It's About Time
I mean that headline both ways. This is indeed an article about time. And it's about time for the subject to be addressed, too. Today, in a surprise victory, Senator Marco Rubio actually passed a bill by unanimous consent in the United States Senate that would enshrine, once and for all, Daylight Saving Time (or "D.S.T.") as the year-round standard for time in all of America. No more springing forward or falling back ever again, in other words. In March of 2023, the country would spring forward one last time and then that would be the time we'd all live with forevermore, even in winter. He titled it the Sunshine Protection Act (Rubio is from Florida, after all).
Of course, I'm not the only one making puns or having fun with the word "time." Both Rubio and his Democratic collaborator on the bill Senator Sheldon Whitehouse had their soundbites ready (one might quip: "just in time"):
Though some senators had offered objections to the proposal in recent days, all of them melted away in the end, said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), one of [Sen. Marco] Rubio’s partners on the bill. He said the bill's backers intentionally waited until the nation was reeling from yet another time change, which occurred on Sunday: "We did try and get it done once the clocks had just changed. Because it made it more timely."
But the drama isn't over yet. Whitehouse said he has not received an assurance from Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the permanent-DST bill's future in the House. Rubio said he hoped colleagues across the Capitol would "act quickly on it" and summed things up: "Pardon the pun, but: This is an idea whose time has come."
The reporting so far has made it seem almost like the rest of the Senate was caught by surprise by the bill, and some weren't even sure what they had agreed to. Rubio, it seems, just sort of sprang it on them:
Just two days after the nation's latest stressful "spring forward" to the later sunsets of daylight saving time, the Senate unanimously and surprisingly passed Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R-Fla.) bill to lock the clocks. The quick and consequential move happened so fast that several senators said afterward they were unaware of what had just happened.
Shortly after the Senate came back from a recess for a GOP lunch and a Democratic visit to the White House, Rubio took to the floor and passed a bill with a name befitting his state, the Sunshine Protection Act.
"If we can get this passed, we don’t have to keep doing this stupidity anymore," Rubio said. "Why we would enshrine this in our laws and keep it for so long is beyond me."
The bill's fate is now up to Nancy Pelosi's House and Joe Biden. Their approval of the plan is far from guaranteed, however. There is still a large faction of the public who would certainly go along with ending all the clock-switching, but would much prefer to settle on standard time rather than daylight time as the new horological reality. This argument, in fact, has been one of the large hurdles to getting any change made. Some people are morning people and would like more light at the start of the day while others prefer that light at the end of the day, even if it means people have to start their winter days before dawn breaks. Both sides have data to support their case, but what the data unequivocally show is that it is the switch itself that causes so many problems, twice a year... like clockwork. More automobile accidents, more medical emergencies, the list goes on -- there are all kinds of unintended consequences to monkeying around with the clock on a biannual basis.
Plus, people have always been sick of it. Nobody really likes shifting by an hour, which essentially adds a little touch of jetlag to everyone's lives without the benefit of an airplane ride. But, again, people differ on which way is the better way -- which way should rule the clock year-round.
There have been political movements in multiple states across the ideological spectrum (in both Florida and California, for instance) to dump clock-switching, but none of them could advance without congressional action. When Congress standardized the daylight/standard calendar back in the 1960s, it reserved the power to approve any changes to Congress (and not the individual states). This has mostly stopped the states from performing as "laboratories of democracy" by tinkering with the rules. Two states still stay on standard time year-round -- Arizona and Hawai'i -- but the rest eventually adopted daylight time.
The political fight will now move to the House, meaning Nancy Pelosi will be in charge of what happens next. My guess is that they won't move as suddenly as the Senate just did and they will convene a few hearings to air both sides of the argument (for which time scheme should be made permanent). This is probably a good thing, because with Rubio's unexpected success today that argument never adequately happened in the public sphere (at least on a national level). And people do feel very strongly about it on both sides of the question. Their views should be heard. In the end, the House should either decide to pass the Senate version with daylight time becoming the law of the land or pass a contradictory bill which would move everyone to standard time forever. If the House passed a standard time bill then the argument would shift back to the Senate where it would further be debated. But no matter what is ultimately decided, this is an important debate to have in public, because it will affect virtually everyone. It deserves more attention than it has so far received.
The concept of time is one that's fairly malleable, as anyone who just finished watching the new PBS version of Around The World In Eighty Days knows. It was really the railroads that standardized time in America, because up until that point it simply didn't matter all that much. Each location tended to set its own version of the day, centered around "local noon" -- the time of day when the sun was highest in the sky over the county courthouse. Time zones didn't have to exist because as you travelled west, noon would slowly shift with you, from town to town, until it had moved back a full hour. This was untenable for the railroads, who had to set timetables so the trains could run on some sort of schedule. Travelling by rail was the first time Americans could travel fast enough to make the shift in local noon a problem that reached beyond the town limits.
Saving daylight in the summer was a new idea at the turn of the 20th century and was adopted in a widespread way during World War I, ostensibly to save coal. It was dropped in America after the war, but then dusted off and brought back again for World War II. After the war, it was again dropped nationally but it was left up to the states to decide what to do locally. Some states didn't change clocks at all, some states did, and in some places there were city-to-city differences as each location decided for itself. And once again the transportation industry needed more consistency to make schedules for moving from place to place. In 1966 Congress acted and instituted the standard. Whole states could opt out, but not divide up into a patchwork of different rules. One year during the energy crisis (the winter of 1974-75) America stayed on daylight time all year, but people were so upset by this shift that it was quickly abandoned the next year. The calendar for adjusting clocks was itself adjusted twice after that point (in 1986 and again in 2005), showing that the entire construct has continually shifted over time.
Today's action in the Senate would dump it all once and for good, and set a single time standard to be observed nationwide for the entire year. Rubio, who has been pushing this idea for a long time now, is a fan of daylight time so that's what he mandated in his bill. The debate in the House will no doubt air the entire choice, giving pro-daylight and pro-standard experts the time (so to speak) to make their case. But we have to say, for the first time since he was badmouthing Donald Trump in the 2016 primaries, we wholeheartedly agree with Senator Marco Rubio -- this is indeed an idea whose time has come.
-- Chris Weigant
Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisWeigant
I read somewhere that it's retailers who most recently pushed for the shift twice a year, supposedly in order to stimulate sales. It long ago ceased being about farm kids.
Could everyone agree that the time will never switch back and forth in a given place but allow each state to say what time it is running on? We already deal with differences from state to state because of the various time zones, so "states' rights" might not be too burdensome a system to deal with.
i guess i always tended to lean toward the standard time end of the spectrum. however, i'd gladly give in to daylight time just so we don't have to keep switching.
of course, you've blatantly omitted the most important time there is, which is the baking time of a pie. will there be no end to your anti-pie bias?
JL
In March of 2023, the country would spring forward one last time and then that would be the time we'd all live with forevermore, even in winter.
If it ever happens here in Canada, then I think I would prefer to have it end on falling back. The idea of gaining an hour has always rested well with me as opposed to losing one, so ...
Of course, I only care about how much time the sun's rays actually make it to my neck of the woods and what time we're on doesn't really matter.
I really don't care, either, as long as we end the switching back and forth.
Let each state decide which time they want, if need be.
Here's Beau talking about Russia's Next Mistake, namely the targeting of Ukrainian civilians because the Russian Army doesn't have the skill set to defeat the Ukrainians.
There are tons of Ukrainians within Russia. And some of them will seek vengeance on the Russian population, lone wolf style. Once this genie is out of the bottle we can start the countdown to Putin's death, because stability is the top priority of the Russian oligarchs, military and people. (6:15)
War sucks, Elizabeth. But regardless of anyone's wishes Ukraine will simply never quit fighting. So we may as well usher Putin out the door.
[]
[O]f course, you've blatantly omitted the most important time there is, which is the baking time of a pie. will there be no end to your anti-pie bias?
I keep telling you trolls that just because there's a shortage of pies doesn't mean taking time to bake more is automatically the solution. *yeesh*
Zelensky is now ready to say that Ukraine will never be a member of NATO.
Too bad Ukraine and the lives of its people are being as smashed up as they are just to get to the point where things stood before the invasion.
Morning light is the more significant for our body clocks, so I would always prefer standard time, but I agree that it's a good idea to drop the switch one way or another.
What is so bad about switching, anyways?
Actually, it doesn't really surprise me that most of Weigantia isn't into change and spicing things up, every now and again ...:(
Can Putin simply push the button and launch all by himself?
I'm glad you asked.
A Russia retaliatory strike has safeguards built in, just like ours does.
A Russian deliberate first strike requires authentication by the Chief of General Staff as well as the Minister of Defense. Sounds good, right?
Well, the current guys are Putin loyalists and Putin could always replace them with somebody else at the last moment.
Of course, they'd know that they were committing suicide. In that event, my money would be on bullet in Putin's brain.
[10]
Too bad Ukraine and the lives of its people are being as smashed up as they are just to get to the point where things stood before the invasion.
Victim blaming again? You didn't respond to any of my Ukrainian stuff before and you're still missing the big picture.
No, things won't be the same as before the invasion.
1- Ukraine, a sovereign nation that gave up her nukes in exchange for security guarantees from Russia, the UK and America, refused to take orders from Putin.
2- In doing so they demonstrated more spine than the West and spine is the only deterent that bullies respect.
3- NATO and the whole world (besides the Chinese, fuck 'em) are united against Putin's threat to our peaceful world order.
4- Russia cannot beat Ukraine and even shelling civilians won't break them.
5- Sanctions are strangling Russia's economy, the bodies are arriving back home and it's just a matter of time before Putin is toast.
6- At the cost of a lot of Ukrainian blood we will have learned the lessons of Munich, 1938.
Sounds like that's light years away from where things stood before the invasion, no?
[12]
Switching sucks.
And life offers plenty of both change and spicy things that don't involve sleep disruption. Harumph.
I feel for ya, MtnCaddy
I'm not victim blaming, MtnCaddy.
I'm just saying that recognizing the obvious would have prevented all of this chaos and bloodshed.
I blame the Biden adminstration mostly ... for a failure of leadership and a fairlure of imagination.
I think this is the third commentary in the past week where the Weigantian administration has praised Senator Marc Rubio...
The winds of change are indeed ablowin'... :D
While I would prefer to keep it at DST, it doesn't much matter cuz I am up at 0400 +/- every morning anyways..
I just hate the bi-yearly change... So, lock it at DST or regular ST... Just lock it..
I think this is the third commentary in the past week where the Weigantian administration has praised Senator Marc Rubio...
Of course, that would be MARCO Rubio.. DOH!
of course, you've blatantly omitted the most important time there is, which is the baking time of a pie.
That's a silly question..
Of course, it's 3.14 minutes... :D
Not all pies need to be baked, ya know.
MtnCaddy,
Not victim blaming but, I will get to your Ukraine stuff ...
Wait a sec ... didn't I get to your Ukraine stuff. Are there articles you posted that I didn't read or what!?
OK Movie Reviews..
THE ADAM PROJECT
Awesome movie.. Ryan Reynolds at his wise-cracking best... Good story.. Time Travel movies are always fun.. Effects were awesome.. Just an all around good time.. Rated: EXCELLANT
DOG
This one held special meaning for me as I was K-9 in the USAF.. Channing Tatum is tasked to bring a MWD K-9 to his handler's funeral in AZ and then drop the K-9 off at an Army post in NM for euthanasia... Very poignant story if somewhat predictable.. RATED: EXCELLANT +
Both highly recommended...
MtnCaddy,
Before the war, Ukraine was NOT destined to become a member of NATO, despite pronouncements by Biden and his administration.
After the war, Ukraine will not ever be a member of NATO.
It seems to me that there has been altogether too much death and destruction to arrive at that same point.
MC,
Here's Beau of the Fifth Column addressing an LEO's question about minimizing bad shootings and other unnecessary mayhem.
At the 12:00 mark, Beau is talking about his friend who was "seconds away" from shooting an SO because the SO was shutting down his illegal food vendor whatever...
And ya'all wonder why cops are the way they are??
Because there are people like Beau's friend out there who would SHOOT an LEO simply because...
Liz,
Before the war, Ukraine was NOT destined to become a member of NATO, despite pronouncements by Biden and his administration.
After the war, Ukraine will not ever be a member of NATO.
It seems to me that there has been altogether too much death and destruction to arrive at that same point.
The problem with your stance is that you would take away Ukraine's sovereignty and choice..
If Ukraine CHOOSES not to be a member of NATO, that's fine...
But for Ukraine to be FORCED to??
"That's no bueno.."
-Agent J, MEN IN BLACK III
Putin's actions is a perfect example of WHY Ukraine NEEDS to be part of NATO...
s
Michale,
The problem with your stance is that you would take away Ukraine's sovereignty and choice.
Not at all. But, if Ukraine and the West keep insisting that Ukraine be a part of NATO, then there won't be any sovereignty left for Ukraine to protect.
If Ukraine CHOOSES not to be a member of NATO, that's fine...
Z is getting close to that stance but, he has paid a heavy price for his tardiness.
When this thing ends, Putin will have secured a big chunk of Eastern and Southern Ukraine, including an all important land bridge denying Ukraine unimpeded access to the Black Sea.
That is a huge price to pay for holding on to a choice that would never materialize.
Heh.
Not at all. But, if Ukraine and the West keep insisting that Ukraine be a part of NATO, then there won't be any sovereignty left for Ukraine to protect.
Better to die on their feet than live on their knees...
Z is getting close to that stance but, he has paid a heavy price for his tardiness.
Z made clear that Ukraine will never surrender..
Promising not to join a military alliance with the US is surrendering..
Disney CEO (finally) speaks out on 'Don't Say Gay' bill. But where's the gay Disney fairy tale?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/03/09/disney-dont-say-gay-bill-controversy-make-gay-fairy-tale/9424479002/
Disney is fighting for the right to teach abnormal sexual/gender issues to Kindergartners...
Only in America.. :^/
@m[28]
i'm a thousand percent with you on this. choosing not to join NATO on their own would be one thing, but choosing not to under the duress of an invasion and forced settlement is another thing entirely. i would say that after this, every other country in eastern europe should join nato STAT.
JL
@liz[12],
i can think of better ways to lose sleep than having to change the clocks twice a year. i'm sure you can too.
JL
@m[36],
the NNL filter seems to be eating up all my attempts to answer that question, but suffice to say there are PLENTY of visual responses to go around.
JL
[18]
1-Ukraine, a sovereign nation that gave up her nukes in exchange for security guarantees from Russia, the UK and America, refused to take orders from Putin.
2- In doing so they demonstrated more spine than the West and spine is the only deterent that bullies respect.
So Ukraine should have rolled over to avoid war? What about the Baltics, Poland and all the rest of the former Warsaw Pact countries? Should Western Europe roll over for Putin, too?
Where do you draw the line on Appeasement, Elizabeth? How is this situation any different than Munich 1938?
I blame the Biden adminstration mostly ... for a failure of leadership and a failure of imagination.
Really? What could Biden have done differently to have any effect whatsoever? Be specific, Elizabeth.
[12]
Actually, it doesn't really surprise me that most of Weigantia isn't into change and spicing things up, every now and again ...:(
Just like your contributions to Sunday Night Dance Party shows how into change and spicing things up you are, right?
[31]
When this thing ends, Putin will have secured a big chunk of Eastern and Southern Ukraine, including an all important land bridge denying Ukraine unimpeded access to the Black Sea.
Gee, this sounds a lot like Russia's battle plan! How's that working out? Seems the Russians grabbed the periphery in the South and east...and haven't made much progress since. Looks like the top ten Ukrainian cities are still in Ukrainian hands. Looks like Putin is bombing civilians because his Army doesn't have the skillset to defeat Ukraine. Best of all, it looks like Ukrainian grandmothers won't have to personally kill Russian invaders because the men folk got this.
Are you paying any attention to the facts on the ground? In light your pacifism, should the City of Detroit demand tribute from Ontario because y'all don't believe in sticking up for yourselves?
[32]
Mtn Caddy (14)-
"You didn't respond to any of my Ukrainian stuff...."
That's rich!
You are a troll and a coward.
Go away.
Fuck off, Fredo. Of the two of you, Michale is of greater interest to me at the moment.
I'll get to you the moment I feel like it. Better sharpen up your reading comprehension abilities so that you won't be wasting my time.
[36]
Since you skipped the copy and paste routine I clicked on this link and FYI it wouldn't load up for me, either.
don't take it so hard, michale is more interesting than lots of people.
how do you know what i know and don't know? it certainly seems like you're taking michale's superior interestingness kinda hard.
Cause growing up is awfuler than all the awful things that ever were
I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up... no sir
JL troll
Joshua,
i can think of better ways to lose sleep than having to change the clocks twice a year. i'm sure you can too.
Absolutely, positively, unequivocally!
Besides, that was kind of my point about wanting to end it on falling back instead of springing forward ... you know, so we would gain an hour of sleep, ultimately. :)
MtnCaddy,
Where do you draw the line on Appeasement, Elizabeth? How is this situation any different than Munich 1938?
Non-serious.
MtnCaddy,
Just like your contributions to Sunday Night Dance Party shows how into change and spicing things up you are, right?
Ouch.
MtnCaddy,
Really? What could Biden have done differently to have any effect whatsoever? Be specific, Elizabeth.
Not take Ukraine's membership in NATO off the negotiating table. Very unwise move.
lol