That’s been the topic of “conversation” lately but especially today on Ye Olde Facebook–a place I have been actively avoiding for months now. Just quick little check-in…get the hell out.
It’s not that I don’t love my friends, of course I do. I’ve been getting away from social media for a while. It seems to have lost its luster.
Anyway, I did check-in quickly today and, in case you don’t know…..today is a Federal Holiday.
BTW, that’s exactly how I referred to today in the weekly Church Newsletter letting people know the office would be closed today. It wasn’t Closed for Columbus Day. It wasn’t Closed for Indigenous Peoples Day. It was Closed in Observance of the Federal Holiday.
I thought that was fairly diplomatic. I must say. Yes, I did. Even at my job people are calling today by different names and each one a bit miffed when someone else doesn’t agree.
I don’t really want to step into this minefield but, eh, fuck it, I’m bored.
Once Upon a Time, in my hometown of New London, CT there stood a statue of Colombo (Yes, that’s what it read; Colombo). He stood there, never saying a single word or making trouble at all, he was just perpetually looking out of the beginning what we call downtown in his little circle. At the bottom of what would become the main road to the entrance of what was once Fort Trumbull.
He was removed in nothing more than appeasement. I’d apologize to the offended but I don’t like to lie. People got caught up in the Remove the Statue BS and they were patted on the head while others were told they didn’t matter. It was a bunch of knee-jerk deflective crap that kept everybody fighting over things that were more than 500 years in the past. That’s easier than dealing with the Here, Now, and Future.
Today…I don’t think any Common New Londoner can tell you where that statue is. People have tried to find out where this rather large, very heavy, piece of marble art work is but….well, whoever you are, your guess is as good as is mine. So is how much we may be paying to store it wherever it is providing it hasn’t been sold and is sitting in someone’s private collection.
Today…nothing in the City has changed due to Colombo’s absence. In fact, his circle is rather crappy looking most of the time and it’s empty. Much like Fort Trumbull, no one even bothered to replace it with…well, anything at all actually. Nada. Zippo. Zero. Let alone something that is All-Inclusive of the City of New London like, ya know, they kinda sorta whispered about doing when they took down this statue.
I vote for the grinder.
That is not a joke. Think about it, hard. You would no have Subway or Quiznos without the humble grinder so….
I vote for the grinder.
Anyway, with all of that in mind, let’s keep going.
I avoided calling today anything special at work and I think it went well. I’ll find out tomorrow if anyone had a problem with it. That little bit of fancy footwork got me thinking about, really, who cares what the day is called?
I’m an American. As an American, I can honestly tell you that there is little more that we love in this world than a Three Day Weekend. So, instead of taking one away, my other vote is simply for adding another one to the calendar say in mid-September? We don’t have one there and that’s a lovely time of year for a long lazy weekend.
A long weekend most Americans don’t get to enjoy. I bet most of you reading this had to go to work today no matter what they call the day. Yes?
Me? I had the day off but we spent it power washing the disgusting little front deck. Looks a shit-ton better now but, as fun as it was, not exactly relaxing. I need a bath after I finish this post.
Ah, yes, that’s right. This post.
What brought us here today was something I saw on Ye Olde Facebook where the debate about What Do We Call Today raged onward. I won’t quote the whole thing just paraphrase this part that really caught my attention. The poster was….glad there was now a day to celebrate all people.
They posted a picture of the Italian flag with it.
My first thought was; Oh you idiot, that’s not what they’re getting at.
My second, quieter thought was; Oh, how nice would THAT be?
My second voice quickly overtook the first one as I thought of, yes, that would be nice.
In fact, that’d be freakin’ totally awesome!
A day to celebrate…everyone.
What a concept, huh?
Mind blown….poof.
Yes, it will be one of those Three Day Weekends but everyone who does not absolutely positively have to be at work….must be given the day off. Sorry, no shopping on We’re Glad You’re Here Day. No banking. No mail. Just a bunch of people happy to be alive and kicking around on Planet Earth. Maybe some end-of-the-season BBQs and music in the air.
Anyway, it’s just an idea. I think it could be more along the line of what we’re looking for and what we actually need. But WTF do I know?
Lisa Beth Darling 