CLICK HERE FOR BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND MYSPACE LAYOUTS »

31 August 2009

I don't really see the connection, but maybe it's just me...

Effective tomorrow, a new law will go into place, making September 11th a holiday for all firefighters in the state of Texas.

I'm confused. Please to discuss.

UPDATE: I should add more. The firefighters didn't even know about this. They're moving around their other holidays so as not to give them an extra one, so some firefighters are losing an extra day around the (actual) holidays, when they might have wanted to be out of town visiting their families. If they give the firefighters an extra holiday, all other city workers have to get one, too (at least in some municipalities). The police departments have actually requested to be left out of the whole thing. Not to mention, clearly not all firefighters can be off on the same day, so plenty of them will still have to work that day.

In other news, what about airline pilots? Office workers? Generally everyone who experienced loss in this tragedy? I'm so not in any way trying to diminish the contribution of the firefighters, but really...why just Texas? Shouldn't this at least be a national thing? Also, is it really appropriate to call it a holiday?

But the thing is, who can argue with it? It's like, if you argue, you're automatically a horrible human being who doesn't recognize or appreciate the tragedy that was 9/11.

Politicians make me gag.

14 comments:

Erin said...

Is it a "get the day off" holiday? Not to poke fun at a very sensitive topic but doesn't knowing that alllll of the firefighters in the state are off duty on a specific day also make it a holiday of a different kind for arsonists?

Just sayin....

Incidentally, I kind of get the connection because firefighters from all over the country got sent to New York after 9/11 to help out so I get that Texas would want to honor their own in some way. :)

Anonymous said...

As a fire fighter, I heard about this and think it's totally lame. As you pointed out, not all will have that day off. It is a politician using fire fighter's status, yet again. Hell, its Texas, some one should shoot that guy.

Organic Meatbag said...

I'm can't wait to get Michael Jackson day off next year...

Ed said...

Ahhhh, yes. Welcome to my world. Actually, magnify your confusion by 10, and then that would be my average day. Just this morning, I had the pleasure (read wasting my time)of answering a congressman's complaint. Actually, it was a voter in his district's complaint, but he had one of his office flunkies forward it on to me. The best part was, I got to tell him the same thing I had already told "his" voter. The worst thing was, the congressman really wasn't doing anything for "his" voter, and was just creating more work for me. If this U.S.Rep actually gave a shit, he could fix the issue that this guy was complaining about (by changing some law, HELLO!, do your job buddy), instead of just forwarding said complaints.

Jeff said...

you know when you're looking to pad your resume by inventing a project at work that sounds impressive but in reality was very easy to accomplish?

f.B said...

It seems like a stunt. It makes someone *look* like they appreciate fire fighters, when they're really just using them for their own advantage. And you're right: it's so awkward that no one knows what to say.

Crystal said...

they should just put out an extra calendar and call it good.

i know that doesn't make much sense, but those calendars are fucking tasty. i mean, mr. july?? holla!

Renee said...

What?! Are you serious?! This is ridiculous! I can't believe someone here let this person do this. I'm only on board with this if they make it a KNOWN-across-the-board thing with all city service and military workers. I particularly don't think anyone should be left out if they are going to use this as a platform to better themselves. You know they'll come out looking like an idiot anyway though. Way to go Texas...it's not like people think we're the "brightest" state, and now you're making it worse.

Jay Ferris said...

Have we checked to see what riders were attached to this? I'm thinking that TX politicians will get another salary increase and/or make it legal for smaller circuit courts to follow through on the death penalty at the local H-E-B. Because approving either of those things is way better than someone thinking you hate firefighters.

Mary said...

This makes no sense to me either...not to sound disrespectful or whatever, but there are already holidays dedicated to those who have contributed to or lost their lives in the effort to preserve America's freedom. And the groups of people who suffered from the tragedy of 9/11 are widespread...why would you pick just one?

On the other hand, it's Texas and as a general rule Texas politicians do everything within their power to do only things that make absolutely no sense. Like electing judges in partisan elections (aren't they supposed to be unbiased?) and calling special sessions to fund things just to not actually fund anything.

But everything's bigger here, y'all! Including the boot we'll stick up your ass if you question us! Blech.

Beckbee said...

Why do you hate firefighters, Shine? ;) I keeeeeed I keeeeed.

Cal's Canadian Cave of Coolness said...

Someone is messing with the firemen who would be the frist to admited they had alot of help doing all the good they did on Sept 11th. Either the holday includes everyone or it included no one.

John Smith said...

National Arson Day. Huzzah!

Maryx said...

That's a bit unfair if you ask me... And I'm from SA. So far apart. Really ppl!