On an interesting note, there have been talks about a possible holiday named after United States Democratic President-elect Barack Obama. The 2008 United States Presidential race was a very interesting and symbolic one. But, the 2008 US Presidential race has already passed and Obama will take office on January 20, 2009.
So far, the government of Alabama’s Perry County has decided to pass “Barack Obama Day.” Yes, it is official. Perry County, Alabama will be observing this new holiday which goes into effect in 2009.
It is revealed that Obama had won that county by over 70 percent. But, it was GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona that won the state. According to Albert Turner Jr. who sponsored the proposal, it is to highlight a victory. In short, Obama’s victory symbolizes that even the most difficult of goals can be reached and accomplished. But, the main point is that they went ahead and named a holiday after Barack Obama.
This should be interesting. Alabama already has holidays celebrating a memorial for the Confederacy in the Civil War. Plus, it celebrates the birthday of Jefferson Davis. Davis was the President of the Confederacy. Davis was charged with treason after his capture in 1855. However, Davis was not convicted of the charge. But, Davis would no longer be able to run for public office.
It would not stop Davis from taking part in political activity. He would be the Secretary of War under then President Franklin Pierce.
However, the resolution did come across opposition.
Brett Harrison, one of the county commissioners and a Democrat explains his reason. He explains that making a holiday is not using the county funds wisely. Harrison does have a point in that respect. He makes note that Perry County is one of the poorest counties in Alabama.
“I’m a Democrat, but just in these financial times, it’s not using the country’s money wisely,” Harrison explained.
While the proposal has been passed, it is unknown if there will be an actual holiday named after Barack Obama. It has been passed at a county level. But, it has not been passed at a state level.
Plus, it is not known what the designated date of this “Barack Obama Day” will be. There is the possibility that other counties may get the same idea. Also, there is the possibility that opponents of this proposal will take it up with the courts.
Intentions are understandable. However, the opposition does have a point as well.
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