Real Work

After World War II, my father, a wounded, disabled veteran, went to law school on the G.I. Bill. Eventually he became a judge.

As a judge, Dad sometimes heard worker's compensation cases. He often told the story of one particular worker's case.

That worker testified he was totally disabled. When the insurance company's lawyer got up, he began the cross examination with these questions:

"You mean there's not any work you can do?"

The worker said, "No, sir."

The insurance lawyer pressed, "You mean there's not any job you can do?"

The worker replied, "No, sir."

The insurance lawyer went further: "You mean, in the whole state of Tennessee, there's not any job you can do?"

The worker thought about it a minute and finally replied:

"Well, I guess I could do what my lawyer and you and the judge do, but as far as any real work, no sir, I can't."

In heaven, Dad's still chuckling over that one.

Like many of you, I grew up working on a farm and doing other jobs that were real work. My neighbors did and do real work. And I deeply respect those who work long hours and do hard jobs to provide for their families and serve us all.

As a small-town attorney, I've represented people who do real work. And as a part-time citizen-legislator, I've fought for those who labor and also those who labor running small businesses.

If you give me the opportunity to serve in Congress, I'll continue fighting for working people and those laboring in their small businesses.

On this Labor Day, let us honor "real work" and those who do it. Let us reaffirm our commitment to help working people. And let us continue to fight for American jobs.

Your friend,

Roy