In an era when most people worked outdoors and lighting was expensive, getting up early so as to begin working at first light (and, in summer, the temps were less hot) was wise. Factories and relatively inexpensive lighting has changed that some, but I'd bet many contractors hit the road just before sun-up to take advantage of early sunlight and, in summer and warmer climes, cooler weather. The same is true of farmers, who intrinsically have to work outside, including those whose livestock have daily schedules tied to sun rise and set.
It tells one a lot about this DUmmie's experience and understanding of the working world that (s)he doesn't understand this.
I thought I'd be fair to DU-folk and see whether anyone pointed out the above, which I think is grossly obvious. The 13 Reply did,
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216505203#post13 , though it is presented as a thing of the past. The 33rd Reply also denigrated the habit as something antiquated. Obviously their understand of how their housing got built is lacking, and they must think food comes from Piggly Wiggly and Whole BennieCheck.
