Posted on
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Together We Can Move Labor Day
Do you ever have the feeling that summer ends too soon? Well, you’re right. It does. Take a look at your calendar. Autumn doesn’t officially begin until September 22nd.
Back in 1894, President Grover Cleveland proclaimed the first Monday in September Labor Day, a tribute to the American worker. It was a great idea except for the fact that it has become the symbolical “end of summer.” Once the Labor Day weekend has passed, we all start gearing up for fall—back-to-school and stuff like that.
If Cleveland really wanted to be a hero to the American worker, he wouldn’t have cut summer short with a Labor Day on the first Monday of September. If he’d only pushed it back to the last Monday, or better yet, the first Monday in October, he’d have been right up there in the history books with Lincoln and Washington. How is Grover remembered? He’s remembered for the scandal over his illegitimate son—that’s how. Republicans even came up with a song about it: “Ma, Ma, where’s my Pa? Gone to the White House, ha, ha, ha.”
Let’s not treat him too harshly, however. After all, he’s certainly not the only President who had a shot at greatness and blew it. I say let’s not dwell on who’s to blame; let’s consider how this inequity can be remedied. In the end, political power rests in the hands of the people. So let’s stop being cheated out of a full summer. Together we can move Labor Day. It’s our country—our calendar!
If you feel that Labor Day should be observed on the first Monday in October rather than September, make your feelings known to your elected representatives. If we thump the tub loud enough and long enough we will be heard
You might think a “Move Labor Day Movement” just won’t work, I say you’re wrong! Look—George Washington proclaimed November 26th a day of thanksgiving. Lincoln declared it a national holiday, but moved it to the 4th Thursday in November. Then Franklin Roosevelt declared that it be celebrated a week earlier in order to extend Christmas shopping. Republicans and Roosevelt-haters rebelled, and two weeks later it was moved back.
But here’s the thing—the precedent has been set. We can move Labor Day! This war is winnable. We must be allowed to enjoy summer until it truly ends. I know big business will get their nose out of joint if folks keep summer hours through September. Those opposed might even start a “Rush to Autumn” campaign or something, but we must push for what’s right.
Although it’s too late for this year, let’s start spreading the word now for next year and the years to come. We can bring about change. We can restore summer to the length God intended. God bless you, and God bless Labor Day!
A question to ponder:
If age is supposed to bring wisdom, why does it often arrive alone?
putterhugh@suddenlink.net
Hugh Neeld is a freelance columnist for TylerPaper.com.
Back in 1894, President Grover Cleveland proclaimed the first Monday in September Labor Day, a tribute to the American worker. It was a great idea except for the fact that it has become the symbolical “end of summer.” Once the Labor Day weekend has passed, we all start gearing up for fall—back-to-school and stuff like that.
If Cleveland really wanted to be a hero to the American worker, he wouldn’t have cut summer short with a Labor Day on the first Monday of September. If he’d only pushed it back to the last Monday, or better yet, the first Monday in October, he’d have been right up there in the history books with Lincoln and Washington. How is Grover remembered? He’s remembered for the scandal over his illegitimate son—that’s how. Republicans even came up with a song about it: “Ma, Ma, where’s my Pa? Gone to the White House, ha, ha, ha.”
Let’s not treat him too harshly, however. After all, he’s certainly not the only President who had a shot at greatness and blew it. I say let’s not dwell on who’s to blame; let’s consider how this inequity can be remedied. In the end, political power rests in the hands of the people. So let’s stop being cheated out of a full summer. Together we can move Labor Day. It’s our country—our calendar!
If you feel that Labor Day should be observed on the first Monday in October rather than September, make your feelings known to your elected representatives. If we thump the tub loud enough and long enough we will be heard
You might think a “Move Labor Day Movement” just won’t work, I say you’re wrong! Look—George Washington proclaimed November 26th a day of thanksgiving. Lincoln declared it a national holiday, but moved it to the 4th Thursday in November. Then Franklin Roosevelt declared that it be celebrated a week earlier in order to extend Christmas shopping. Republicans and Roosevelt-haters rebelled, and two weeks later it was moved back.
But here’s the thing—the precedent has been set. We can move Labor Day! This war is winnable. We must be allowed to enjoy summer until it truly ends. I know big business will get their nose out of joint if folks keep summer hours through September. Those opposed might even start a “Rush to Autumn” campaign or something, but we must push for what’s right.
Although it’s too late for this year, let’s start spreading the word now for next year and the years to come. We can bring about change. We can restore summer to the length God intended. God bless you, and God bless Labor Day!
A question to ponder:
If age is supposed to bring wisdom, why does it often arrive alone?
putterhugh@suddenlink.net
Hugh Neeld is a freelance columnist for TylerPaper.com.
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