Labor Day 2008: Workers of America, We Thank You

Now more than ever, a good job is a precious thing to have.

Especially a good job... with benefits.

This Labor Day 2008, I know several people looking for a stable job with a solid future.

They're having a tough time finding that perfect job.

Some of the job-seekers I know are already working one job. For various reasons, they need additional work.

I hope their search ends soon... and successfully.

I have great respect and admiration for the working folks of our nation.

I was fortunate to have a wonderful example of work ethic in my life: my father. He worked a fulltime job outside the home, plus ran a large farm, provided for a wife and two sons, and helped his in-laws and his father however he could. He was a real sun-up (or earlier) to sun-down (or later) kind of guy. He was never lazy, and he never tolerated laziness.

My dad epitomized the recent Army recruiting slogan, "An Army of One."

He taught his sons how very much a motivated person can accomplish each day, as well as the pride a well-done job carries.

My dad is now in his eighties. Believe me, he'd love nothing better than to be able to work like he used to. I see it in his eyes whenever we visit. A bad back and a bad leg keep him from doing much work, but he still does what he can.

I've always had great respect for people who can build and fix things. Mechanics, plumbers, auto repairmen, technicians of all kinds... the guys we depend on when things break. They pick us back up and get us going again.

This holiday I hope you'll visit this very interesting U.S. Census Bureau website with information about America's workforce:

http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/012085.html

Some of the interesting tidbits:

THE NUMBER OF AMERICANS 16 AND OVER IN THE WORKFORCE: 82.6 million men, 71.9 million women

PERCENTAGE OF FULLTIME WORKERS WITH HEALTH INSURANCE: 82%

PERCENTAGE OF WORKERS IN PRIVATE INDUSTRY WHO GET A PAID VACATION: 77%

NUMBER OF WORKERS HOLDING DOWN MORE THAN 1 JOB: 7.7 million

NUMBER OF SELF-EMPLOYED WORKERS: 10.4 million

PERCENTAGE OF WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN WITH THEIR CURRENT EMPLOYER 20 OR MORE YEARS: 9%.

This November I join that nine percent. I will have been working for News Channel 7 (second stint) for 20 years.

Working folks... I salute you.

Have a terrific holiday. Take a little break... it's okay.