Today in labor history Feb 23 Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land Is Your Land”

[Omaha Steve]

February 23

W.E.B. DuBois, educator and civil rights activist, born - 1868


February 23, 1887 - The Journeyman Bakers National Union received its charter from the American Federation of Labor. Its founder, George Block, was one of four people nominated in 1886 to head the newly-formed AFL. He declined to accept the nomination and Samuel Gompers was unanimously elected AFL president. Today, the bakers union has become the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union.
William Randolph Hearst’s San Francisco Examiner began publishing articles on the menace of Japanese laborers, leading to a resolution of the California legislature that action be taken against their immigration - 1904

Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land Is Your Land” following a frigid trip – partially by hitchhiking, partially by rail – from California to Manhattan. The Great Depression was still raging. Guthrie had heard Kate Smith’s recording of “God Bless America” and resolved to himself: “We can’t just bless America, we’ve got to change it” – 1940

Association of Flight Attendants granted a charter by the AFL-CIO - 1984

[luvspeas]

1. What a great day!

I felt like an American when Pete Seeger & Bruce Springsteen Performed Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” at the Lincoln Memorial concert.

In the squares of the city, under shadow of the steeple
At the relief office, I saw my people
As they stood there hungry, I stood there whistling
This land was made for you and me.

A great high wall there tried to stop me
A great big sign there said private property
But on the other side it didn’t say nothing
That side was made for you and me.

[GeorgeGist]

2. Betcha Woody wasn't singing to ...

the native people whose lives were ruined and land was stolen by God Bless America.

[luvspeas]

3. If you knew anything about Woody Guthrie

You would know that that is EXACTLY who he is talking to.