Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country….

You wouldn’t know that if you asked some republicans.

Early this morning close to four hundred supporters of organized labor gathered in a park at 33rd and Southwest Trafficway just south of Metropolitan Community College for a Labor Day rally and march.

“Stand Up KC”

“Racial inequality? Unionize!”

“We are worth more”

A number of labor activists and office holders spoke to the crowd during the rally.

Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D) speaking at the early morning Labor Day rally and march in Kansas City – September 4, 2017.

“Stand up”

The march proceeded east on the sidewalk on 33rd Street and then turned south on Main. Kansas City Police in a mounted (horse) unit and patrol units accompanied the march.

Starting the march.

“America for working people?”

“There is no good society without a good union.”

Previously:

Fight for $15 – Kansas City – April 15, 2015 (April 16, 2016)

Mayor Sly James speaks at Fight for $15 – April 15, 2015 (April 16, 2015)

photo: Jerry Schmidt

Yesterday protesters numbering from over a thousand to several thousand (depending on the news report) took to the streets in Springfield, Missouri to protest Donald Trump’s visit to the city to promote his billionaire tax cut “plan”.

“My Pappy…” photo: Jerry Schmidt

“Affordable Health Care for All” photo: Jerry Schmidt

“Reject Racism” photo: Jerry Schmidt

“…Predator Trump” photo: Jerry Schmidt

“Corporate Greed = Recession” photo: Jerry Schmidt

There were some fierce looking ant-fascists at the protest:

photo: Jerry Schmidt

Apparently some right wingnuts were irritated that protesters displayed the American flag. Well, they’re Americans.

Previously:

Donald Trump is coming soon to a city near you (August 26, 2017)

Sen. Roy Blunt (r): Guess who’s coming to town? (August 27, 2017)

Welcoming Trump with open arms (August 29, 2017)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): own it (July 31, 2017)

Besides, that’s what umbrellas are for.

J.C. Nichols Fountain.

There was a planned demonstration for peace and inclusion today at the J.C. Nichols Fountain in Mill Creek Park near the entrance to the Plaza. About an hour before the planned 2:00 p.m. start one of the organizers posted a cancellation notice due to the weather via social media.

About twenty people showed up anyway. Most because they didn’t get the word in time.

The Kansas City Police had a significant presence staged a discreet distance away. As someone opined, “They don’t want another Charlottesville.”

From 1:30 p.m. to after 3:00 p.m. there were only a few intermittent rain drops.

Individuals with signs and past experience at demonstrations in the park know they can stand on the sidewalk facing the traffic driving into the Plaza. Plenty of people will see them. These two individuals faced to the east with their signs:

“…and Peace”

One speaker thanked those who did show up and reminded them that resistance is an action – it’s not enough just to show up – do something, anything to move forward.

Yes, those streaks in the photo are raindrops.

This morning in west central Missouri:

Sunrise.