$$$$ 9-11 as a National Holiday $$$$ Who reaps the harvest?

Polls which would designate observance of 9-11 as a national holiday, appear evenly divided.

Instinctively a majority, myself included, would be quick to respond in the affirmative, however after further thought, many of these respondents are inclined to reverse their vote, when condsidering the astronomical added expense to American taxpayers, and considering who will actually benefit from these official actions.

Federal 'budgeteers' will say, technically, cost to taxpayers for giving federal employees a paid holiday is nothing, because a salary budget is set for the year, and it includes days off. However, those responsible for keeping an eye on government spending/waste of taxpayer's dollars, undoubtedly more practical in their assessment will claim, 'a day of freedom at the beach for federal government workers,' cost you and me an estimated total of around 450 million dollars. (In holiday pay and salary for lost productivity).

Sometimes, those reaping enjoyment from this benefit have done nothing to deserve it, other than merely being part of what is rapidly becoming an 'exclusive private club,' commonly known as 'a government worker.' Being a veteran on Veterans Day is irrelevant, and is a good example of the hypocracy surrounding our paid federal holiday system. Unless you belong to this club, regardless of whether you have unselfishly honored this country by serving in our military, defending fellow American's freedoms, you are not paid for 'having the day off,' and relaxing away from the work place with your loved ones. (Granted, many private sector employers also extend this benefit, however as heavier tax burdens weigh them down, some are recalling more and more worker free tokens).

Think about it....the very thought stinks, and is enough to make someone like me, a veteran, ill. Imagine you've just returned from fighting a war, at the bidding of your country, in some god-awful armpit of the world. You become employed in the private sector. During your alloted 1/2 hour lunch break, you go to a bank with intentions of cashing your pay check, only to find doors locked, because a posted sign indicates, "Closed for the day in observance of Veterans Day." Any question why this veteran should walk way in disgust! He visualizes "some 'snot-nosed' kid working as a bank teller having a paid day off, used for whatever personal desires." Meanwhile, you head back to your private sector place of employment, needlessly surrendering your lunch period for personal use, only to complete your work day (unless they choose to also follow government's lead, and close for the day in observance of the 'special day.' ) Very doubtful you'll see this occuring!

Federal law (5 U.S.C. 6103) establishes the following public holidays for Federal employees. Please note that most Federal employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. For these employees, when a holiday falls on a nonworkday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).

Thursday, January 1 New Year’s Day
Monday, January 19 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, February 16* Washington’s Birthday
Monday, May 25 Memorial Day
Friday, July 3** Independence Day
Monday, September 7 Labor Day
Monday, October 12 Columbus Day
Wednesday, November 11 Veterans Day
Thursday, November 26 Thanksgiving Day
Friday, December 25 Christmas Day

The last officially designated federal holiday, January 19th, birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., was signed (with reservation) by President Ronald Reagan. Responding to critisism from some lawmakers taking this action, Reagan said, "I have the same reservations you have, but here the perception of too many people is based on image, not reality."

There is a bit of irony surrounding that signing event and recent public comments made by our current President, with regards to 9-11 events. President Barack Obama sees honor being extended to victims of the 9-11 tragedy as a 'day of service and remembrance.'

Designating Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday as an official nationally recognizied holiday, Reagan 'said he would have preferred a day of remembrance to the holiday.'

One might conclude, this President, known for his commitment to fiscal responsibility succumbed to, what is now generally accepted on a daily basis as being, 'politically correct'.

As a final note: Gross National Debt is $11,719,258,192,538.99. GND as of 2009:08:24:11. (Incidentally, that first number, 11, following the dollar sign represents 'trillions of dollars)!

Another paid federal holiday? I think not!