To the editor: Why don't we go back to observing the original two days that were celebrated when I was a child? (“Is it George Washington's holiday or do we celebrate all 45 presidents?” Opinion, February 19)
My family emigrated from Germany in 1951. Schools, banks, post offices and most businesses were closed on February 12 for Abraham Lincoln's birthday and February 22 for George Washington's birthday. However, companies did not want to pay for two holidays, so the two days were grouped into one holiday.
Washington deserves a vacation because he was the first president. It doesn't matter that his personal life was full of contradictions: he was the first.
Lincoln deserves a vacation because he thought that “all men [and women] They are created equal.”
Both presidents made it possible for us all to have what we have today. Whatever happened during your time on Earth, it was that moment; personal lives should not be taken into consideration. We change and improve, but we must never destroy reminders of the past.
Vacations shouldn't be about spending money on anything. They should be celebrated for what they originally honored.
Natalie Kolosow, Cypress
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To the editor: In my opinion, there is no need to change Presidents' Day to a holiday on Election Day. Just share Election Day with Veterans Day. (“Dump Presidents Day. Election Day is a better way to honor American democracy,” Opinion, February 19)
Since Veterans Day is already in November, it should be a safe bet. What a beautiful way to honor all the brave men and women who over the years have fought to protect our nation's democracy and our right to vote.
Bonnie Sanders, Malibu
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To the editor: Let's make Election Day a national holiday. Close all commercial activity, preserving only the most necessary government facilities.
One of the main problems with our electoral system is that it is so fragmented, so easily manipulated and so subject to the whims of the ruling parties, that citizens view the process with caution and show little confidence in the results.
The fact that we still go to great lengths to get to the polls (or mail ballots) indicates that many of us sincerely believe in democracy.
Let's reduce the reasons for not voting by making it easier to cast your vote with a full day dedicated to the electoral process.
Carleton Cronin, West Hollywood
