http://youtu.be/kYiKdJoSsb8
I was going to say that “solidarity” really isn’t a socialist word, but in significant ways, it is. Or rather, the concept is integral to much of socialist theory. Of course, the idea isn’t unique to socialist thought, either. Still, singing “Solidarity Forever” probably won’t be a big part of Labor Day celebrations. Apparently it’s a scary kind of idea to some, and sounds sort of old fashion to others.
Some quotes about solidarity.
From MassAFLCIO:
Eugene Debs: ‘Solidarity is not a matter of sentiment but a fact, cold and impassive as the granite foundations of a skyscraper. If the basic elements, identity of interest, clarity of vision, honesty of intent, and oneness of purpose, or any of these is lacking, all sentimental pleas for solidarity, and all other efforts to achieve it will be barren of results.’
Mother Jones: ‘My friends it is solidarity we want. We do not want to find fault with each other, but to solidify our forces and say to each other: We must be together; our masters are joined together and we must do the same thing.’
From Finest Quotes:
Samora Machel: International solidarity is not an act of charity: It is an act of unity between allies fighting on different terrains toward the same objective. The foremost of these objectives is to aid the development of humanity to the highest level possible.
From Brainy Quotes:
Lech Walesa: ‘The sole and basic source of our strength is the solidarity of workers, peasants and the intelligentsia, the solidarity of the nation, the solidarity of people who seek to live in dignity, truth, and in harmony with their conscience.’
Two quotes not directly about “solidarity,” but certainly related. From Finest Quotes:
Thomas Geoghegan: ‘When people ask me, ‘Why can’t labor organize the way it did in the thirties?’ the answer is simple: everything we did then is now illegal.
Second, and in conclusion of some “solidarity” reflections, from Dictionary.com:
Yevgeny Yevtushenko: ‘Why is it that right-wing bastards always stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity, while liberals fall out among themselves?’
” When people ask me, ‘ Why can’t labor organize the way it did in the thirties? ‘ the answer is simple: everything we did then is now illegal. ” In the thirties they fought for what they got, with their own blood. You don’t get something for nothing.
To a significant extent, we do seem to have lost the will, or whatever is needed, to fight. And when people do step out, when they march, protest, take to the streets to make their voices heard, they’re frequently criticized and demeaned.
We the People have been taught to be quiet and compliant.