Quotes Meaning

"If we can’t begin to agree on fundamentals, such as the elimination of the most abusive forms of child labor, then we really are not ready to march forward into the future."

- Alexis Herman

A well-known personality in American politics and civil rights activism is Alexis Herman. She has been a lifelong supporter of workers' rights and was President Bill Clinton's Secretary of Labor from 1997 to 2001. Eliminating abusive child labor practices was one of the main causes she supported.

Herman's assertion reflects the conviction that fundamental agreements on fundamental values, like guaranteeing the welfare and protection of children, are necessary for societal advancement. The premise is that it is almost impossible to proceed with more complicated issues if people cannot agree on these core principles.

Consider attempting to construct a home without first establishing a strong foundation. Building strong walls and a roof will be pointless and possibly hazardous if the ground beneath you is unstable or shifting. In a similar vein, Herman's assertion implies that reaching an agreement on basic ideals, such as shielding children from exploitation, is necessary to address more significant social issues.

Herman put forth a lot of effort as Secretary of Labor to address the problem of child labor because she understood that it was a symptom of larger social problems involving poverty, education, and human rights. She emphasized that these fundamental issues are essential first steps in creating a more just society by highlighting the need for consensus on issues like ending abusive child labor practices.

Herman's advocacy emphasizes how crucial it is to deal with systemic problems before pursuing lofty objectives or laws. Similar to a house built on shifting sands, attempts to improve other facets of life may collapse under their own weight if this crucial foundation is not laid.

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