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CoalCrackerKid t1_j9tuozs wrote

Still no election day holiday

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9tutur wrote

Very good point! Unfortunately, that doesn't have bipartisan support (yet).

On the other hand - this would be sick because it would turn Veterans Day into a 4 day weekend!

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CoalCrackerKid t1_j9tw2c9 wrote

Or, and stay with me here on this complicated idea, move election from Tues to Saturday.

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Mr_Fraunces t1_j9u0lu4 wrote

Many people work on Saturday

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CoalCrackerKid t1_j9u11gk wrote

This is going to seem strange, because compromise is a dying art, but if you see the other reply, why not both? Why have it just be a day? Why not make it a multi-day window precisely because, no matter which day you make it, somebody will bellyache with an objection?

At the end of the day, what would things look like if one side didn't want a lot of people to vote? Would we see a lot of the things that we see now?

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9u3hba wrote

That’s what Mail-in ballots accomplish. So if we had an Election Day holiday AND mail-in then everybody is covered

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CoalCrackerKid t1_j9u4274 wrote

With you, and love mail-in ballots, but have you heard about the party that's trying to end mail-in voting in PA (after voting unanimously for it in the PA Senate previously)?

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9u4g08 wrote

Geeze. Oh. Perhaps I have heard of such a party lol

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CoalCrackerKid t1_j9u53j4 wrote

> At the end of the day, what would things look like if one side didn't want a lot of people to vote? Would we see a lot of the things that we see now?

I reiterate :)

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Mr_Fraunces t1_j9u25ch wrote

If if Election day is declared a holiday there are still people who have to work. People work on Christmas and Thanksgiving.

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CoalCrackerKid t1_j9u2w6m wrote

Since the point whistling past you made such a lovely sound, let's play it again.

Why not make it a multi-day window precisely because of the "folks gotta work" bellyaching retorts?

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Mr_Fraunces t1_j9u37ue wrote

Wow, I bet you're a real joy to be around.

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delusions- t1_j9vpa1r wrote

Project much?

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Mr_Fraunces t1_j9vpepj wrote

No. You?

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delusions- t1_j9vpnxe wrote

Oh, you didn't get what I was saying.

I was saying you're acting like a miserable asshole, for literally no reason, and therefore would be shitty to be around especially at festive things like a party.

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AlVic40117560_ t1_j9y31h8 wrote

I actually don’t like that idea. I’m much more for a Tuesday holiday. On a general Tuesday, most people just work. Some people have a hard time getting off work to vote, but the same people that have a hard time finding time during the 13 hour window of 7 am-8 pm probably also work on Saturdays. Any M-F 9-5 is able to get out and vote during those hours.

If Election Day was on Saturday, a lot of people would have other normal weekend plans that could cause them to not be around on a Saturday. A lot of people would prioritize those plans over voting and won’t schedule around Election Day. Where as Tuesday, most people are home because it’s a work day and they just need to stop by at some point during the day if possible, or vote by mail.

Making that Tuesday a holiday is a much better way to go about it then changing it to a Saturday.

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whomp1970 t1_ja9w73u wrote

I once heard a proposal to move Tax Day to the day after Election Day.

At no point in the year are you more likely to vote, than the day after you have to pay your taxes.

At least, that was the idea.

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Atrocious_1 t1_j9v07zl wrote

Or, just not have it be on one arbitrary day, and have it spread out over 3-5.

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1h8fulkat t1_j9wi7g9 wrote

Republicans tend to hate it when people vote.

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BeerExchange t1_j9vvxwv wrote

Election Day as a holiday does nothing for retail workers. Easy, accessible early and universal mail voting does more for everyone. Look at how Washington or Oregon (I forgot which) does it and emulate that.

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aoeudhtns t1_j9w848x wrote

I agree, but I think on principle it should be a holiday. We still need volunteers at the polls, as well as counters, observers, and all that. It'd be good to grow that pool.

And I also wish there was more teeth to declaring a holiday in this country, but that's another issue.

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9ttf09 wrote

State Senator Greg Rothman (R-34) and Senator Nikil Saval (D-1) introduced legislation to make Diwali an official state holiday in Pennsylvania. The holiday moves around because it's a lunar calendar, but is typically in October or November. This year it would be November 12.

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. It's a Festival of Lights.

Any new state holiday is good in my opinion!

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--Cr1imsoN-- t1_j9u9i1g wrote

That’s honestly pretty cool. I mean I don’t celebrate it, but I think it’s good to have holidays from across the world that are recognized and celebrated in our country and state in general. Get us back to the cosmopolitan ideals that are meant to be what the U.S. is all about.

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9ucm7y wrote

Likewise, not my tradition but it's pretty cool to learn about new holidays. Plus, if people who do celebrate it want to get together with family this makes it easier.

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heightsdrinker t1_j9uo73y wrote

I’ve been to a couple Diwali celebrations and they are a lot of fun! I’m glad to see my home state become more inclusive.

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Au2288 t1_j9uoy52 wrote

Oh man Diwali is the best. 🪔🪔🪔 the food is amazing & ambience is amazing. Always worth the wait. Truly is amazing news.

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MegaGrubby t1_j9vu512 wrote

Their calendar has like 50 holidays on it so it's not much of a concession. I wonder what's their angle.

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dancing_light t1_j9vmmrf wrote

Exactly. And there’s plenty of Pennsylvanians who don’t celebrate Christmas and Good Friday but they are state holidays. The more the merrier I say!

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Generic_Mustard t1_j9twhce wrote

We need more holidays across the board!

Celebrations are great and holidays provide a great opportunity for people to share their culture and its importance with the community.

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9u4izf wrote

I don't celebrate Diwali, but if I get the day off you bet your ass I'll start lol.

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Sovereign2142 t1_j9ubpxr wrote

Or, set minimum paid leave standards (e.g. 20 days a year for working 5 days-a-week) for all workers. Then people can take off whatever holidays they desire.

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9uceke wrote

To quote /u/Zenith2017, ¿por que no los dos?

20 paid days a year, plus 12 federal holidays (1 per month) would be fantastic.

There should not be a month without a 3 day weekend. August, get your act together!

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Opossum-Fucker-1863 t1_j9w3cz9 wrote

“Jarvis, pull up a map of countries that require paid sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, and regular paid time off”

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chocobridges t1_j9udx3m wrote

Super excited! My nephews in VA got off for Diwali and assumed they were celebrating with us. My husband and different cultures, I was so sad to disappoint them.

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9ue4km wrote

Oh that’s sweet. I hope you can celebrate together next year. What does a family Diwali party look like?

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chocobridges t1_j9ui14q wrote

Lots of food. I usually make all the deep fried stuff. Pakoras, puris, that sort of thing. There are lots of sweets but I'm not a huge fan of the traditional stuff so the new trend is to adjust European desserts with South Asian flavors (ex: chai or rose cardamom tiramisu).

The activities are super kid friendly. My toddler basically played with all the urlis (wide dish with flowers and candles) we had out like they were water sensory bins. There are rangoli designs and painting of the lamps (deepas/diyas).

2023 landed pretty close to Halloween so we decorated in Halloween colors. This year is veterans day but I'm just going to combine thanksgiving with it since I'm hosting a smaller gathering. We usually do a large typical American thanksgiving with Indian sides since my extended family is interreligious. But I'm making it South Asian inspired this year. My kid will be making samosa turkeys instead of hand turkeys this year (https://youtu.be/_PhdTTrKPU8) 🤣.

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9v7sb9 wrote

Oh that sounds really delicious. I hope your family has a happy Diwali!

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LOERMaster t1_j9ugvyh wrote

I think it’s a fine idea. I know that my coworkers will bitch about it not being an American holiday and how “woke” the state politicians have gotten while they enjoy their extra day off.

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PumpkinSpiceAngel t1_j9uhsd5 wrote

I don't celebrate Diwali, but it would be nice for those that observe the holiday to have the day off.

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25Bam_vixx t1_j9vsg6q wrote

I am all for any holidays that I can have off with pay, thats all I want lol

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Redlar t1_j9uhog2 wrote

I like to keep tabs on when Diwali is each year so I don't get surprised by seemingly random large firework displays. I'm out in the country but those BOOMS from fireworks travel

So I ask myself, is it Diwali or has some nutcase gone off the deep end? Checks calendar. Nope, it's just Diwali. Whew

Adding a holiday that is so joyous is a good thing in my book

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PPQue6 t1_j9vsch8 wrote

Michael Scott is stoked!

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jshrdd_ t1_j9u6me7 wrote

Hopefully a paided holiday from work

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9u70mo wrote

If it's a state holiday, I think the schools are off.

My job gets the federal holidays, so I would probably still have to work. Honestly, still fighting for Juneteenth. The holiday was created AFTER our most recent contract, so even though the language says "federal holidays" I get the feeling they're gonna hold out until our next contract.

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jillianpikora t1_j9zkd3v wrote

Before that's done let's have election day and inauguration day holidays off.

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9znuv5 wrote

I can do Election Day but i don’t really give a hoot about innaguration

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eatssoupwithphork t1_jaan3fe wrote

Still indigenous death camps. As if the smallpox blankets never stopped.

0

BrowniesAndMilk1 t1_j9v1imv wrote

Nikil Saval seems like a douche but I for one welcome another day off.

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zorionek0 OP t1_j9v858u wrote

Literally the only things I know about him are he single-handedly made it possible for PA homeowners to get up to $50K for home repairs and now he wants to give us all another day off. He’s all right by me

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BrowniesAndMilk1 t1_j9vj5z3 wrote

Hey the second one earned my vote the guy he beat was a mega douche so it’s like the South Park episode about a douche and a turd sandwich

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insofarincogneato t1_j9vi20r wrote

I love the inclusion and respect for minority beliefs in Pennsylvania, seemingly on a at least somewhat bipartisan level... However, the state isn't supposed to sponsor religious holidays in the first place. This violates the establishment clause. And yes Christians, so does Christmas.

Also, I'm sorry to disappoint but I don't think this means everyone of your bosses are going to give you a payed day off. 😅

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aoeudhtns t1_j9w9074 wrote

I think there are secular ways to tackle that. Like pass into law that the state observes major religious holidays for any group that passes 1% population threshold. No endorsement of specific religion, and broad support for all citizens.

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UnaffiliatedOpinion t1_j9wdmj9 wrote

I like this. You'd probably need to specify "limit one," and it may be controversial how to draw lines, but it's weird to me to vote in Diwali, but to exclude other major cultures' holidays in the process.

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insofarincogneato t1_j9xlc6w wrote

Sure, I'm sure there's plenty of solutions that don't allow the state to endorse a religion. The real problem is that they could never make every important religious holiday a state holiday, so by focusing on certain ones they are establishing certain religions over others which is what makes it unconstitutional.

Something like you suggested may be a valid solution except it is discriminatory against minority religions that don't have many participants in our state. I think that's why to be safe, it's best that the state doesn't endorse any religious holidays at all, and we should instead focus on changing attendance policies in schools and in the work place that allow folks time off for religious purposes.

Just to add context, your criteria of 1% of our state's population of 12.97 million is still over 120,000 folks. That's a lot of people who's religious beliefs wouldn't be validated. Sometimes I think when we think of a population percentage, it's easy to dehumanize folks and obfuscate a number of folks by using statistics... Think of how some folks treated the CDC reported 18.2 percent of folks who died from covid. 🤷

We can figure out how to limit or regulate that in a way that's fair for everyone so religious folks don't get more time off than none religious. It may look like a policy that doesn't involve religion at all, but personal free time in general.

I don't want to say force companies to offer payed personal days out loud but....I think we should fight for payed personal days and time off from school. 🤷Work from home and remote learning is doing a lot to make it easier to stay productive, let's use it.

What other benefits do State holidays give us?

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Paid-Not-Payed-Bot t1_j9xlcqn wrote

> to offer paid personal days

FTFY.

Although payed exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:

  • Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. The deck is yet to be payed.

  • Payed out when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. The rope is payed out! You can pull now.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.

Beep, boop, I'm a bot

2

alaska1415 t1_j9y0tfb wrote

A day off isn’t, in any way shape or form, an endorsement of a religion.

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insofarincogneato t1_j9y7ump wrote

Tell me you only respect a culture's holiday because it gives you a day off without telling me you only respect a culture's holiday because it gives you a day off.

Seriously, if you think that's what a state holiday is about, I don't know what to tell you.

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alaska1415 t1_j9ymju8 wrote

Nothing you said was in any way a response to anything I said.

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insofarincogneato t1_j9z0jpw wrote

How not? No one else said a day off is an endorsement of religion. You did. I said a state holiday is more than that. Where's the confusion here?

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alaska1415 t1_j9zn9l6 wrote

Are you slow? My comment was in a reply wherein you said a day off in observance of a religious holiday is an endorsement of a religion which violates the establishment clause. I corrected you that it is in fact NOT an endorsement of any religion.

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insofarincogneato t1_j9zqw5a wrote

Nope, I never said a day off was an endorsement of religion, I said a state sponsored holiday is an endorsement. The day off for SOME folks is a result of that sponsorship. The only reference to a day off I made was after that point were I said your boss probably isn't giving you a day off for it. That's why I want to know why you and l assume state holidays are just a day off👍

Even if I did say that, (and I didn't)... it DOES endorse a religion if it doesn't do the same for others.

If your going to keep implying I said something I didn't we have nothing to talk about here. 🤷

Why don't you move on with this conversation and express your reason for why giving specific religion's holidays days off but not every other belief isn't a violation of the establishment clause if you actually want to debate in good faith?

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alaska1415 t1_ja0f6br wrote

You literally did. Now that that’s settled.

It’s also not since:

  1. The action is not coercive.

  2. No one could reasonably see a day off as proselytizing or endorsement.

  3. Christmas (for example) is a holiday, yes, but there are numerous secular holidays as well meaning the government isn’t promoting that they only recognize Christian things, as an example. Saying that giving the day off is a violation would also call into question things like Black History Month as a violation of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments which ban government preference based on ethnicity or race.

  4. Granting days off that hold societal significance is itself a reasonable enough secular purpose.

From Ganlun v. United States:

Instead, the government’s accommodation simply acknowledges the existence of this religious exercise and avoids stifling it. Zorach, 343 U.S. at 314 (“When the state . . . cooperates with religious authorities by adjusting the schedule of public events to sectarian needs, it follows the best of our traditions. For it then respects the religious nature of our people and accommodates the public service to their spiritual needs.”)

I hope you’re done playing dumb and actually learn something.

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