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.
You were going to post a link to a source other than MSN, remember? You said the figures were from the U.S. Treasury, so post the link.
Don't mention it chump, it goes double for all anti-American, neo-confederate cultists.
In other words Lee accomplished his strategic objectives during the Seven Days Battles even though he suffered a series of tactical defeats throughout, is that right Professore?
"You claimed that in 1860 the south accounted for 91.4 percent of all imports -"
No I did not. Let me type very slowly for you.
I said ....."During 1860 the imports of the South were valued at $331 million.
You are jumping to the conclusion that all "imports" were European.
It wasn't, and that is why the rest of your post is junk.
"Now, if we look forward to the fiscal year 1861 and 1862."
You sound like quite the historian/economist.
By the way, your tariff revenue figures are wrong.
YEAR............Yours................Actual
1860.............$60.................$53.8
1861.............$50.................$39.6
1862.............$70.................$49.1
"Something was generating all that tariff revenue"
It was called a war.
True "Blue" colors.
My figures came from Lincoln's messages to Congress in 1862 and 1863. Where did your figures come from?
But regardless where your figures come from they still point to a disconnect in your original arguement. Since we can safely say that the imports destined for southern consumers dropped to zero, then can we agree that all tariffs income was collected on imports destined for Northern consumers? Yet the tariff revenue you posted for 1862 dropped only $4 million. Imports should have dropped by 90%, right? So why didn't tariff revenue drop to nothing? Oh, I forget. "It was called the war," you said. So tell us, Pea. What did the North suddenly import in such massive quantities as a result of the war that they increased their import totals by 700% or 800% or more? It was called a war.
And what were all those extra imports that
Yes you did, Pea, since I took your figures. You claimed that $331 million out of $362 million in total imports were destined for southern consumers. Reply 623. Look it up yourself.
I said ....."During 1860 the imports of the South were valued at $331 million. You are jumping to the conclusion that all "imports" were European.
Where did I make that connection? Regardless of the source, you claimed $331 million out of $362 million total imports were destined for southern consumers. Your claim, not mine.
I commend your patience with Pea Ridge.
I have your telegram saying the President had read my letter [excerpted above] and thought it should be published. …[T]hey [Confederates] will gradually relax and finally submit to men who profess, like myself, to fight for but one single purpose, viz to sustain a government capable of vindicating its just and rightful authority, independent of n*****s, cotton, money or any earthly interest.That's your hero - mass murderer, a white supremacist - Sherman [*SPIT*]. It speaks volumes that you venerate the man.
"You were going to post a link to a source other than MSN, remember? You said the figures were from the U.S. Treasury, so post the link."
Certainly.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwcg.html
Follow the Historical Documents link on the left side of the homepage, then follow the link labeled A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates 1774-1873.
The information is in the US Treasury Report section of President Buchanan's Message and Documents also known as the State of the Union speech. It requires some research.
Otherwise, you'll need to look for the information in print form at a U.S. Federal Depository Library; see topic #3 on the FAQ page for a link to a list of locations.
face it, Mr SPIN, everyone thinks you're a DUNCE of the 1st rank.
free dixie,sw
1.a FOOL
2. a moron
3. a hater
4. UNteachable and
5.the principle target of mirth to persons on FR who have BRAINS.
PITY he doesn't head over to DU to be one of the brighter DU-dummies.
free dixie,sw
free dixie,sw
I was just anout to mention that to you - Knock it off nutso :)
I've tried to find someplace that supports your numbers, but am unable to do so. The closest thing I've found, the civilwarhome.com website, shows numbers that are almost the complete opposite of yours:
"As to imports, the total for the twenty-five states reporting $335,650,153. Eight Southern states could make up only $14,654,129 of the total. Again Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi are missing. Of the Southern total Louisiana had $11,960,869 of the imports, showing clearly the importance of New Orleans."
Please, a source for your numbers.
There is no link named "Historical Documents" on that page. Please post a link to the website you cite, rather than lead me, inaccurately, on a chase.
Max Ehrman said, "Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story." That helps a lot when dealing with the southron contingent.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.