Family Day Tussle
March 5th, 2008 by Cali & Jody
Check out these reader responses to a question asked by the Toronto Star about whether or not the government should determine whether or not stores should be open on statutory (or legal) holidays. There is an interesting tension here between people who want the government to step in and keep stores closed (for the greater good) and those who want to leave it up to businesses to decide for themselves.
We think this is a discussion worth having. Granted, the 24/7, global economy has made day-to-day life more challenging. Is the answer a top-down solution? Do we need government or company policies that protect us from our overcharged lives? Or do we need a grassroots solution, where people are given more power and control to find their own path?
We know where we stand on this issue. How about you?
“For the greater good”. Translation: You’re too stupid to make your own decisions so your government will make them for you.
I think government agencies should be open whenever they decide. However, when they begin to mandate when a private business needs to close I have a HUGE problem. Private businesses need to maximize their potential and the way they accomplish this is to be open as much as possible. Obviously if it is not profitable to be open they will not be, but government is NOT needed to make the decision “for the greater good”.
Of course, this is a Canadian issue- my above response is if it ever was proposed in the USA.
…”the 24/7, global economy has made day-to-day life more challenging.”
I don’t understand this. I can’t think of anything better than having 24/7 access to everything so that I can have a more relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. I can buy groceries at 3am, or watch televisions shows on my Tivo rather than when they are aired. For those that don’t celebrate Christmas, for example, are glad to have stores open rather than closing the entire city down for the few that do celebrate that holiday.
– Tony
Tony- I agree with most of what you said. However, I think a huge portion of the US population celebrates Christmas. I do think businesses know if it makes sense to be open or not on these “National holidays”. If it does make sense for a Jewish deli, for example, to be open, then more power to ya!!