Working Class Constitution


Working Class Constitution

Frustrated with my unwillingness to back down last week, someone snarled and called me a “Good Old Boy.”  I must admit at moments like this I should respond with the kindness of my mother, but I am my father’s son.   I looked the person in the eye and through my smart mouth grin simply said, “Thank you, I appreciate the compliment.”
Even though demographic researchers would classify me as a college educated professional member of the middle class, I must disagree.  I am a proud descendent of the working class.   My values were forged by family who worked hard every day with the strength of their hands.  They are the men and woman who turned “college boy” ideas into workable products and services.
I will take my working class “Good Old Boy” values up against anyone any day of the week and twice on Saturday.  What I learned in Ashtabula, Ohio will always be the best values.   My most loyal friends will always be the guys from the Harbor especially Mac, Wiz, and Double D. 
I imagine if a generation or two ago, the men working the Ashtabula docks, rail yards, and factories forged a working class constitution it would have included the following values.  
·         We shake hands firmly and look you in the eye because our handshake is our promise.
·         We love and take care of our families.
·         We want our children to have a better life. Family is everything.
·         We are loyal to our friends.  We have their backs and they have ours.
·         We are self-reliant.  We can fix what is broken or know someone who can.
·         We believe being on time is being 15 minutes early.
·         We believe in the grace of God.
·         When we give our word, you can take it to the bank.
·         We say what we mean and we mean what we say.
·         We stand for what is right regardless of the consequences.
·         We help others because someday we may need help.
·         We persevere.  When the going gets tough, we down shift, stick our face in the wind, and put one foot in front of the other until the job is done.
·         We are patriotic.  America may not be perfect, but don’t you dare tread on us.
·         We don’t surrender. You can knock us down, but we will get back up. 
·         We know how to make a dime into a quarter.
·         We will always out work you.
·         We sign our work with a job done well.
So if calling me a “Good Old Boy” means that I live a life based on the forged values of the working class, then I accept the compliment.   I am and will always be a descendent of the working men and woman of Ashtabula, Ohio.   You can keep your middle class values and I will keep the values forged in working class steel and forever strong.  I am my mother's and father’s son.

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