[Publius]

We work for the government so it's a given that anything we do will make the problem worse, which is why we're government employees instead of having actual jobs.

That would make a great tag line if it were shorter.

Aside from the fact that it's done with the public money I don't find it any more paternalistic than a time/date/temperature sign on the side of the bank.

If the display showed date, time and temperature, I would agree with you. But it's done with public money at the Mayor of New York's orders, and it only shows the date and nothing else. That makes me agree with "rlmorel" that there is the whiff of paternalism there. A caldendar display leaving out time and temperature is like a freeway bridge that constricts to two lanes. It's typical of government and not up to the job.

[Still Thinking]

If the display showed date, time and temperature, I would agree with you. But it's done with public money at the Mayor of New York's orders, and it only shows the date and nothing else. That makes me agree with "rlmorel" that there is the whiff of paternalism there. A caldendar display leaving out time and temperature is like a freeway bridge that constricts to two lanes. It's typical of government and not up to the job.

Interesting take. I admit that to an extent the absence of time and date for some reason makes me lean a little more towards your interpretation.

[Still Thinking]

That would make a great tag line if it were shorter.

How about "Those that can, do. Those that can't, teach. Those that can't teach, administrate. Those that can't administrate, have gubmint jobs."