Well, It Happened Again

Well, it’s happened again… time has changed!  I remember when our clocks were left alone, to continue on a natural course with the earth’s rotation around the sun.  Those were the times that saw the days get longer or shorter in gradual increments.  Yes, it gradually became darker in the mornings as we dressed for school, and waited for our ride on the infamous bus.  Yes, it got dark earlier and earlier at night as we moved further and further from the sun.  But, the operative word was gradual and this made it acceptable.

Now, we do not have the luxury of gradually adjusting to the shorter days.  No, someone decided in their infamous wisdom that they knew better than “The Creator” what would be best for everyone. Why must we change?  It appears that Benjamin Franklin who penned the proverb “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” was among the first to suggest the idea in a 1784 essay in which he wrote that adjusting the clocks in the spring could be a good way to save on candles. Well Mr. Franklin, I don’t like going to bed early.  I am a night owl, so my candles will burn more often.

The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates daylight saving time and says there are 3 reasons why it exists. It saves energy, as it’s lighter out longer, it prevents traffic injuries, and  it reduces crime. It appears there is conflicting evidence to back their claims, as various studies do not agree.

Winston Churchill was purported as saying extended golf time was a reason for the time change in England, and I suspect that it is probably the major reason for legislators in the United States, as well. Others claim it is for the safety of school children getting to school, but if there is a concern, why not set school opening hour to a later time.

Personally, I prefer Daylight Savings Time, but without changing back and forth to Eastern Standard Time.  My body has a hard time making the adjustment.  About the time I make it… it’s time to change back!