Presidents' Day

Whatever happened to separate days for Mr. Washington and Mr. Lincoln? Instead of an extra day off of school, the entire day should be devoted to teaching about these two Presidents. How fascinating and utterly tasteless to turn the day into another "Sale Day" at the local department store. I'm sure that our fine stone-faced friends that grace Mt. Rushmore are pleased to know that we can get half-off some already overpriced item that was made by someone in Sri Lanka, who is getting paid 25 cents an hour. At least the people of Freeport will have one more day to consider their options for the mayoral primary tomorrow. At least we can think of George and Abe and what they sacrificed so that we can live in a free country and go to the voting booths willingly and without constantly looking over our shoulders for the militia like the good people of Iraq. So let's show off our purple fingers and let the world (at least our town) know that we are honored to have the privilege to vote. There is a certain symmetry and grace in knowing that Mr. Reuben Baumgartner, a man who promoted interest and action in current affairs, has his funeral today. I think he will see the irony and would appreciate the day. We'll miss him.