young man, let freedom ring. Thanks.

Rep. Bradley, D-Tucson, represents District 28