Depiction by John Trumbull of Washington resigning his commission as commander-in-chief (Wikipedia)
I liked the holiday better when it was Washington's Birthday, which was actually celebrated on... Washington's Birthday! How weird is that? I find it obnoxious and irritating Congress bundled such luminaries as Ulysses Grant, Warren G. Harding, and Jimmy Carter... who should be "celebrated" only for their mediocrity and general uselessness... in to a holiday that formerly honored the Father of Our Country. And the worst part? Used car salesmen shouting at me to "come on down to Ralph Spoilsport Motors for our PRESIDENTS DAY SALE!" From The Wiki:
Today, the February holiday has become well-known for being a day in which many stores, especially car dealers, hold sales. Until the late 1980s, corporate businesses generally closed on this day, similar to present corporate practices on Memorial Day or Christmas Day. With the late 1980s advertising push to rename the holiday, more and more businesses are staying open on the holiday each year, and, as on Veterans Day and Columbus Day, most delivery services outside of the U.S. Postal Service now offer regular service on the day as well. Some public transit systems have also gone to regular schedules on the day. Many colleges and universities hold regular classes and operations on Presidents Day. Various theories exist for this, one accepted reason being to make up for the growing trend of corporations to close in observance of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. However, when reviewing the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill debate of 1968 in the Congressional Record, one notes that supporters of the Bill were intent on moving federal holidays to Mondays to promote business. Over time, as with many federal holidays, few Americans actually celebrate Washington's Birthday, and it is mainly known as a day off from work or school, although many non-governmental workers do not take the day off.Sigh. OK. It's yet another case of "Get off my fuckin' lawn!", admittedly. But doesn't it irritate you too, Gentle Reader?
Related: Which president was best? Worst? Here's what The Wiki has on that.
I find it irritating that the leaders of the free world get slighted by balling all their accomplishments, good or bad into one day, yet the majority of the days we do get off are based in what I consider myth or fable.
ReplyDeleteThose President's Day sales are precisely why I don't want 9/11 turned into a national holiday.
ReplyDeleteImagine - the ads - come on in for Macy's Annual September 11th White Sale.
Think about Memorial Day and Veterans' Day - both of which should be about our warriors, yet are mostly about who gets the day off and how much money can a person save at a sale???
You know, I hadn't really even thought about that. Why does president's day = sales on mattresses??
ReplyDeleteMatt: I dunno about you, but I got one whole helluva lot more holidays when I was in the military, as opposed to my civilian job. That said, I find the very idea of "Presidents Day" offensive.
ReplyDeleteKris: We're in TOTAL agreement, re: 9/11. That day is a day for remembrance and solemn ceremony... and we should KEEP it that way.
Matt, again: People will look for ANY excuse to draw bid'niz... good, bad, or indifferent.
I miss the days when "holiday" meant that all the stores were closed, and people got together with friends and family to observe the meaning of the day.
ReplyDeleteAnd yea, only a limited few of our President's were remarkable enough to deserve a "day".
Meanwhile the Narcissist in Chief is thinking Today is all about me! Then again, he thinks that everyday and not just President's Day.
ReplyDeleteThe big change in attitude toward Holidays came about when Sunday became just another day where stores were open. MLK Day is the biggest reason they changed from Lincoln's and Washington's Birthdays to President's Day.
Worst Presidents? Easily Carter, Buchanan, and Obama. Yet, notice who gets to do the "ranking" of the Presidents on that Wiki post, its academics who are pretty much standard bearers for left of center.
FDR - way over rated and probably always will be till the academics grow a set of collective brains.
I miss the days when "holiday" meant that all the stores were closed...
ReplyDeleteMe TOO!! It's a damned shame the way holidays have been commercialized.
Yet, notice who gets to do the "ranking" of the Presidents on that Wiki post...
I thought The Wiki was pretty even-handed by quoting multiple articles. Who else, if not historians, is gonna rank all the presidents? I'm thinkin' you'd be REALLY lucky if you run into six consecutive Americans who could name more than five presidents. Present company excepted, of course... coz we all know EIP has a very literate commentariat. ;-)
Just sayin' "Amen." I didn't even post anything on Presidents Day...I mean, except for a lame joke.
ReplyDeleteI thought of posting a picture of Washington, and then another of Reagan in his hat (man, I love that picture). Even thought about posting a shot of Obama picking his nose or something.
But, I got busy drinking early, and was reminded that the whole concept sucks. I'm not one to lump midgets in with giants.