This week, our country celebrated Juneteenth, a recognition of how we overcame slavery in our nation. Long Island Life and Politics wrote an editorial supporting the concept of reflecting upon where we’ve come from and how far we’ve traveled on a course to bring about equality and wipe out racism.
We celebrate those who gave up so much so that Americans today can live a better life and so that we all can live up to the truest American ideals.
With that said, it’s interesting to debate what’s going on in Nassau County. County Executive Bruce Blakeman is recognizing Juneteenth, but is not so willing to make it another free holiday off for county workers without there being some type of collective bargaining by the union. Some sectors are bashing him for this, but we think there’s logic to his position.
We can recognize Juneteenth, the evils of slavery and how far we have come in this nation, without incurring the expense of closing half of the country down.
Many government employees already enjoy over 13 paid holidays off every year. While the federal government recognized Juneteenth by closing federal offices, there was no requirement that the states and local governments follow suit.
We believe all should recognize the day, but just giving away another free holiday and closing down services to the public should not be taken lightly. If County workers want to swap it for another holiday, maybe that’s an idea worth considering. Or at the very least, the union should have to give something back as far as efficiency goes if county taxpayers are now going to foot the bill for yet another day off.
There is a way to honor those who sacrificed to maximize the quality in our nation while not closing the government.