For once the US congress got something done at warp speed. The bill establishing Juneteenth made it through a quick undebated vote this week, both houses and the Oval, and went into operation immediately. As in, hey Friday's a holiday, fellers! But it did take years of campaigning before it "suddenly" became law.
I got two flustered emails about the cancellation of planned activities at the library because they were going to be closed, to the surprise of the employees, evidently.
The actual Nineteenth is Saturday, but the law on this kind of holiday, where an actual date is commemorated, says the nearest working day becomes the holiday. If it fell on Sunday, then Monday would be the holiday.
For readers unaware of the significance of June Nineteenth
This announcement, for various reasons, some technical, some slow-walking, anyway, this announcement came two and a half years after the Emancipation proclamation.
I hope it doesn't serve as a useful tool to the politicians busily interfering with AA voting, as in look, you got ANOTHER national holiday, as well as MLK, don't tell me you also want to vote!
That reservation stated, it's a good day, and let's make it true.
In other good news, here's a vending machine in Europe somewhere that I'd like to see locally
I never get urges for candy or cupcakes, or that kind of thing, but I can see going out late at night for a nice bit of cheese, Gromit.
The same site, evidently written by people who don't do research, also said why don't we in the US have special sales at discount of nonstandard produce. As in Misfits market boxes, I suppose! Mine's arriving today, if Juneteenth hasn't put a crimp in delivery.
More about that later or maybe tomorrow.
Finally, a good piece of news from the USA! It's great that Juneteenth is now a national holiday.
ReplyDeleteAnd that Opal Lee, 104, the original campaigner for it, walked hundreds of miles in her late 90s marching for it, was there for the signing.
DeleteWhat great news. I saw Opal with the president. She was one determined woman!
ReplyDeleteWasn't she great!
Delete21 republicans voted against it. one guy's complaint was that there were already too many federal holidays and we don't need another.
ReplyDeleteSince Christmas is sectarian, Thanksgiving celebrated a white European power grab, and Columbus day honors a guy who was lost, maybe we could subtract a few.
DeleteIt was good to see our President sign the bill!
ReplyDeleteHe's done a lot of good things in a short time.
DeleteJuneteenth is actually a thing?? Wow - what I don't learn when I come for a visit with you. And where in the world did that name come from? Couldn't they think of a better name for it?
ReplyDeleteIt's the nickname for June Nineteenth. The day the proclamation finally got there.
Deleteps - meant to say I would vote for cheese machines too (lactose intolerance be darned!!)
ReplyDeleteThey beat those junk food dispensers!
DeleteIt is wonderful and yet, at the same time, shameful because of how long it took. I guess better late than never but somehow I don't feel the pride that I think some people are feeling. It is a small, micro step forward but in reality, does very little to acknowledge the debt this country owes to those enslaved people who absolutely built America. Overall though, I am glad it has happened.
ReplyDeleteI feel much the same. Shame very much present with the joy that this tiny piece is done. We will never be able to repay the real debt. All we can do is try to be aware of white privilege and not take more than our share, as far as we can, that is.
DeleteA holiday at last! Congress does less work than the average American and should not begrudge another holiday.
ReplyDeleteDamned Republicans. I'm glad it passed.
ReplyDelete