i would like to know who decides when to make a new National Holiday. specifically, what branch of government and if it needs to be voted on, and if so, by whom.
210181
By an act of Congress,that is both houses vote on it.  The president can declare a national holiday for a one time period, but to make it so, it must go to the Congress for approval.
103252
Hmmm. Interesting points raised. \n\nThe Bible's inclusion in the swearing-in ceremony (for both elected officials and witnesses) is strictly symbolic and can be omitted, or replaced with a holy text (and appropriate references) of the person's choosing. The few non-Christian swearings I have heard replaced "so help me God" (or similar) to "by all that I hold dear" (or similar).\n\nChristmas is an interesting observation, as it (at least in the Kansas Judiciary) is the only religious holiday to be an actual paid holiday. The others, if you are wondering, are New Years, Presidents, Memorial, Independence, Labor, Columbus, and Veterans days, and Thanksgiving Weekend (Thursday and Friday). Christmas, at least in my mind, is observed solely because of the overwhelming potential for a "sick-out": if it wasn't given off, people would take it off anyway, and those scheduled to work would call in sick.\n\nAs for the Bible (and other holy texts) being misued by the government; it is a thin line they tread in using it. It is the default for swearing ceremonies precisely because Christianity is the most common religion in the US, and it was understood that a practicioner of Christianity would be remiss to swear to a falsehood. A good percentage of witness swearings now omit the reference to God (Christian or otherwise), and do not use the Bible. \n\nBut the best point in this (rather argumentative) question comes in the final lines. It is a question that I would answer yes for a good number of our legislators; sadly, I must include one (if not both) of my esteemed Senators in their number. It is the reason we must be vigilant when choosing our representation to Congress.
299813
There is absolutely time for a change! There needs to be another party that will do the will of the people. Instead of them spending us into bankruptcy. This goes for both sides of the isle. They need to get rid of the perks they have voted for themselves.It is a part time job! We need to secure our borders and protect domestically first. We are not the saviors of the rest of the world when it come to money or our military. We The People must stand up and get only the best for our nation. We must get rid of the cancers that are infesting our nation today! \nJust my opinion --aught to be yours!
641449
In the US, elections are always on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. That means November 7th this year.\n\nAnd I wish more congresswhores were worried they'd lose their cushy country-club membership. But they have effectively made many laws over the years giving incumbents huge advantages in elections for that very reason.
146524
I dont know about your question, but Seperation of Church and State isnt really complete...\n\nWhy do they have Christmas and Thanksgiving as public holidays?
128504
Yes, along with the drinking age. The first time I voted, I voted my parents' choice. Now I vote mine. I would allow an exception for those serving in the military. I agree that if they're old enough to stand up for the country, they should have a voice in who's in office.
364703
You should absolutely complain! And you are right, America is a country where we are free to serve the God we choose. We have just as many rights as any others and, Christmas has been celebrated in this country as a national holiday since long before the Civil War. If we are not allowed to celebrate the birth of our Savior and the traditions of our forefathers, then they better do away with all religious holidays along with George Washington's birthday, Martin Luther King's birthday, Memorial day, and, what the heck, New years day too and any other day.\n\nI too am sick of it! I have a four year old going to school next year, and if that is how it is going to be, I am opting for home schooling or a private Christian school where we won't have to compromise our beliefs so as not to offend others. Jesus was so offensive to the people of His day that they crucified Him for it. Today, His name still holds the same power....people are afraid of it, because He is a light that shines into the heart of man and they don't like what is being revealed there, so , just like then, they want to kill the Light, but they can't, at least not in me or my family.\n\nI hope you take a stand this year and God bless you!
502714
St George's day should DEFINATELY be a bank holiday! In america they have presidents day and I believe that we should have a day to celebrate being English. I am proud to be English and all that stands for. We are losing sight of our identity in this country thanks to strange thinking by the politicians. At some point we were made to feel ashamed of our Englishness and I think that is abysmal! Unfortunately ,idiots like the national front managed to hijack the english identity and tried to turn it into something grotesque but with the last few world cups we have taken back theSt George's Cross so the next logical step is to celebrate our Saint's day with a national holiday. Very good question!
415088
Because you don't know that congress legally changed the date again back to its original date. And November 11 is Veterans Day and its a Saturday. And the only people off will be the mail people. But next year it is on a Sunday so it will observed on Monday, November 12 and everyone will have off.
419368
Government has no business telling anyone what they can or can't do with regard to their celebration customs.  Just leave people alone and stop being so thin skinned about everything.  I'm so tired of hearing how this person or that person is offended by the silliest of things.  If people are more tolerant of each other it might actually snowball and we could all be a lot happier.
524887
I have wondered that and kind of would like to see that day.  It wont happen until a third party stops trying to win at the top of the ballot and learns to win at the bottom.  Americans will not vote for someone they havent heard of for national office.  I was thinking about how a major third party could have changed the outcome yesterday.  If no party received a majority, two parties would have to come together and form some sort of coalition for the purpose of leadership votes, who gets chairmanships, etc.
654934
But if the people don't even know about an issue, how can they have an informed opinion about the bill?  The actions of congress are online, and you can keep up with them, and email your opinion to your representative at any time of day.\n\nWho would propose laws in your scheme, without representatives?  All 298,444,215 of us?  That could lead to a lot of votes.\n\nDo I think our countries laws should be decided as snap-decisions by inattentive members of the public - like American idol? NO
203509
Because most people look at it as a Holy day...\n\nAnd on the 7th day he rested which was a Sunday.\n\nI think only Federal and State employees only enforce this. We are a Nation under God.
395338
There's no St. George's or St. David's Day either. Of course, this site caters largely to Americans. But is it really that important? I'm English (I do apologise for my nationality and also for how we stole all the oil and oppressed you) but I can't say Yahoo Answers not having St. George's day will keep me up at night. Why does it bother you?
434190
Dear God, Please shine down on America today, this very, very important day for all Americans. Please show them how to vote today this  Nov. 8, 2006.  You know we need your direction NOW, Today, more than ever!  Let your thoughts and beliefs influence all Americans to do your will. Amen.
650381
Every month has some kinda of holiday in it, I think. Or did you mean national holidays?
64071
i think that it is about time... too many of the decisions for military spending is up to Congress. my opinion is that a seperate board should be constructed to vote on new upgrades for the military.