Keller @ Large: The Message Of Labor Day

BOSTON (CBS) - Happy Labor Day, the national holiday created by frightened politicians to appease angry workers after the Pullman Strike of 1894, a revolt against money-grubbing railroad owners who thought they could get away with gross unfairness to their employees.

That was a defining event in the early history of the modern labor movement in our country, complete with a presidential commission later declaring the company's behavior "un-American."

That's an interesting concept when it comes to business in America.

Unlike some other countries, we don't disdain the profit motive. We celebrate it, sometimes distastefully so, thanks to the Kardashians.

But from the summer of the Pullman Strike right up to our summer of Market Basket, there does seem to be a common definition of where capitalism crosses the line – gratuitous indifference to basic fairness toward others.

Consider the unintentionally-hilarious story of the uproar among million-dollar homeowners in the Hamptons over the escalating noise pollution of helicopters and small planes carrying the mega-rich out to their summer palaces, because, you know, even in your limo, you're at the mercy of peasant traffic.

"Quality of life truly is being diminished for commercial greed," one angry rich person tells the New York Times, and yes, Biff and Muffy, we feel your pain.

If you can afford the nice summer home, more power to you, and God Bless America.

But the message of Labor Day remains – don't trash us on the way there, because you may find we bite back.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.

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