With licorice and jugs of wine for owls
May 1, 2007 10:01 AM Subscribe
Happy Loyalty Day. The President of the United States of America has proclaimed May 1, 2007 as Loyalty Day.
This post was deleted for the following reason: This would be noteworthy if it wasn't a yearly rite going back decades, I guess. Also, see previous. -- cortex
Do presidents do this sort of thing a lot?
posted by hoverboards don't work on water at 10:04 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by hoverboards don't work on water at 10:04 AM on May 1, 2007
Gah! That name gives me goosebumps.
posted by brundlefly at 10:06 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by brundlefly at 10:06 AM on May 1, 2007
The President of the United States of America has proclaimed May 1 … as Loyalty Day
As has every U.S. president for the past 50 years, I would think.
posted by gubo at 10:06 AM on May 1, 2007 [3 favorites]
As has every U.S. president for the past 50 years, I would think.
posted by gubo at 10:06 AM on May 1, 2007 [3 favorites]
This seems just like calling us treasonous if we don't agree with them.
posted by amberglow at 10:06 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by amberglow at 10:06 AM on May 1, 2007
thanks, gubo--it was originally against those dirty people who work for a living, and dirty commies, of course.
posted by amberglow at 10:07 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by amberglow at 10:07 AM on May 1, 2007
I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America, and to the ideals for which it stands: one nation, many peoples, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
posted by Faint of Butt at 10:08 AM on May 1, 2007 [2 favorites]
posted by Faint of Butt at 10:08 AM on May 1, 2007 [2 favorites]
If today is Loyalty Day and July 4th is Independence Day, we only have two months to fight the Revolution. Better get started.
posted by Pastabagel at 10:09 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by Pastabagel at 10:09 AM on May 1, 2007
This is also Law Day: a national holiday created for Americans
"in appreciation of their liberties and the reaffirmation of their loyalty to the United States and of their rededication to the ideals of equality and justice under law in their relations with each other and with other countries"
Made at the height of McCarthyism when pinko commies ran rampant and the very foundations of Democracy were in peril, it is good to know we still create meaningless holidays to make it seem like we are fighting the good fight.
All this is very amusing considering May day: the pinkest of all workers holidays, happens on May 1st as well. It is good to know that the president will temper the vast throngs of immigrant workers demonstrating for citizenship rights with bland loyalty and fluff.
posted by munchingzombie at 10:11 AM on May 1, 2007
"in appreciation of their liberties and the reaffirmation of their loyalty to the United States and of their rededication to the ideals of equality and justice under law in their relations with each other and with other countries"
Made at the height of McCarthyism when pinko commies ran rampant and the very foundations of Democracy were in peril, it is good to know we still create meaningless holidays to make it seem like we are fighting the good fight.
All this is very amusing considering May day: the pinkest of all workers holidays, happens on May 1st as well. It is good to know that the president will temper the vast throngs of immigrant workers demonstrating for citizenship rights with bland loyalty and fluff.
posted by munchingzombie at 10:11 AM on May 1, 2007
Have there been any presidents in the last 50 years who haven't proclaimed May 1st Loyalty Day?
posted by Bugbread at 10:15 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by Bugbread at 10:15 AM on May 1, 2007
Looking at my schedule, it looks like I've got a lot more Labor than Loyalty today. If the President wants to discuss it, he can grab a shovel and get to digging ditches like the rest of us.
posted by lekvar at 10:15 AM on May 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by lekvar at 10:15 AM on May 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
Pastabagel: "If today is Loyalty Day and July 4th is Independence Day, we only have two months to fight the Revolution. Better get started."
Don't look at me. I did my part by kicking the British out of Boston onSt. Patty's Day Evacuation Day. And by kicking the British out of Boston, I mean drinking green beer. Hooray for America!
posted by Plutor at 10:15 AM on May 1, 2007
Don't look at me. I did my part by kicking the British out of Boston on
posted by Plutor at 10:15 AM on May 1, 2007
Have there been any presidents in the last 50 years who haven't proclaimed May 1st Loyalty Day?
Probably not Clinton or Carter. Because everyone knows they were commie dirtbags.
posted by Mayor Curley at 10:18 AM on May 1, 2007
Probably not Clinton or Carter. Because everyone knows they were commie dirtbags.
posted by Mayor Curley at 10:18 AM on May 1, 2007
amberglow writes "it was originally against those dirty people who work for a living, and dirty commies, of course."
Depends how you read it: "[it] was intended to counterbalance the celebration of the Labour Day on May Day — May 1, which was perceived as communist."
Since America celebrates Labor Day in September, it would appear that it wasn't against people who work for a living, but just against the Communism inherent in celebrating it in May...or spelling it "Labour".
posted by Bugbread at 10:19 AM on May 1, 2007
Depends how you read it: "[it] was intended to counterbalance the celebration of the Labour Day on May Day — May 1, which was perceived as communist."
Since America celebrates Labor Day in September, it would appear that it wasn't against people who work for a living, but just against the Communism inherent in celebrating it in May...or spelling it "Labour".
posted by Bugbread at 10:19 AM on May 1, 2007
This is a stupid, stupid, titanically stupid post holiday.
posted by Faint of Butt at 10:25 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by Faint of Butt at 10:25 AM on May 1, 2007
If he really wanted to undercut May Day he's make it a paid holiday.
posted by zorro astor at 10:26 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by zorro astor at 10:26 AM on May 1, 2007
America was founded by patriots who risked their lives to bring freedom to our Nation. Today, our citizens are grateful for our Founding Fathers and confident in the principles that lead us forward. On Loyalty Day, we celebrate the blessings of freedom and remember our responsibility to continue our legacy of liberty.
Did George Bush just tell me to follow in the footsteps of our founding fathers with regard to securing our liberty? Because I don't think he really wants me to do that.
I mean, didn't we call that a 'revolution' when it happened last time?
posted by quin at 10:26 AM on May 1, 2007 [2 favorites]
Did George Bush just tell me to follow in the footsteps of our founding fathers with regard to securing our liberty? Because I don't think he really wants me to do that.
I mean, didn't we call that a 'revolution' when it happened last time?
posted by quin at 10:26 AM on May 1, 2007 [2 favorites]
If Bush's staff had any loyalty to the nation they work for then Bush would be in prison, not issuing meaningless edicts.
posted by kaemaril at 10:26 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by kaemaril at 10:26 AM on May 1, 2007
This made me sad/mad. Until I read the post indicating that this has been a "holiday" since 1921. Then my 30 years of ignorance of the fact, suggesting the failure of this particular li'l stab at twisting my consciousness, made me happy.
If they were really smart, they'd give us free stuff on Loyalty Day. Or a paid day off. Or both.
posted by flotson at 10:28 AM on May 1, 2007
If they were really smart, they'd give us free stuff on Loyalty Day. Or a paid day off. Or both.
posted by flotson at 10:28 AM on May 1, 2007
OK, I was going to make the obvious joke about Eisenhower honoring the law versus Bush honoring loyalty.
But then gubo had to go and ruin it with his Wikipediosity, which reveals that Eisenhower officially established May 1 as Loyalty Day just five months after he established it as Law Day.
Which is weird, because Eisenhower had taken special measures to prevent Law Day from conflicting with Child Health Day, "thus avoiding the conflict that would otherwise result from simultaneous observances for different purposes."
I guess it is necessary for loyalty to trump law when you're facing an unprecedented threat likethe British the South the Ottoman Empire Nazis communists labor unions the Soviet Union Saddam Saddam terrorism.
posted by designbot at 10:30 AM on May 1, 2007
But then gubo had to go and ruin it with his Wikipediosity, which reveals that Eisenhower officially established May 1 as Loyalty Day just five months after he established it as Law Day.
Which is weird, because Eisenhower had taken special measures to prevent Law Day from conflicting with Child Health Day, "thus avoiding the conflict that would otherwise result from simultaneous observances for different purposes."
I guess it is necessary for loyalty to trump law when you're facing an unprecedented threat like
posted by designbot at 10:30 AM on May 1, 2007
I hereby proclaim Wednesday as our National Day of Cake.
Take the day off!
posted by Dizzy at 10:34 AM on May 1, 2007
Take the day off!
posted by Dizzy at 10:34 AM on May 1, 2007
This would have been funny if Loyalty Day wasn't something all presidents have been declaring since the 50s. As it stands, it is just kind of sad.
posted by chunking express at 10:34 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by chunking express at 10:34 AM on May 1, 2007
What happens to you if you don't fly the flag?
Flag flies you?
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 10:35 AM on May 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
Flag flies you?
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 10:35 AM on May 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
XQUZYPHYR: "Maliki creates "Office of Commander-in-Chief" to control Iraq."
Interesting. Bush could use one of those.
posted by Plutor at 10:35 AM on May 1, 2007
Interesting. Bush could use one of those.
posted by Plutor at 10:35 AM on May 1, 2007
The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May 1 of each year as "Loyalty Day."
Yeah, I don't like Bush, but snooze...it's a bland little holiday that's more or less meaningless.
I bet if you dig you'll find that this is in direct response to the cold war and May Day parades of communist military might.
Not exactly an earth shattering attempt to draw attention away from Bush's personal political troubles or the Iraq war situation.
posted by Muddler at 10:40 AM on May 1, 2007
Yeah, I don't like Bush, but snooze...it's a bland little holiday that's more or less meaningless.
I bet if you dig you'll find that this is in direct response to the cold war and May Day parades of communist military might.
Not exactly an earth shattering attempt to draw attention away from Bush's personal political troubles or the Iraq war situation.
posted by Muddler at 10:40 AM on May 1, 2007
According to the statute, we're supposed to "...observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies..."
Any suggestions?
posted by MtDewd at 10:40 AM on May 1, 2007
Any suggestions?
posted by MtDewd at 10:40 AM on May 1, 2007
Mayday! Mayday!
posted by joe lisboa at 10:42 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by joe lisboa at 10:42 AM on May 1, 2007
Let's put all these holidays into a blender and see what comes out... [RRRrrRRrrrrRRRRRcrakarRRR] Why, it's "NeoCon May Day"!
1. Hold a big parade with lots of guns.
2. Place a copy of the Bill of Rights on people's doorsteps
3. Ring doorbell, run, and hide in the shrubbery.
4. When they open the door, shoot^H^H^H^H^Hliberate the hell out of them. Salute flag, retrieve BoR.
5. Repeat from step 2.
Also, I think that we're to believe that they will be leaving flowers on their doorsteps for us, but for some reason this never happens...
posted by unixrat at 10:44 AM on May 1, 2007
1. Hold a big parade with lots of guns.
2. Place a copy of the Bill of Rights on people's doorsteps
3. Ring doorbell, run, and hide in the shrubbery.
4. When they open the door, shoot^H^H^H^H^Hliberate the hell out of them. Salute flag, retrieve BoR.
5. Repeat from step 2.
Also, I think that we're to believe that they will be leaving flowers on their doorsteps for us, but for some reason this never happens...
posted by unixrat at 10:44 AM on May 1, 2007
and don't forget, this is also:
Jewish American Heritage Month
Older Americans Month and
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
All you older, Jewish American lawyer patriots on the treadmill - we salute you.
posted by caddis at 10:44 AM on May 1, 2007
Jewish American Heritage Month
Older Americans Month and
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
All you older, Jewish American lawyer patriots on the treadmill - we salute you.
posted by caddis at 10:44 AM on May 1, 2007
What I find funny about this thread is all the anti-Bush folks thinking that the best way to properly celebrate their loyalty to their country is for their employer to give them money for not working.
Typical liberals, always looking for a handout.
Personally, I'll celebrate it by doing an honest day's work for an honest day's pay, and helping contribute to my nation's economy.
The rest of you can have the day off, if you like. Heck, take the rest of the year. You probably weren't going to accomplish much anyway (aside from spewing the normal complain-complain-protest-complain, Bush Lied-Stole the election-Yay Hillary-Yay Obama drivel).
Happy Loyalty Day Everyone!
posted by tadellin at 10:45 AM on May 1, 2007
Typical liberals, always looking for a handout.
Personally, I'll celebrate it by doing an honest day's work for an honest day's pay, and helping contribute to my nation's economy.
The rest of you can have the day off, if you like. Heck, take the rest of the year. You probably weren't going to accomplish much anyway (aside from spewing the normal complain-complain-protest-complain, Bush Lied-Stole the election-Yay Hillary-Yay Obama drivel).
Happy Loyalty Day Everyone!
posted by tadellin at 10:45 AM on May 1, 2007
As the Borgias read and learned from the Prince, so George Bush did from (the Cliff's notes for) 1984.
posted by psmealey at 10:48 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by psmealey at 10:48 AM on May 1, 2007
Good thing we're not marching towards fascism, or anything like that.....
posted by Benny Andajetz at 10:49 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by Benny Andajetz at 10:49 AM on May 1, 2007
tadellin: way to bash on a strawman. You feel better?
Yeah, this thread was a stupid attempt at baseless partisan sniping. Way to make it dumber by adding even further baseless partisan sniping.
posted by dios at 10:51 AM on May 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
Yeah, this thread was a stupid attempt at baseless partisan sniping. Way to make it dumber by adding even further baseless partisan sniping.
posted by dios at 10:51 AM on May 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
Happy Loyalty Day Everyone!
Look at me, everyone! I need attention!
There, fixed that for you.
posted by Tommy Gnosis at 10:51 AM on May 1, 2007
Six more, five more, alright, feel the burn! Keep it up, MeFites, jerk those knees! Three more...
On the whole, I'd rather celebrate my gal's birthday than either Loyalty or Labour day.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 10:51 AM on May 1, 2007
On the whole, I'd rather celebrate my gal's birthday than either Loyalty or Labour day.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 10:51 AM on May 1, 2007
tadellin writes "The rest of you can have the day off, if you like. Heck, take the rest of the year. You probably weren't going to accomplish much anyway"
If you'll pay, I'll definitely do it. Heck, since you're feeling so generous, how about paying me to not work for a decade? I'm game. I don't live in America, but that shouldn't disqualify me, should it?
And, if it makes you feel better, I'll spend that money on extravagant food and play, thereby helping contribute to my nation's economy. Tell me what company you work for, and I might even buy one of your products.
posted by Bugbread at 10:52 AM on May 1, 2007
If you'll pay, I'll definitely do it. Heck, since you're feeling so generous, how about paying me to not work for a decade? I'm game. I don't live in America, but that shouldn't disqualify me, should it?
And, if it makes you feel better, I'll spend that money on extravagant food and play, thereby helping contribute to my nation's economy. Tell me what company you work for, and I might even buy one of your products.
posted by Bugbread at 10:52 AM on May 1, 2007
Benny Andajetz writes "Good thing we're not marching towards fascism, or anything like that....."
Whether we are or we aren't, an unknown holiday that's existed for the last 5 decades probably isn't a huge factor either way.
posted by Bugbread at 10:53 AM on May 1, 2007
Whether we are or we aren't, an unknown holiday that's existed for the last 5 decades probably isn't a huge factor either way.
posted by Bugbread at 10:53 AM on May 1, 2007
Fuck. The Patriot Act, Homeland Security, Loyalty Day. What's next? Fatherland? Loyal Association of New Gideon Freedom Haters?
posted by Benny Andajetz at 10:53 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by Benny Andajetz at 10:53 AM on May 1, 2007
Faint of Butt writes 'I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America, and to the ideals for which it stands: one nation, many peoples, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'
The workers flag, is deepest red,
It shrouded oft our martyred dead
And ere their limbs grew stiff and cold,
Their hearts blood dyed its every fold.
Then raise the scarlet standard high.
Within its shade we'll live and die,
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer,
We'll keep the red flag flying here.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 10:54 AM on May 1, 2007
The workers flag, is deepest red,
It shrouded oft our martyred dead
And ere their limbs grew stiff and cold,
Their hearts blood dyed its every fold.
Then raise the scarlet standard high.
Within its shade we'll live and die,
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer,
We'll keep the red flag flying here.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 10:54 AM on May 1, 2007
Truly, gubo did nail it, it's just that this "holiday" takes on special significance while we have a President who has a completely different take on the application of what that word means than practically everyone else who came before him.
posted by psmealey at 10:56 AM on May 1, 2007
posted by psmealey at 10:56 AM on May 1, 2007
speaking of loyalty--we taught Iraq well: ... Apparently, Maliki has a senior military advisor who believes it’s more important to maintain ideological consistency in the administration than keep qualified, well-trained, successful public servants in positions of influence.
I wonder where they got this idea.
posted by amberglow at 10:57 AM on May 1, 2007
I wonder where they got this idea.
posted by amberglow at 10:57 AM on May 1, 2007
Benny Andajetz writes "Fuck. The Patriot Act, Homeland Security, Loyalty Day. What's next?"
You're having a hard time with this "Loyalty Day is a really old holiday" thing, aren't you?
posted by Bugbread at 10:58 AM on May 1, 2007
You're having a hard time with this "Loyalty Day is a really old holiday" thing, aren't you?
posted by Bugbread at 10:58 AM on May 1, 2007
All you older, Jewish American lawyer patriots on the treadmill - we salute you.
Joe Lieberman?
posted by LionIndex at 10:59 AM on May 1, 2007
Joe Lieberman?
posted by LionIndex at 10:59 AM on May 1, 2007
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posted by donovan at 10:03 AM on May 1, 2007