I am wondering why it makes sense to close all government offices, banks, the USPS and other businesses for some federal holidays. I can think of at least four that surely could be noted and observed without stopping commercial and government production for a day and still be duly recognized as a historical or commemorative day.
President’s Day, among a few others for example have become an excuse for furniture stores, automobile dealers and others to have a sale. Yes, Washington and Lincoln were important men in the evolution of our country, and they should be recognized as such. But is it worth stopping productivity, hindering the conduct of non-governmental business, and paying over two million federal employees, plus state and local employees for a day off at the expense of taxpayers who can’t afford such a luxury?
The closing of offices, banks and the post office for a day such as President’s Day costs billions of dollars, and really, who gathers friends and families for the joyous observation? Obviously, some such closings are warranted, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, but I think most of the others could be observed in a grand way without shutting everything down. And beware, there is a group lobbying in Washington to add yet another!
Keith Krout
Crawfordsville
