Yesterday was Labor Day. I don’t celebrate Labor Day. Or the fourth of July. Or President’s Day.
A student emailed me, “Just curious, why do you not celebrate government holidays?”
Here is my reply. (Sent on Labor Day):
Oh. Lot’s of reasons. Some of them good (maybe) and some of them bad (probably).
I believe it is the job of the government to defend its own borders and to protect its citizens. That’s about it. Of course, that places me politically somewhere in the era of Patrick Henry.
I don’t believe it is the job of the government to invade other countries, educate children, spy on its citizens, regulate our food, and on and on. I also don’t believe it is the job of the government to tell us when to celebrate and what to celebrate. I do make one exception. Memorial Day. I come from a long line of veterans. I have many ancestors and relatives (including my own father) buried in National military cemeteries. I make the exception in honor of those who have fought for our country. I do not make this exception in honor of the political warmongers who send young men to fight on foreign ground.
I only work in the morning on Memorial Day. Then, if possible, I spend the rest of the day with extended family.
Of course, this is a personal stand of my own. I do not condemn my friends who are outside cooking out at this very moment. I hope they are having a great time.
I hope you are having a great day!
Mr. Thomas
