2008 Woodie Awards
The hassle of holidays
Enough is enough
J.D. Lewis
Issue date: 5/21/08 Section: Opinion
Two weeks ago, we celebrated Mother's Day. Well … I submit to you that by being a mere three months after Valentine's Day and not even two months after Easter, Mother's Day is actually just another commercial nightmare designed to sell cards, candy, flowers and overpriced meals in sit down restaurants.
Father's Day is pretty much the same thing; only it is more expensive (buying power tools instead of flowers and candy).
Are these so-called holidays really necessary? You may recall the Old Testament admonition to honor thy father and thy mother. As far as I'm concerned, that means every day, not twice a year. Even if you are not of the Christian or Jewish persuasion, it's still a good rule of thumb that should appeal to your sense of moral obligation.
With that in mind, let's see how else we might clear the calendar. Federal holidays are the worst. Millions of dollars in taxpayer money are wasted for government workers earning time and a half during these holidays.
There should only be three federally recognized holidays: Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas ... for obvious reasons.
In January, we could knock out New Year's Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. New Year's is just another day. By the time it gets to us, it's over in Australia. Some people may need it to recover from New Year's Eve, but that is nothing a little self-control won't cure.
As for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there is no doubt that Dr. King was a great American, but he certainly wasn't the only one. Even George Washington and Abraham Lincoln have had their individual days relegated to Presidents Day, which also honors such notables as Andrew Johnson, Warren G. Harding and Jimmy Carter.
Now we are approaching Memorial Day, a day which was created to honor those who gave their lives in the Civil War. Veterans Day honors all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. It seems like we could combine Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Why not combine Veterans Day into Independence Day? Coming from a family that includes many veterans, I think it would be great to honor those who fought and died for our independence in 1776, as well as honor those who have fought to preserve our freedoms ever since.
Father's Day is pretty much the same thing; only it is more expensive (buying power tools instead of flowers and candy).
Are these so-called holidays really necessary? You may recall the Old Testament admonition to honor thy father and thy mother. As far as I'm concerned, that means every day, not twice a year. Even if you are not of the Christian or Jewish persuasion, it's still a good rule of thumb that should appeal to your sense of moral obligation.
With that in mind, let's see how else we might clear the calendar. Federal holidays are the worst. Millions of dollars in taxpayer money are wasted for government workers earning time and a half during these holidays.
There should only be three federally recognized holidays: Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas ... for obvious reasons.
In January, we could knock out New Year's Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. New Year's is just another day. By the time it gets to us, it's over in Australia. Some people may need it to recover from New Year's Eve, but that is nothing a little self-control won't cure.
As for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there is no doubt that Dr. King was a great American, but he certainly wasn't the only one. Even George Washington and Abraham Lincoln have had their individual days relegated to Presidents Day, which also honors such notables as Andrew Johnson, Warren G. Harding and Jimmy Carter.
Now we are approaching Memorial Day, a day which was created to honor those who gave their lives in the Civil War. Veterans Day honors all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. It seems like we could combine Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Why not combine Veterans Day into Independence Day? Coming from a family that includes many veterans, I think it would be great to honor those who fought and died for our independence in 1776, as well as honor those who have fought to preserve our freedoms ever since.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Edward
posted 5/21/08 @ 12:58 PM EST
Memorial day is reserved for those that died while in uniform in military service to this country. The day is used to remember their sacrifice and paying the ultimate price for your freedom. (Continued…)
Kaitlyn
posted 5/21/08 @ 4:25 PM EST
My main argument with this article was the overbearing Christian sway. NOT EVERYONE IS A CHRISTIAN. It boggles my mind that so few people seem to grasp that idea. (Continued…)
Post a Comment