Posted on 09/10/2005 4:46:12 AM PDT by Colonel Kangaroo
Lincoln holiday on its way out
By Phil Kabler Staff writer
A bill to combine state holidays for Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays into a single Presidents’ Day holiday cleared its first legislative committee Wednesday, over objections from Senate Republicans who said it besmirches Abraham Lincoln’s role in helping establish West Virginia as a state.
Senate Government Organization Committee members rejected several attempts to retain Lincoln’s birthday as a state holiday.
State Sen. Russ Weeks, R-Raleigh, introduced an amendment to instead eliminate Columbus Day as a paid state holiday. “Columbus didn’t have anything to do with making West Virginia a state,” he said. “If we have to cut one, let’s cut Christopher Columbus.”
Jim Pitrolo, legislative director for Gov. Joe Manchin, said the proposed merger of the two holidays would bring West Virginia in line with federal holidays, and would effectively save $4.6 million a year — the cost of one day’s pay to state workers.
Government Organization Chairman Ed Bowman, D-Hancock, said the overall savings would be even greater, since by law, county and municipal governments must give their employees the same paid holidays as state government.
“To the taxpayers, the savings will be even larger,” he said.
The bill technically trades the February holiday for a new holiday on the Friday after Thanksgiving. For years, though, governors have given state employees that day off with pay by proclamation.
Sen. Sarah Minear, R-Tucker, who also objected to eliminating Lincoln’s birthday as a holiday, argued that it was misleading to suggest that eliminating the holiday will save the state money.
“It’s not going to save the state a dime,” said Minear, who said she isn’t giving up on retaining the Lincoln holiday.
Committee members also rejected an amendment by Sen. Steve Harrison, R-Kanawha, to recognize the Friday after Thanksgiving as “Lincoln Day.”
“I do believe President Lincoln has a special place in the history of West Virginia,” he said.
Sen. Randy White, D-Webster, said he believed that would create confusion.
“It’s confusing to me,” he said.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, suggested that the state could recognize Lincoln’s proclamation creating West Virginia as part of the June 20 state holiday observance for the state’s birthday.
Proponents of the measure to eliminate a state holiday contend that the numerous paid holidays - as many as 14 in election years — contribute to inefficiencies in state government.
To contact staff writer Phil Kabler, use e-mail or call 348-1220.
STATES have POWERS.
free dixie,sw
free dixie,sw
free dixie,sw
*Snort* Some people still think that we are STILL part of Virginia! :o) "...so what part of Virginia are you from?" lol
Now Mac....
You know slavery was legal from the beginning in this country, and though wrong, it doesn't hold a candle to the stuff Ole Abe did........
I think that applies to the BAD and CRUEL slave owners, of which most were not.
Three rows of 9, alternated with three rows of 8:
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It could be worse--at least people recognize West Virginia as part of the U.S. I recall hearing about a student who applied to the University of Texas from New Mexico and was told he had used the wrong application form--he should have used the one for foreign students.
LOL! :o)
Or maybe something more creative:
*
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* * * * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
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Okay, I'll stop now...
Lincoln waged anggressive unconstitutional undeclared war(just as Presidents from 1950 onward have done)on *his* fellow Americans.As far as foreigners were concerned in the Late Unplesantness of 1861-1865, both sides used foreigners to fight each other.Both sides had an ample share of Irishmen. If memory serves me correctly, the North had whole units that spoke Italian and Hungarian.
I'm impressed.
Yes, there were some slaveowners who tried to treat their slaves decently, and others who were cruel, but from the slaves' point of view it was all bad. Man is not meant to be a slave. See the autobiography of Frederick Douglass. He differentiates among the people he served, and gives credit to those who treated him more fairly or decently, but found plenty to be discontented with even while serving the best masters.
I am absolutely dumbfounded. Please tell me you were attempting sarcasm.
"A bill to combine state holidays for Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays into a single Presidents’ Day holiday "
GREAT!!!
They get to celebrate Milliard Fillmore, John Tyler, James Buchanan, U.S. Grant, Warren G. Harding, Taft, FDR, Clinton, Carter, Ford and Lyndon B. Johnson.
Truly great men all.
"The loyal people of East Tennessee will always be gratefully remembered by me for their hearty co-operation, efficient aid, and liberal hospitality."
A. E. BURNSIDE, (Union Major-General).
General Burnside, the Chester A Arthur look during the Civil War :)
I assure you he believes sincerely every word he wrote.
Don't forget Franklin Pierce.
The U.S.A.= 50-0
Neo-confederate cult= 0-50
don't make me blush...
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