There is more to life than toil, more than the mere acquisition of food and shelter.
A person can thrive if their life includes not only work and sleep, but also time to enjoy the fruits of their labors, leisure time, time spent with family and faith communities, and time for education and building a better future.
This life of thriving requires protection from the devouring mouth of capitalism, lest already-wealthy individuals and corporations exploit workers, leaving them with insufficient time and salary to thrive. The Bible supports this frequently: In Deuteronomy 24, God commands that “You shall not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy,” and in Malachi 3 adds “I will be a swift witness against … those who oppress the hired worker in his wages.
From ancient texts to today’s news, the right to “bread and roses” permeates our struggles. Today in Alaska, we are short on workers to provide child care, homelessness services, mental health care, positions at the Anchorage Health Department and Controller Division, the state Division of Public Assistance, and many more.
But there is hope. Just as surely as our own choices got us here, our own choices can pull us up, particularly when we stand together. A recent poll found that 70% of Americans, including a majority in both parties,. In a time of great divisiveness, it is remarkable to find such a large majority agreeing about anything. And this agreement is even stronger in younger generations, indicating a hopeful future for humane conditions and fair compensation.
By following the best principles celebrated on Labor Day — guaranteeing fair conditions, wages, and benefits for all of our workers — we can lift all Alaskans toward a thriving life, and together, all of us can enjoy our “right to life, and the sun and music and art.”The views expressed here are the writer’s and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints.
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