Commentary

Did you notice that reporters walking among the May Day protesters were unsuccessful in getting a clear answer to that question? Most of them thought it was the thing to do because the May Day Coalition’s social media sites said so: No work. No School. No shopping.

Some didn’t know if they were part of a “no kings” rally, an anti-ICE protest, or a demand for social justice, or climate control. Somebody handed them a sign, and they were okay with it as there was a mix of signs.

Socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders headlined a large-scale May Day rally in Philadelphia as National Day of Action of action against President Donald Trump’s policies toward workers, immigrants, and the economy.

The rally, organized by the Philadelphia AFL-CIO and a coalition of unions, immigrant rights groups, and progressive organizations, was titled “For Workers, Not the Billionaires.” 

“This is not just a moment to commemorate, this is a day of action”, declared Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, adding praise for Chicago Public Schools students and educators while highlighting the city’s deep connection to May Day, noting that its history in America is rooted in Chicago.

I thought I might find an answer in the leftist Arizona Republic with its headline reading, “Arizona activists rally for May Day demands.” Demands. They included tax the rich so that families come first, abolish ICE, the war with Iran, climate change, and hands off our vote aimed at diluting the votes of minorities and working people.

Several groups were credited with getting protestors out in Phoenix, including the Hotel and Food Service Workers Union Local 11, East Valley Unite, and the Arizona-based Organized Power in Numbers, making it impossible for a single demand to break through.  President Trump is their target.

Democrats and unions are trying to win back the middle class and blue-collar workers, but Trump is delivering on his promise to create another middle-class economic boom even bigger than the one seen in his first term.

The Treasury Department reports that blue-collar workers are experiencing real wage gains not seen in nearly 60 years, a stark turnaround from the Biden administration, when real wages declined.

With no tax on tips, tipped workers can deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips, resulting in about $1,300 per year on average.

And with no tax on overtime,” Americans can deduct the premium portion of their overtime pay up to $12,500 for individuals and $25,000 for joint filers.

Low-income workers stand to receive the largest percentage reduction in their tax liability. That means real, bottom-up relief targeted at those who need it most.

While critics have dishonestly claimed President Trump’s tax cuts are “just a tax break for billionaires,” the results speak for themselves. The Working Families Tax Cuts are the definition of pro-worker policy.

Although the president has accomplished much in his first year in office with plans to follow through on his MAGA agenda, Andrew March, of Phoenix, in a recent letter to the Arizona Republic, writes about his pessimistic concern over how things are likely to go in the future.

“Our problems are self-inflicted,” he writes, foolishly labeling Trump, “cruel, bigoted, lazy, ignorant, incompetent and a psychopath.”

Despite his accomplishments for average Americans, March believes Trump has “no concern for your well-being, even if you supported him.  It is logical not to expect any help, quite the reverse.”

Of course, the left-leaning March didn’t hear Trump refer to the “often-forgotten American workers – great people, the people who built our country,” when he recently announced his pledge for retirement savings access for American workers who don’t have access to employer-based retirement plans like a 401(k).  In a program to begin on January 1, 2027, workers will be able to receive $1,000 a year in matching funds.

When you watch other protest gatherings in the future, know that professional activist organizers are behind the paid mobs of know-nothings, primarily aimed at stopping Republicans from continuing Trump’s America first policies in the midterms.

May God continue bless the United States of America.