It is time for us to stop
the madness. When our Congress recently debated the stimulus package,
constantly we heard pundits and politicians talking about who would “win” the
debate or score the most points during this debate. The fact that we are
allowing the Department of Labor to be leaderless during this time of economic
turmoil for workers around the globe just shows how politics is trumping
patriotism at every step of the game. The last election was about change and we
as voters and workers need to say enough!

I know the Department of
Labor has its shortcomings, particularly after the de-funding and
politicization over the past eight years, and many see it as a weak institution
that isn’t worth our efforts. But I challenge you to read the mission statement
below and tell me that our country does not need the Department of Labor now
more than ever. 

The Department of Labor
fosters and promotes the welfare of the job seekers, wage earners, and retirees
of the United States
by improving their working conditions, advancing their opportunities for
profitable employment, protecting their retirement and health care benefits,
helping employers find workers, strengthening free collective bargaining, and
tracking changes in employment, prices, and other national economic
measurements. In carrying out this mission, the Department administers a
variety of Federal labor laws including those that guarantee workers’ rights to
safe and healthful working conditions; a minimum hourly wage and overtime pay;
freedom from employment discrimination; unemployment insurance; and other
income support.

Contact your elected
officials and ask them if they care enough about workers to put aside politics
and let the Department of Labor do it’s job.