Technically a president can declare a ‘holiday’ by executive action, as did GWB to celebrate ‘Ronald Reagan Day’, tho technically it was for just one day and also, in the wiggle words, it was called a ‘celebration’. However, an act of Congress should be forthcoming when, and as should be, the Senate returns to Democratic control. Maybe I can help Joe one more time: Declare a National Holiday beginning next election and commence the tradition of ENSURING people in all walks are able to do their civic duty to vote. This ‘taking a day off’ to exercise our right to vote is akin to requiring a rich man to pay his taxes fair and square.
We need to celebrate the day we Vote! Literally, people should rejoice, party, and make this day one of community and sharing. Sure, like with all holidays, there will be some who want to keep grinding the nose, but the rest of us need to feel like our primary democratic right is a thing to revel in, rather than worry about lost income and possible loss of employment and who might be looking over our shoulder.
Now, technically, I would accept having the holiday named after my puppy RBG, after all, she’s smart, young, likes cats and all big dogs love her too. But there is a person eminently more distinguished and well-loved for her work, loyalty, and defense of our Consitution, and that would be Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Conscience of the Nation and our former Justice when SCOTUS worked for everyday Americans.
Of course, it would be preferable for Nancy, assuming AOC is not elected Speaker, to propose the House version of this bill, have the vote and Senate Leader Harrison would gavel the motion enacted, nod kindly to the GOP bench, and remind us all what one man one vote is about in a democracy. What was that Arcane Rule we put aside for necessity and “because we won elections.”? Can anyone recall it?
A day of celebration for both the moral compass of the Supreme Court and the rights of people, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day every November 3rd permits a day of freedom from labor to each American, universal access to voting, and will be a start point for expanding secure federal/state elections to promote democracy. Curbing suppression, gerrymandering and obstruction can all be a part of the legislative agenda to enshrine protections into the backbone of democracy.
Next, I’ll explore the Nancy Pelosi Senate Integrity Law, where House Bills reaching the Senate shall promptly be considered by the full Senate within a week of its referral, then with hearings lasting no more than a week, voted upon by the full Senate the following Monday.