The Battle of the Bracelets

In the midst of very terse exchanges on foreign policy and the economy, both candidates made an attempt to connect with their bases on their Iraq war policy stances.  Pushing up his sleeve, Sen. McCain made reference to a bracelet given to him by a mother of a U.S. soldier who basically said "make sure you win this war, so my son didn't die in vain."  Not to be outdone, Sen. Obama retorted, "I too wear a bracelet given to me by the mother of a soldier who told me that no mother should have to go through what she has gone through."  "We need to end the war in Iraq." I feel a little shallow for wearing a bracelet because it looks good.

Seriously though, I believe both candidates did a good job of connecting with their bases last night.  Problem is, I really don't know how well either of them did of connecting with independent voters who will be deciding this election.  It is clear, however, that the candidates do not have a whole lot in common.  Together, they are the modern day "Odd Couple" (I'll let you decide who is Randall and who is Klugman).  

Then there is the issue of pre-condition diplomacy, aka  preparation.  Pre-condition diplomacy is code for friendship with benefits.  It's a bully tactic  the GOP loves.   It's the equivalent of the bully-shakedown for your lunch money on the playground.  I got your back if you give me your lunch money loser!  Since when do we need pre-conditions to have a conversation?  One of the reasons we are so hated around the world is because we have an air of imperialism about us.  Sen. Obama is a consensus builder who is trying to bring a sense of restorative justice to heal the international wounds of the current administration.  Yet, he is painted by Sen. McCain as naive for wanting to get back to some good ole' fashion campfire talks with heads of state.  

Meanwhile, Gov. Sarah Palin is trying to get better resolution out of her binoculars....... 

 

   

Tis the Season

With John McCain two timing Letterman for Couric; a U.S. economy that is seemingly going down the toilet; and Sarah Palin doing her best Barney Fife impersonation on the campaign trail, I'm getting a little sick of the political season and look to focus renewed energy on another passion of mine--NBA basketball!!!!

Training camp begins tomorrow for many NBA teams  and I will be particularly interested on seeing how well the big man tandem of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol works out for my beloved Lakers.  I've had to go into the witness protection program after our dreaded nemesis--Boston Celtics pounded us in the NBA finals last June.  Now, the disguise is off; I'm looking to get some sun on my pale skin and I'm ready for the Lakers to take the title this year!

Problem is, with our ailing economy, I won't be able to afford the inflated ticket prices at the Laker's box office.  Worse than that, living in NM, I won't be able to afford the cost of the flight, hotel and the ticket broker prices since all Laker home games are sold out.  

Thank goodness for NBA League Pass!!

Social Utilitarianism

Millions of people are now connected via the powerful social utility platforms like Myspace and Facebook.  I was reluctant to embrace this contemporary form of networking at first.  Mood: Pissed off; Status:  Huh?  Friends?  The concept seemed a little superficial to me.  Reluctantly, I started out with a Facebook page, since most of my "friends" said it was a more "mature" crowd. I thought to myself, "wasn't Facebook set-up to connect college students?" I'm a little removed from that demographic.  Anyways, I spent the requisite time laying out my page, uploading photos and putting together a brief bio.  

Then, like a freckled-faced teenager, I set out to get me some friends!  Much like the freckled-faced teenager, I got off to a slow start.  Now, this is where they get you.  It becomes competitive. How come so and so has more friends than me?  You begin clicking the profiles of others to snatch up some of their friends.  There's no way so and so can have more friends than me!  By then, it's too late......you're hooked-in.  A couple of weeks later, you set-up a Myspace page to see if you can get more friends there........

Aside from the shameless friend connections, social utilities have become powerful tools in the worlds of marketing, politics and advocacy.  The ability to mobilize thousands with the click of a button has revolutionized the way campaigns are run; the way we fundraise for the causes that are important to us; and the way we mobilize people to vote and support issues.  Sen. Barack Obama's campaign has fully embraced social utilities to spread their message and mobilize voters.  You can find all kinds of "groups" on Facebook that seek to rally people around candidates of both parties. 

In terms of social consciousness and philanthropy, Facebook has launched a "Causes" application that allows you to advocate and raise money for the social issues that are important to you.  Organizations, like the Red Cross, Keva Loans, Stand Up Against Cancer are now using this powerful platform to raise awareness and garner monetary support for critical social/wellness issues around the world.  

While these social utilities increase our ability to connect, they also decrease our ability to be focused and productive at work.  Inbox:  President George W. Bush wants to be your friend.  Yikes!  Better delete that one!  Hmm, I think I need to change my profile picture.  I wonder what Gov. Sarah Palin's "mood" is right now........You get the picture.          

 

Check Please

I was reminiscing this morning a little bit about days gone by.  In high school, I wanted a new pair of Air Jordans, a brand new pair of parachute pants and I remember having a hearty appetite after a night of living it up with my friends.  Ahh, the good ol' days right?  Then I began to deflate a little bit thinking about that one friend who always ordered the most expensive thing on the menu and never had the cash to pay for it.  You know the one.  You all had at-least one blood sucking leach in your crew who always had the propensity to say:  "Man, I forgot my wallet.  Do you think you can get me this time?  Problem was, "this time" was more like "every time." So, there you were stuck with the bill and your so called buddy got yet another free pass.  Sound familiar?

Knee deep in the negotiations of a 700 billion dollar government bailout of the stock market, I can't help but think, damn!  I'm stuck with the bill again!  Problem is the blood sucking leach is no longer the friend that could get regulated with a beat down--its the federal government.  Wall Street, with their aviricious appetite once again gets a free pass.  The so-called "market experts" couldn't see this coming?  When housing prices skyrocketed over a year ago, I couldn't help but think, "How can the average, middle class family afford these inflated mortgages?"  For the majority of America, who live paycheck to paycheck, how on earth are they going to afford housing?  Yet the banks, who were well aware that most people couldn't afford to pay the bill continued to set the banquet table for people who really couldn't afford the meal.  

Whose to blame?  I think we all can assume at-least some of the responsibility.  But, an unregulated market driven by greed can force the hand of  Main Street USA by forcing us to pay more than we can afford to for shelter and other sustenance needs (feel free to insert gas prices here).   

How much do you think I can get for those parachute pants in the closet on ebay? 

A Surge in Public Health Interest

Are college students today becoming more interested in health related careers?  According to an article in the Washington Post today the answer would be yes.  College campuses across the country are increasing their offerings in public and global health to meet the surging student demand.  My first reaction was; is this an opportunistic response to the growing demand for health care professionals both nationally and abroad?   Do young people recognize the immediate opportunities that are out there for them in health related careers once they graduate?  In most of the U.S. urban markets, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, the demand is so stark that students typically have job offers well before they even graduate.  To my surprise, the article refreshingly points to a youth movement that is "communitarian" and action oriented.  Young people want to make a difference in their communities and in the broader global community. Focusing on global health issues is their strategy to do it.  

Then I got to thinking about the growing demand for bilingual health care professionals.  It is well documented that the Hispanic population in the U.S. is growing exponentially--which invariably leads to a growing bilingual, bicultural population.  One of the best health care career pathways to address the growing need for bilingual health care professionals resides at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR).  The NCLR Health Care Career Pathways Initiative works with its Affiliates to link the nation’s future labor force with dynamic industries by creating innovative and replicable partnership models that prepare, retain, and advance Latino workers in quality careers. Through the NCLR Health Care Career Pathways Initiative, NCLR funds and strengthens existing Affiliate programs by incorporating strategies that support the upward mobility and skills acquisition of Latinos in the health care industry. 

The best example of this comprehensive approach to developing Latino health care professionals is the Carreras en Salud model in Chicago.  This award winning program is administered by Instituto del Progreso Latino, an established organization that has been doing tremendous work on Chicago's south side for many years.  The program is a braided initiative that weaves social supports, like case management and job development with integrated educational support to bridge the gap between limited English proficient individuals and high-paying Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) positions.

Since its implementation in early 2005, over 700 students have enrolled in Carreras en Salud – 85 bilingual and bicultural mostly Latina students completed the program and attained their LPN. Graduates have doubled their salaries, earning on average $40,000 per year. 

A great example of personal and economic empowerment during Hispanic Heritage month.

    

Should the South Valley Incorporate?

The University of New Mexico just completed their feasibility report to determine if the unincorporated South Valley should break away from Bernalillo County and become its own municipality.  Rep. Miguel Garcia presented the plan to about 100 residents last night at Rio Grande High School.  

According to the study, sales and property taxes would have to be raised to provide the tax base to support municipal services, such as parks and recreation, fire services and police.  The sales tax increase would basically mean that South Valley patrons would be paying the same 6.75% rate that Albuquerque residents pay for sales within the city.  Not that big a deal right?  Most South Valley residents drive to the "city" to get their goods and services anyway, so most residents will not really feel the impact.  The problem is there is not enough private industry in the area right now to create a robust local economy.  The area has long been an agricultural, small town community that is change averse and does not openly welcome private business neighbors.  Remember when Wal-Mart opened?  The Coors/Rio Bravo Wal-Mart, aka the South Valley Mall, splintered the community in the debate of open space versus economic development.  Most people that were opposed to the Wal-Mart development can be spotted convenience shopping there with the rimmed glasses/mustache disguise.  The final slap-in-the-face with Wal-Mart is that it is currently annexed in Albuquerque--meaning that unless it is re-annexed, gross receipts taxes from the biggest retailer in the area will continue to go to Albuquerque City Government.   

There are other concerns to note, like the hike in property taxes and the building of government facilities, such as a courthouse to collect fees and penalties.  Living in the area, I would like to maintain the small-town, community feel.  However, I know if we are to achieve our own independence, we have to look at an economic development strategy that increases our ability to govern ourselves and provide public goods and services to residents in the area who largely live at or below the poverty level.     

Daddy What do you Do?

Last night I'm sitting on the couch with my 7 year old daughter and I asked her, "Do you know what daddy does for work?" She pauses, then looks at me puzzled and says, "You go to your office right?" So, I'm thinking to myself, wow, my own kid doesn't really know what I do for a living.  I've posed this question before to my mother-in-law and she says:  "I just tell everybody that you work for some nonprofit."  Even my sister, in an attempt to explain what I do to a friend said, "You tell her what you do, since I'm not really sure what you do." Such is the life of a consultant in the public domain.  

I find myself having to tell stories about what I do, especially to those that work in the private sector.  Facilitation & Planning:  "Hmm.....its kinda like doing a business plan with nonprofits, foundations and government agencies.  You help guide them through the process of visualizing what the preferred destination looks like, provide a roadmap to get there and put in highway signs to see if they are on course to arriving at their destination.  You also put in benchmarks along the way so you can determine whether or not you are on the right track, with periodic check-ins to change course if necessary."

  

Public Policy:  "Once the plan is place, we have to determine what type of community/public support is necessary and what types of financing options are available (i.e. state, federal, municipal, local government support).  It's somewhat like going to a bank to fund your business plan, except its public money.  In some cases, there may not be money involved at all.  Rather, you might be looking at a state or federal law or a specific policy that needs to be put in place so you can open for business or ensure that your business runs smoothly.  In other cases you may just want to educate the public on the implications if action is not taken.  (i.e. global warming/carbon emissions)    

Research & Evaluation:  Now that you have your doors are open for business, you want to know how well your business is performing.  Using scientific research methods, you seek to determine how well you are meeting the targeted needs of your clients.  Is your plan working? Does it need to be modified? What types of success stories can you tell to inform others of your impact?  What are the hard numbers or percentages that articulate  levels of success?   

When I speak to other consultants in the field, we often talk about setting up a support group to talk about these and other issues in educating the public of our work.  For now, this explanation still may draw blank looks from my 7 year old, but hopefully for those of you not currently in 2nd grade this explanation will suffice.   

The Plight of the Farm Worker

In the midst of a national housing crisis, what largely goes unnoticed is the deplorable, inhumane living conditions of the farm worker.  Our national focus remains the recent subprime mortgage snafu, while hundreds of agricultural laborers are denied the dignity of basic shelter for themselves and their families.  Many of these laborers who work tirelessly in grueling conditions are sleeping underneath trucks, in parking-lots or camping in the orchards.

Aside from the living conditions, these workers labor in triple-digit temperatures 10-12 hours a day so we can enjoy produce on our dinner tables.  In fact, a 63 year old mother of nine recently died from dehydration and heat stroke having endured back breaking labor in 111 degree heat. Her death marked the 6th heat related death in the fields in a 3 month period.

We cannot ignore these violations of basic human rights nor should we allow people to be flippant about a person's citizenship in the face of these conditions.  The right to safe drinking water, food and basic shelter should be afforded to EVERYONE regardless of age, gender, race or creed.  

During Hispanic Heritage month, take the time to research Cesar Chavez and his lasting legacy to improve the lives of the poorest and most powerless members of our workforce.  Visit the United Farm Workers website to see how you can make a difference to improve the plight of agricultural workers.  But most importantly, when eating your fruits and vegetables at the dinner table, be mindful that there is exploitation and injustice happening in the fields--and we can do something about it.     

The Bush Doctrine

A day after her interview with Charles Gibson, most of the political analysts, media rags and bloggers will be focused on Gov. Sarah Palin's blank expression when asked about the Bush Doctrine.  Gov. Palin obviously did not know the particulars of the doctrine, choosing to focus on the broad stroke foreign policy objectives of the current administration.

To be quite honest, I had know idea what the Bush Doctrine was.  I would venture to say that most Americans don't know the particulars of the "Doctrine." So, how will this affect our perceptions of Gov. Palin's readiness to lead?  Very little, I'm assuming.  I can see now, however, why the GOP held Gov. Palin back from doing media interviews.  She looked visibly nervous and stiff throughout the interview.  The "Palin Bounce" was more of a dribble with a flat ball last night with the GOP vice presidential nominee sticking to canned rhetoric instead of fluid responses to some pretty tough questions.  What I saw was a false sense of confidence in the presence of a seasoned, informed reporter.   

In other news, our presidential nominees showed spirited support for National Service at the ServiceNation Summit last night.  Both candidates pledged their support to double the number of service opportunities for citizens to respond to the most pressing needs in our country. Being a huge advocate for National Service, I was pleased to see the candidates publicly support a National Service agenda that will mobilize more volunteers to assist in our educational, environmental, healthcare and social justice efforts.    

Paving the Way for Future Generations

September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage month. Festivities will take place throughout the country and in our own great state of New Mexico to celebrate the people who helped pave the way for people like me. September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Have we come a long way? Absolutely. Do we still have a lot of work to do to improve the way Latinos live and work in this country? You bet. It is important however to take a moment to reflect on some of the great strides we’ve made. Cesar Chavez single-handedly began an entire movement to improve the plight of Latino workers. U.S. Senator Dennis Chavez of New Mexico was the first United States Senator of Hispanic origin. As for me, I will be thinking of these national leaders who helped shape our heritage and our lives in this country. In addition, I will be thinking of my own heroes in life, who taught me strength in faith and unity in family.


I will be thinking of my Grandma, who cared for us when we were sick by giving us “remedios” instead of the western medicine prescribed to us. I will think of the smell of fresh tortillas in her kitchen, her faith in God, and her ability to connect an entire family with tradition, faith and love. She will not appear in a history book, or in an internet google search, but she taught me how to keep my Mexican heritage and succeed in America. Be sure to take a moment to honor your heroes who helped pave the way for future generations.

Alicia M. Manzano is a member of the Hispanic Statement of Cooperation.  She is an expert in fund development and marketing with special emphasis in Latino marketing.

Hispanic Student Population Doubles

According to a recent report by the Pew Hispanic Center, the number of Hispanic students in America's public schools has more than doubled from 1990 to 2006, accounting for 60% of the total enrollment growth over that period.  There are currently an estimated 10 million Hispanic students in public kindergarten, middle school and high schools in the U.S.  Hispanics account for 1 in 5 students in U.S. schools.

Unfortunately, more than a quarter (28%) of Hispanic students attending public school in the U.S. live in poverty, as compared to 16% of non-Hispanic students.  However, with a growing Hispanic population in U.S. schools, multicultural values and traditions will continue to shape public education in the U.S.  With a growing need for bilingual professionals, Hispanic students--where 7 in 10 students speak Spanish at home--become a valuable asset in a vibrant global economy. 

There are advocates on both sides of the aisle of the assimilation/acculturation argument. However, with a rapidly growing Hispanic population in the U.S., our schools, healthcare institutions, businesses and invariably marketers will have to adapt to more of a bicultural population that influences our local culture with traditions, music, food and language from their homeland.

Vote 18-24

The presidential pendulum can swing in either direction depending on youth turnout at the polls.  According to a story on KOB TV 4 in Albuquerque, youth voted at only a 42% rate in the 2004 presidential election.  

Vote 18, a national nonprofit was in Albuquerque on Monday to persuade the 18-24 demographic to get out and vote.  So, exactly how do you get youth out to vote?  First, I think you need to get them fired up about the issues in their community.  No young person likes siphoning the ATM machines to pay for gas.  Furthermore, young people don't need the added stress of wondering how they are gonna pay for medical bills when they see the Doctor.   Several nonprofit groups in New Mexico focus on mobilizing youth around issues that most affect them and their communities.  Groups like Young Women United, who champion comprehensive sex education. The New Mexico Youth Alliance, who partner with the Lt. Governor's Office and the Children's Cabinet to promote positive youth development throughout the state. New Mexico Civic Engagement who organize to develop engaged citizens and future community leaders.  Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) who work diligently to bring social justice issues affecting youth to the forefront.  SAGE Council who work on water rights and issues affecting Native American communities.  

The youth vote will likely navigate the course for our country in the next four years, while local youth organizing groups will continue to shape statewide policy and have an impact on our most treasured resources--our communities and our people.   

Flotation Device for Fannie and Freddie

The big news today is the government bail out of Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.  The move prompts us to think about the tax implications since it is tax payer financed.  Early indications are that interest rates will drop, which should stimulate new purchases.  However, there are certainly more questions than answers regarding the potential impact of the move.

Music Without Message

As I was reading an article about Rage Against the Machine and what they were doing to protest partisan politics.  I had to rewind back the proverbial 8-track mind to think about the protest music of the late 60's and early 70's.  Edwin Starr was singing; "War, what is it good for?"  Marvin Gaye released his groundbreaking What's Going On album that raised awareness about the environment (Mercy, Mercy Me), poverty (Make Me Wanna Holla) and other important social issues of the day.  Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and even the Godfather of Soul James Brown all used the most powerful media platform--music--to elevate the mind and move the soul towards action.  

Unfortunately, Rage Against the Machine is an anomaly in a music scene entrenched in shallow content and little substance.  I ask friends about this, and the most common answer I get is: "My life is hard as it is.  I don't need to be thinking about anything when I listen to music.  Its my release."  Or, "I like the beat.  I don't really listen to the lyrics."

Hip-hop artist/mogul  Diddy--I think that's what his name is this week--makes matters worse by dumbing down the issues to try to connect with young voters.  Anyone see his YouTube videos?  I respect the effort to mobilize youth to vote.  What I don't respect is the message or lack there of.  I think he should stick to "Shaking his Tailfeather."

My younger friends get on my case by saying that there are artists in hip-hop that do have a message in their music.  They're just "underground."  My question then becomes;  "How can we get this music to see the light of day?"  I'm a child of the 80's and remember the groundbreaking work of Public Enemy.  I contrast their work against what I hear on the airwaves these days and there is no comparison.  But, I also wonder if there would be a market today for their music?  Probably pretty small I would imagine.  

Anyways, you can find me thumbing through old crates of 12" singles and boxes of 8-track tapes until we figure this one out.         

The Power of Words

Interesting graphic in the New York Times today that highlights the words most often used by Republicans and Democrats on the campaign trail.  As you will see, Republicans most often reference God while Democratics most frequently reference change.   

ServiceNation

Next week marks the 7th anniversary of one of the worst attacks on American soil in history.  On 9/11 we will remember the horror of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and all of the innocent lives lost. We will also remember the bravery of the fireman, police men and women and the hundreds of volunteers that rose up to respond to the challenges in our darkest hour.  

On September 11th and 12th, 2008 leaders in government, business, philanthropy and the nonprofit sector will gather in New York to lay out a bold plan for service and volunteerism in our country.  The ServiceNation Summit will bring together about 500 leading Americans who will spark the conversation on national service to help build enthusiasm and momentum for the ServiceNation campaign.  The intended outcome of the summit is to come up with a national blueprint for service and volunteerism that makes civic engagement a top priority in the political and community landscapes.

New Mexico has been a catalyst in driving a civic engagement agenda.  In 2006, Governor Bill Richardson, Lt. Governor Diane Denish, the New Mexico Commission for Community Volunteerism and concerned citizens throughout the state developed The Blueprint for Civic Engagement which serves as a statewide roadmap to service and volunteerism opportunities in the state.  The Blueprint also incorporates policy recommendations to increase service and volunteerism and civic engagement opportunities in New Mexico to effectively respond to the educational, health, environmental and economic needs of our state.   Volunteer hours in New Mexico have had nearly a billion dollars in impact.

The ServiceNation summit will be televised on CNN and will feature appearances by presidential candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama.    

  

Pitbull with Lipstick

Governor Sarah Palin answered any questions about her ability to connect with her base last night.  Her introduction to the American public was a quick glance at her family album and a glaring stare back at the Democratic presidential ticket.  The direct hits to Sen. Obama's resume, particularly his community organizing experience is sure to get a response.  Having worked the majority of my life in community-based organizations, the role of an organizer is pivotal in connecting community resources to those most in need.  I'm sure there were plenty of others aside from Sen. Obama that found this offensive.  

Amidst all the attacks and cynicism, there was little to be found by way of substance.  What is your plan to improve the economy?  What are you going to do to improve health care for the uninsured and underinsured?  What is your plan to withdraw troops from an unpopular war?  I'm pretty sure Sen. John McCain will cover these points in his acceptance speech tonight.  However, Gov. Palin is the one who continues to tout all of her executive experience, so what would she do to bring about change if she was the Commander in Chief?

One thing is for sure, if this campaign turns into a brawl--which, invariably it will--the self-proclaimed pitbull with lipstick will be ready to fight.     

Country First?

The John McCain sales pitch was loud and clear last night as the Republicans opened their National Convention .  The predictable McCain "the war hero" characterization was repeated over and over again throughout the speeches by Sen. Joe Lieberman and former presidential candidate Fred Thompson.  I must admit, Thompson did a very good job of telling McCain's story.  However, he also underscored one very important point--being a war hero doesn't particularly mean you are ready to run a country.  

Now, let's turn to the convention's rallying cry--"Country First."  If the Republicans had put "Country First" 8 years ago, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place.  Country First-foreign only dependency.  We continue to jones for foreign oil, while the Republicans fail to prioritize cleaner energy solutions, like wind, geothermal and solar.  Country First-national security.  We continue to exhaust much needed resources to support a war in Iraq that we should have never engaged in.  Billions go to Iraq each day to support the war, putting our country further and further in debt, while Iraq reports approximately 90 billion in surplus.   Country First-health care.  We have record numbers during the Bush Administration of children and families that are uninsured or underinsured in our country.  Country First--Poverty.  The economic prosperity for Americans, not in the upper 5% percentile is at an all-time low.  What is the Republican Party's plan--more tax breaks for large corporations. 

Sounds an awful lot like "Country First" to me.  The question is:  "What Country Are They Talking About?"      

Passing the Test

In early 2006, about 6 months after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city of New Orleans, I had the opportunity to witness the devastation first hand.  The sight of homes lifted from their foundations relocated to the middle of residential streets.  Cars positioned head first through broken windows in abandoned homes. The now infamous circle symbol with quadrants representing people missing and animals dead.  And the horrible sight of complete devastation and inactivity from the federal government in the Lower 9th Ward.  

Three years later, it was good to see that we have learned from our mistakes.  While the threat from Hurricane Gustav still lingers, the proactive approach taken by FEMA and the Federal Government gives me hope that we can get past cronyism and failed bureaucracy to a more responsive government.  Furthermore, the levee on the Industrial Canal which breached during Katrina, is only reporting about 6 inches of water by late Monday afternoon--passing its first significant test.  

While it is way too early to assess the damage of Gustav, there are positive signs that catastrophic conditions were averted because of the lessons learned from Katrina.    

Labor Day: What it means

First of all, Happy Labor Day to everyone.  I hope everyone enjoys this day off (obviously I'm not taking heed to my own advice).  Now, how did Labor Day come to be?  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."  

In contemporary times, those from "rude nature" would include the garbage collectors, the construction workers and the farm workers who endure long hours, little benefits and do back-breaking work so we can behold some grandeur.  We should also reflect on the civil rights leaders who worked tirelessly to improve the conditions of these workers so they too might behold some grandeur.  Today, I will be thinking of Cesar Chavez, who made great personal sacrifices to improve the plight of farm workers across the United States.  I had the pleasure of meeting Chavez's granddaughter Julie Chavez Rodriguez this past year in Albuquerque.  Through her work with the Cesar Chavez Foundation, Chavez's legacy of maximizing human potential, improving communities and service reverberate through school halls and communities throughout our country.  

I will also be thinking of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the work he did with the garbage workers of the south just prior to his death.  Aside from improving the economic and social conditions of the marginalized in our society, Dr. King's message of SERVICE to each other; to our communities; and to those in our global community resonates as loud as ever.  His definition of greatness reads as follows:  "If you want to be important wonderful.  If you want to be recognized, wonderful.  If you want to be great wonderful.  But recognize that he that is greatest among you shall be your servant."  

So, in that spirit, we honor those who "carve all the grandeur we behold," and also honor those who believed grandeur is achieved by being a servant to the community.