The Books of Bokonon

  Today's   May Day . If you're curious about the origins of May Day,   read here . It may well be the most ancient religious festival worldwide - primarily a homage to fertility goddesses as well as the renewal of life that we see in the spring time. In more modern times, May Day is significant as   the original labor day , and is tied with the   struggle   by organized labor movements to get the 8-hour work day that many of us take for granted recognized today. A number of years ago, I read John Ross' book   Murdered By Capitalism , in which the author discussed the labor movement in US history. In that book, I was reminded that by the middle of the 20th century May 1 was officially designated "Law Day" - making us unique in that we're supposed to celebrate those who smashed organized efforts to improve labor conditions. Then again, there are always those on the US and elsewhere who will use this occasion to use the specter of communism as a bogeyma...

Today is May Day, which is recognized an international workers' day practically everywhere but the US. May Day protests are also something of an international tradition. Why not here as well? There are events all around the US . And if you don't have a protest nearby today, there will be more to come. Bookmark 50501 to stay in the loop. H/t Tom Sullivan at Digby's blog for image and the reminder.  

It's not clear whether or not we will have a republic, known as the United States of America, for much longer. It's safe to say that Elon Musk, the billionaire overlord, is taking over more and more of the federal government with each passing day. Those government agencies only survive if people defend them. I think a lot of Democratic leaders and pundits, as well as Democratic or Democratic-leaning citizens were shell-shocked by the speed and ferocity with which the second Trump "presidency" (regime is a much more fitting descriptor). It's safe to say the shock has worn off and those who were stunned are now simply pissed off. The video you see is primarily directed at the closure of USAID. At the end, you see a number of Congressional representatives from the House and Senate enter the building housing USAID. It's not the only defense of our republic that I've seen, but it is noteworthy. I tend to be a bit jaded when it comes to actions that are more per...