Labor Day for America; Lessons for Protesters around the World

As Americans celebrate the long, ongoing struggle of the Labor Movement, and the unofficial end of summer, with Labor Day picnics, cookouts, and other family gatherings, which will hopefully be free of rain, the world should be reminded of our history with civil unrest and violence crackdowns by powerful influencers.  Looking at, for example, protester clashes with police in Pakistan, which has seen much strife over the past decade or so thanks to official corruption, it is important to recognize America’s continual struggle with economic inequality has always hinged on a strategy for the long haul. 

Just as Pakistani elites have too often used laws and civil institutions to legitimize their illegitimate seizure of power, the same can be said about business principles and economic policies in America.  The United States certainly saw its share of violence as unions and corporations clashed with each other over legitimate cases of corruption, yet the rise of the middle class and labor laws only came into existence through persistent strategies that sought to generate popular support for change that eventually materialized when the powerful started recognizing the need to address the interests of the less affluent.  Democracy will only materialize in Pakistan if opposing political parties do the same.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif may or may not be the legitimate leader of Pakistan, but the only way protesters can succeed in their pursuit of social justice is to work within the established practices of their society.  Because Pakistan has a history of military coups, the military and judicial system are going to be very reserved in how they act against a sitting President.  This means protesters should persistently seek impartial investigations into vote rigging and/or new elections that are better monitored by impartial observers, not doom their own efforts by directing their protests in threatening ways and demanding resolutions that will never materialize, i.e. the immediate removal of the Prime Minister, while costing activists their lives.