By J. TAUB
Santa Fe
Why would we repeat a mistake we’ve already made and rejected? Why discount history, just because it isn’t current personal experiences, and repeat a hugely unpopular event? The US Senate is considering a bill proposing the US switch to permanent year-round daylight savings time (DST). We’ve been there. Done that. Hated it!
In January 1974, due to an energy crisis, the Emergency Daylight Savings Time Act was passed to implement DST from January through the following 16 months. It was so thoroughly disliked by the people – you! – that the experiment ended 10 months later in October 1974. People hated the myriad consequences of extended darkness continuing far into morning hours.
Few people enjoy resetting clocks and lives twice a year. There are indications of health-related impacts – sleep disturbances, heart issues, depression and more. Going back to one time year-round is a good idea. But not as DST. Standard Time is more in sync with our sleep/wake/hunger/hormone rhythms as human beings and creatures of this planet. Our circadian rhythms, regardless of what business, activity or politics would wish, are an innate part of human life. By all means, stop changing time twice a year, but recognize our intimate relationship to the planet where we humans evolved as part of this planet’s tapestry of life and the one that sustains us. Leave us on Standard Time!
DST will not ‘jump start’ the economy. There is unsubstantiated political conjecture and little research. But ultimately, just think about it. Will you really not make purchases you want or need simply because of the level of sunlight later in the day? Daylight certainly doesn’t affect the volume of sales in months before Christmas, the time of year that makes or breaks many businesses.
Why would you intentionally put your children and grandchildren at risk, forcing them to walk to school in the dark? Do we need to send kids to schools with flashlights, again? Do we need to kill or maim some number of children like in the 1970’s before accepting the folly of this decision? One would hope all teacher and parent organizations would support one time year-round, but would fight the proposal if that schedule is DST.
There is nothing to prevent businesses and activities from periodically modifying hours if that suits their purposes.
This was a very unpopular experiment that many of us have already lived through, and it remains the same undesirable, unhealthy, dangerous construct today.
Disappointingly, Senator Heinrich has reintroduced the bill for permanent DST. And ask your Senators to modify the bill to Standard Time. This is the health, safety and lives of you and those you love. Say something!!!
J. Taub, Born, raised and lived in Los Alamos, currently residing in Santa Fe.
