The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald--More than a Song

On Nov. 10,1975 , school kids in Michigan heard very little about the freighter S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald that sunk in Lake Superior, near Paradise, Mich. Surrounded by the Great Lakes, shipwrecks in Michigan were not uncommon. Then musician Gordon Lightfoot wrote "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." As the 37th anniversary of the wreck of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald approaches, here are facts from that song and why they are meaningful to Michiganders and mariners. Be sure to click the video links. They're very interesting. The one from the minister who rang the bell at Mariners Church in Detroit is particularly touching. Read on. 

September 11, Hurricane Katrina: Separate and Unequal Reactions

It's with mixed emotions that I ponder 9/11, 10 years later. I knew our nation would engulf the WTC, Flight 93 and Pentagon victims with love. My fellow Americans are kindhearted. But when a big wind named Katrina drowned New Orleans four years later, where was that compassion? It's a tale of two Americas. Two profiles in courage with a segregation of empathy. Two separate and unequal responses, two equal and opposite reactions. 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina: Separate and Unequal Reactions from a Compassionate Nation 

Constitution Day, September 17, Benjamin Franklin Lessons

The U.S. celebrates Constitution Day on September 17. Use these activities for a back to school unit on early American government, including a look a one of America's most influential men--Ben Franklin. Who was Benjamin Franklin? He was many things. Born January 17, 1706, Benjamin Franklin was the 15th of Josiah Franklin's 17 children. His parents were poor working class people. Franklin's grandparents had been blacksmith, farmer and indentured servant. Despite this, Benjamin Franklin has been called a 'Renaissance Man'.   Read on Benjamin Franklin Lesson Plans, Homework Help for American History 

Best Labor Unions History Movies to Watch for Labor Day

 Labor Day, the first Monday in September, was designated to celebrate the achievements of organized labor unions in protecting workers' rights.Labor Day is about more than just BBQs and the last summer holiday. Here are labor union movies to watch for Labor Day. When labor wins a victory it helps everyone.

We have organized labor unions to thank for better healthcare benefits, unemployment benefits, safer working conditions, womens' right, racial unity, overtime pay, paid holidays and sick days, child labor laws and many other benefits that workers now take for granted. Watch these movies to understand more about how labors unions have impacted our lives. Since writing this I've since watched and recommend "Harlan County War" also. Read on  Best Labor Unions History Movies to Watch for Labor Day