I've thought about and debated in my mind the topic of this 'cuff for quite a few years, almost as many years since Congress took action on this troubling topic.
No. It's not about Obamacare. What can be, and has been written, about that subject, overflows the Grand Canyon, which includes a 'cuff several weeks ago.
The action and subject which troubles me dates back more than 40 years. I don't recall the exact year, but it was sometime in the early 1970s when Congress, in its wisdom, made government holidays fall on Mondays. (Those Washington cats really know how to take care of themselves and all federal employees with long weekends.)
Not all Monday holidays bother me. But one in particular really grates my craw. It was when Congress changed George Washington's birthday observation from Feb. 22 to the third Monday in February.
As I noted, it's how it has evolved into "Presidents Day" and, depending on various states' interpretation, also combines it with other non-presidential subjects that cheapen the day.
What a let down for the man who rightly is called "The Father of Our Country"! The man whose heroics, intelligence and leadership set the standards for the future of a fledgling nation! Sadly, the standards he set are, or have been, constantly eroded until his birthday has become a day for sales of merchandise and spectacular sporting events which diminish and compromise the ideals the great man set before us.
Lincoln's birthday was never designated a national holiday, and I have no problem listing him with George Washington. Just some of the others being lumped into the pot, frankly, are an insult to those two great leaders.
I'm not saying we haven't had many good or near-great presidents. But I am saying none measure up to the two just mentioned, George Washington, in particular.
So I think it's time for Congress to undo at least a part of that 40-year-old decision and return February 22 as the day to honor the Father of Our Country with his own national holiday. The rest, all of the others, can be lumped together in a Presidents Day.
And, to make it an easier decision for these learned men and women who can't seem to get their act together, designate another Monday as Presidents Day. Since August is the only month that doesn't have a specific holiday, it seems a logical choice to set a day in that month as a national holiday without discrimination to the rest of our presidents.
Come to think of it, that'll mean another Monday holiday, the second Monday in the hottest month of the year when everyone, including Congress, can cool off for an extra day. They might even come back in session relaxed and refreshed and really accomplish something.
Dodie Evans is editor emeritus of the Westside Eagle Observer. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 03/05/2014