Make St. Patrick's a holiday?

[chazwicke]

got this from the 1759 society for what it's worth:


http://www.proposition317.com/stpats.html

[MeridianFC]

Never happen. I say that as an Irish-American.

[vadavid]

This will never happen. St. Patrick was a religious figure. Most people have no clue why St. Patrick is so beloved in Ireland. It has nothing to do with green beer, or Guinness. This petition is nothing more than a cheap Guinness marketing ploy.

Domain Name.......... proposition317.com
Creation Date........ 2008-01-04
Registration Date.... 2008-01-04
Expiry Date.......... 2010-01-04
Organisation Name.... Diageo Ireland
Organisation Address. St. James's Gate

[zoom6zoom]

Too many holidays now, it's making many of them meaningless. President's Day (and before that Washington and Lincoln's Birthdays) are now just excuses for mattress and car sales. Columbus Day? Read some real history, he didn't discover America, or prove that the world wasn't flat; he was a slaver and responsible for genocide. Heck, there's someone now proposing that the day after the Super Bowl be a holiday because production that day is already shot to hell (hello, then why not move the game to Saturday?). And don't get me started on MLK.

No, St. Patricks doesn't need to be a national holiday, and said as a proud Irishman.

[chazwicke]

Yeah I just posted the link because it was sent to me as a 1759 Society member. I actually could care less and I didn't even look at the full site nor did I sign. After all I'm of British heritage. ;)

As far as holidays go - I like them. I am a small business owner and I give my employees off on all federal holidays plus days at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'd like one a month. After this Presidents Day holiday it is a long stretch before we get another long weekend at the end of May. Life is too short to work, work, work all of the time. And I say this as person who employs people. We should all work to live not live to work.

The most important holidays in my view are Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day.

And how come we don't get Ground Hogs Day or Arbor day off ?:mad:

[DecoJuicer]

My son's birthday is on St. Patrick's Day, so it's a holiday for him at least. I plan on taking him to Chicago for his 21st birthday.

[dparsons]

As far as holidays go - I like them. I am a small business owner and I give my employees off on all federal holidays plus days at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'd like one a month. After this Presidents Day holiday it is a long stretch before we get another long weekend at the end of May. Life is too short to work, work, work all of the time. And I say this as person who employs people. We should all work to live not live to work.

Absolutely.

[animal]

Too many holidays now, it's making many of them meaningless. President's Day (and before that Washington and Lincoln's Birthdays) are now just excuses for mattress and car sales. Columbus Day? Read some real history, he didn't discover America, or prove that the world wasn't flat; he was a slaver and responsible for genocide. Heck, there's someone now proposing that the day after the Super Bowl be a holiday because production that day is already shot to hell (hello, then why not move the game to Saturday?). And don't get me started on MLK.

No, St. Patricks doesn't need to be a national holiday, and said as a proud Irishman.

It seems like we're getting a holiday for every group in America. We've got Casimir Pulaski Day for Polish Americans, Cinco de Mayo for Mexican Americans....
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[DecoJuicer]

Hey, I'm a 1/4 Polish, and nobody sent me the memo about the above holiday. They only told me about Packzi Day.

[chazwicke]

It seems like we're getting a holiday for every group in America. We've got Casimir Pulaski Day for Polish Americans, Cinco de Mayo for Mexican Americans....


THe more, the merrier. I saw a thing on 60 Minutes last night about How Denmark has been rated the happiest country. They get 6 weeks of vacation on average.

[animal]

Hey, I'm a 1/4 Polish, and nobody sent me the memo about the above holiday. They only told me about Packzi Day.

Apparently it's only observed in Illinois- the kids get the day off school.
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[MeridianFC]

It frequently comes up that in the US we are some of the most vacation/holiday deprived overworking people on planet earth.

Maybe we do need another holiday or two.

Michael "the Beer Hunter" Jackson's birthday (March 27) anyone?

[De Hooter]

Columbus Day? Read some real history, he didn't discover America, or prove that the world wasn't flat; he was a slaver and responsible for genocide.


Wow, I actually do read a lot of real history and this floors me.

Yeah the flat earth thing had been disproven in theory, but in the minds of the common people? Who knows, impossible to prove one way or another without documentation.

Slaver? Where are you getting that information from? Not exactly disagreeing, but considering the contemporary views of slavery it's pretty much a non-issue. Heck most cultures practiced slavery at some point in time, some still do. It wasn't recognized as wrong until the 18th-19th century, and even then primarily in European and European descended cultures.

Genocide, this one I take issue with. What culture did he slaughter wholesale? If you are refering to the destruction of Aztec culture due to illness please get up to date. Forensic Anthropologists have determined that the diseases that wiped out the Aztecs were native to the Americas and NOT European in origin as previously believed.

The people in the Americas were a stone age people who encountered a gunpowder aged people. Naturally the stone age people were supplanted by the technologically superior Europeans. This has been a common occurence historically. Stone age people get supplanted by bronze age peole who get supplanted by iron age people. Read your Irish history. It's all there.

The discovering of the New World. Well, while we are finding that the vikings touched North America and that some of the fishermen from the northern regions of Europe knew about North America none of them opened the continent to exploration and exploitation. However, Columbus did. So, in a way he did "discover" the Americas. Now, admittedly Spain was in a position where it was cost effective to exploit these shores, and due to the previous 4 centuries of war against the muslim invaders she was poised to run with any opportunity. I guess it gets down to the definition of "discover". If I discover or invent a new gadget but I don't patent it, did I discover or invent it? Legally the guy who patented the gadget is the inventor. Same kind of thing.

Sorry for the rant, it just kind of got under my skin.

[chazwicke]

I gotta side with Zoom - there is plenty of evidence that Columbus eventually resorted to and forced the island peoples he encountered into slavery. And that deadly force was practiced against them. However, I will concede that he did bring attention and larger focus on the possibility of a new world to be exploited. And I'm not judging whether that was right or wrong. (The enslavement of the island natitives certainly was though)

[Mill Rat]

Un-hijacking this thread, St' Pat's shouldn't be a holiday. The day after should!

[Jeff]

And how come we don't get Ground Hogs Day or Arbor day off ?:mad:

Move to Nebraska, Arbor day is a state holiday and all state employees have the day off. :D

[animal]

I gotta side with Zoom - there is plenty of evidence that Columbus eventually resorted to and forced the island peoples he encountered into slavery. And that deadly force was practiced against them. However, I will concede that he did bring attention and larger focus on the possibility of a new world to be exploited. And I'm not judging whether that was right or wrong. (The enslavement of the island natitives certainly was though)

In fact the Tainos tribe that Columbus first encountered when he discovered the New World became extinct within a century.
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[chazwicke]

Columbus was aware of a lunar eclipse happening and he told some of the indiginious peoples that he could steal the moon. He used it to threaten them.

[animal]

Move to Nebraska, Arbor day is a state holiday and all state employees have the day off. :D

But what's there to do in Nebraska, besides maybe cow tipping?
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[Jeff]

But what's there to do in Nebraska, besides maybe cow tipping?

We watch the corn grow too, but that's only in the summer.

[chazwicke]

I've seen those "Ski Nebraska" bumper stickers.

[Jeff]

There used to be a ski "slope" about twenty minutes south of where I live. Unfortunately it closed a while back, but we can still ski across the border in Iowa.

Back on topic, I don't think it would be a good idea to make St. Patti's day a holiday. It's already amateur night at most bars, personally I stay home.

[chazwicke]

I stay home too. Though back in my youth I braved the crowds and packed myself like a sardine into several of the local Irish establishments each year and i'm not even Irish. I'm English so I often wear Orange.

[guildofevil]

St' Pat's shouldn't be a holiday. The day after should!

I always thought that should be the case here anyway.

I tend to hibernate on Paddy's day. Dublin gets full of idiots who haven't been in a pub since Christmas and are drinking like the stuff will go off if they don't neck it quickly. Puke in the streets and drunken brawls are not my idea of fun.

It's our national day, why on earth would you make it a holiday in the U.S.? If you start doing that, then every other ethnic group would deserve their own holiday too.

[beerking]

Puke in the streets and drunken brawls are not my idea of fun.

Me neither. I recommend staying away from Bourbon St in New Orleans (even when it is not Mardi Gras).

[Wit Memo Jeff]

Back on topic, I don't think it would be a good idea to make St. Patti's day a holiday. It's already amateur night at most bars, personally I stay home.

I know what you mean. I once made the mistake of attempting to enjoy a quiet early afternoon pint of Guinness on St. Patrick's day and found myself repeatedly jostled by a broad-beamed crowd pleaser swilling Irish lager. When he finally succeeded in making me spill some of my precious black nectar, I'd had enough. I told him, "listen, buddy, you jostle me just one more time, and you won't be drinking a Harp, you'll be playing one."

I'd oppose making St. Pat's a national holiday, because I like snakes.

[animal]

I always thought that should be the case here anyway.

I tend to hibernate on Paddy's day. Dublin gets full of idiots who haven't been in a pub since Christmas and are drinking like the stuff will go off if they don't neck it quickly. Puke in the streets and drunken brawls are not my idea of fun.

It's our national day, why on earth would you make it a holiday in the U.S.? If you start doing that, then every other ethnic group would deserve their own holiday too.

We're getting closer to that now. As I said earlier, we've got Casimir Pulaski Day for Polish-Americans, Martin Luther King Day for African-Americans Cinco de Mayo for Mexican-Americans.

I wouldn't be surprised if at some point we end up with;

Al Capone Day for Italian-Americans

Yakov Smirnoff Day for Russian-Americans

Arnold Schwarzenegger Day for German-Americans- OK, he's Austrian, but still... after all not many people outside the Neo-Nazi/skinhead community would propose Adolf Hitler Day for Germans.

Napoleon Day, Lafayette Day, or Joan of Arc Day for French-Americans

William Wallace Day or Robert Bruce Day for Scottish-Americans

Mohammed Day for Arab-Americans and Muslims

Pearl Harbor Day for Japanese-Americans

Jackie Chan Day or Bruce Lee Day or Jet Li Day for Chinese-Americans

Leif Erickson Day for Norwegian-Americans

Mel Brooks Day, Woody Allen Day, Gene Simmons Day, or Jerry Seinfeld Day for Jewish-Americans

Leslie Neilsen Day for Canadian-Americans

AC/DC Day for Australian-Americans

Rock Hudson Day, Richard Simmons Day, Village People Day, or Liberace Day for gays

Melissa Etheridge Day, Ellen DeGeneres Day, or Rosie O'Donnell Day for lesbians

Marilyn Manson Day or Anton LaVey Day for Satanists
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[Mill Rat]

The German-American Lutherans already celebrate Reformation day. Not a day off of work, but eminently worthy of a toast or three. Animal, I was about to take offense at your suggestion of a day for us Deutsch, but as I scanned you list you seem to have selected as often for notoriety as fame. Pity.

[DecoJuicer]

Thanks for leaving me animal!! I'm an atheist redneck American, what about me??

[Wit Memo Jeff]

And for WASP Americans, Doris Day.

Que Sera, Sera!


We're getting closer to that now. As I said earlier, we've got Casimir Pulaski Day for Polish-Americans, Martin Luther King Day for African-Americans Cinco de Mayo for Mexican-Americans.

I wouldn't be surprised if at some point we end up with;

Al Capone Day for Italian-Americans

Yakov Smirnoff Day for Russian-Americans

Arnold Schwarzenegger Day for German-Americans- OK, he's Austrian, but still... after all not many people outside the Neo-Nazi/skinhead community would propose Adolf Hitler Day for Germans.

Napoleon Day, Lafayette Day, or Joan of Arc Day for French-Americans

William Wallace Day or Robert Bruce Day for Scottish-Americans

Mohammed Day for Arab-Americans and Muslims

Pearl Harbor Day for Japanese-Americans

Jackie Chan Day or Bruce Lee Day or Jet Li Day for Chinese-Americans

Leif Erickson Day for Norwegian-Americans

Mel Brooks Day, Woody Allen Day, Gene Simmons Day, or Jerry Seinfeld Day for Jewish-Americans

Leslie Neilsen Day for Canadian-Americans

AC/DC Day for Australian-Americans

Rock Hudson Day, Richard Simmons Day, Village People Day, or Liberace Day for gays

Melissa Etheridge Day, Ellen DeGeneres Day, or Rosie O'Donnell Day for lesbians

Marilyn Manson Day or Anton LaVey Day for Satanists

[animal]

Thanks for leaving me animal!! I'm an atheist redneck American, what about me??

How about a day named after the guy who wrote The Golden Compass?

Of course we could have Earl Hickey Day- no wait, he's into Karma.
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[DecoJuicer]

How about just Saturday? That's really the only day that I need.

[animal]

The German-American Lutherans already celebrate Reformation day. Not a day off of work, but eminently worthy of a toast or three. Animal, I was about to take offense at your suggestion of a day for us Deutsch, but as I scanned you list you seem to have selected as often for notoriety as fame. Pity.

Having Reformation Day would still leave Catholic Germans out in the cold. Of course we could also have Joseph Ratzinger Day for them.

Of course we could just do a Baron Von Steuben Day for Germans too. Can't believe I didn't think about him.
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[iamnick]

We're getting closer to that now. As I said earlier, we've got Casimir Pulaski Day for Polish-Americans, Martin Luther King Day for African-Americans Cinco de Mayo for Mexican-Americans.



I've always thought of MLK Jr. Day as being a holiday for all Americans, not just African-Americans.

[beerking]

I've always thought of MLK Jr. Day as being a holiday for all Americans, not just African-Americans.

Why? I don't really undertand your point here.

In VA, for years (1984-2000) it was Lee-Jackson-King Day (Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and MLK). The state had already been celebrating MLK on New Year's Day since 1978, and had been celebrating Lee-Jackson Day since 1904 (Lee's birthday had been a VA holiday since 1889).
In 2000, Gov Jim Gilmour proposed splitting Lee-Jackson Day off MLK day again because of the incongruous nature of celebrating 2 Confederate Generals on the same day as a black civil rights leader.
Since then, VA has celebrated Lee-Jackson Day as the Friday before MLK Day, although I don't know anyone who gets Lee-Jackson Day off from work, and I have not seen any "celebrations."

Now on tap: Czech Dark Lager (Tmave) and Rauchdoppelbock
Primary: Mild Maibock or extra malty pils (there is story here)
Secondary #1: Helles
Secondary #2: Brett IIPA, with Simcoe and Amarillo
Secondary #3: Tettnager IPA
Other Secondarys: Saffron Mead, Mint Mead, Blueberry-Ginger Mead, Sage Honey Mead, Fireweed Honey Mead, Peach Ginger Mead, Peach Raspberry Mead, Imperial Orange Blossom Mead (>19%), Blackberry Mead

On deck: Single hop IPA (TBD)

[iamnick]

Why? I don't really undertand your point here.


Because he is an American hero, not just an African-American hero. The only real African-American specific holiday that I can think of is Kwanzaa.

[chazwicke]

Actually, All State offices are closed on Lee Jackson Day. Including the courts. And as I was growing up we never had the day off from school for Lee Jackson Day. Even though I typically close the office on days when the courts are closed I usually stay open on Lee Jackson Day. Mainly because it follows all of the Nov. and Dec. holidays and I'm usually weary of them by then and it makes another 4 day weekend when I am ready to get back to normal workwise. (I take down all the Xmas decorations and cards in the office usually no later than the 2nd of Jan. and I hate seeing all of them up in the neighborhoods after that time. However, If LJ Day was in March or April I would probably go ahead and close.

[SoxyinMO]

It seems like we're getting a holiday for every group in America. We've got Casimir Pulaski Day for Polish Americans, .

Jeez, I live in Pulaski County and WE don't get a Casimir Pulaski day...What we DO need is an August holiday! Dear God, It's Hot and We're Dying Day.

[animal]

Jeez, I live in Pulaski County and WE don't get a Casimir Pulaski day...What we DO need is an August holiday! Dear God, It's Hot and We're Dying Day.

An August holiday for Polish-Americans? I dunno, that may be a bit too close to September 1- Blitzkrieg Day. I doubt many Polish people would appreciate that.
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[SoxyinMO]

An August holiday for Polish-Americans? I dunno, that may be a bit too close to September 1- Blitzkrieg Day. I doubt many Polish people would appreciate that.

Probably not. I just meant for everyone. I'll stick with Dear God, It's Hot and We're Dying Day.

[chazwicke]

An Irishman moves into a tiny hamlet in County Kerry, walks into the pub and promptly orders three beers. The bartender raises his eyebrows, but serves the man three beers, which he drinks quietly at a table, alone. An hour later, the man has finished the three beers and orders three more. This happens yet again.

The next evening the man again orders and drinks three beers at a time, several times. Soon the entire town is whispering about the Man Who Orders Three Beers. Finally, a week later, the bartender broaches the subject on behalf of the town. "I don't mean to pry, but folks around here are wondering why you always order three beers?"

"Tis odd, isn't it?" the man replies. "You see, I have two brothers, and one went to America , and the other to Australia. We promised each other that we would always order an extra two beers whenever we drank as a way of keeping up the family bond." The bartender and the whole town were pleased with this answer, and soon the Man Who Orders Three Beers became a local celebrity and source of pride to the hamlet, even to the extent that out-of-towners would come to watch him drink.

Then, one day, the man comes in and orders only two beers. The bartender pours them with a heavy heart. This continues for the rest of the evening. He orders only two beers. The word flies around town. Prayers are offered for the soul of one of the brothers.

The next day, the bartender says to the man, "Folks around here, me first of all, want to offer condolences to you for the death of your brother. You know-the two beers and all...."

The man ponders this for a moment, then replies, "You'll be happy to hear that my two brothers are alive and well. It's just that I, meself, have decided to give up drinking for Lent."

[dennis3951]

Danny Boy banned in NYC
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0307/dannyboy.html

[Mill Rat]

CHaz, that sounds like a Dave Allen (of At Large fame on BBC) story if I ever heard one.

[chazwicke]

Yeah, I've heard it before in slightly different versions. I still like it though.