Attempting to understanding the silliness of the new daylight-savings legislation.
We’ll be moving our clocks forward three weeks earlier this year, thanks to the fine folks in Washington, D.C. That’s right, daylight-savings takes place on Sunday, March 11th. So we are all “Springing Forward” before Spring even arrives.
We’ve known about this change for two years. Congress passed the legislation with the goal of saving energy overtime. I guess the thinking is basically that if there is more daylight during normal work day, then energy needs will be reduced.
Now, I’m no scientist, but if it stays light longer then doesn’t that mean it will also stay dark longer in the morning? Isn’t chasing daylight kind of like a balance sheet entry? For every asset there has to be a liability to match. Hmmm.
Yes, I know the days are “getting longer,” but will three weeks make a difference? Probably not much.
And it’s not like other North American countries (no, we are not the only country on this continent) are put-out by the unilateral actions of the U.S. I remember when I first heard about this change, Canadian leaders voiced their concern and dissent to our government officials. In response to their objections, representatives of the U.S. said, “Too bad, so sad.” Of course, I’m paraphrasing.
Most Americans haven’t given this change much thought. For most of us, it’s just another hour of partying followed by an extra hour of sleep. Doesn’t this time change just further entrench the world’s view of Americans as being arrogant and lazy?
Well, the insanity stops here! I’m not changing my clocks. So if I’m late to an appointment or miss a meeting you know why. I’m blaming it on Bush and the Republicans. They won’t mind; this is just a blip on the radar screen compared to the other irons their 4-alarm fire.
But, here’s something else I recently discovered and it not widely known. Technology experts are predicting a “mini-Y2K,” as a result of this new schedule.
According to Entrepreneur.com:
"Though the change seemed harmless enough when passed by Congress two years ago, corporate technology managers are now busily resetting data-center computers, desktop PCs and BlackBerry e-mail devices since most internal clocks in computing devices are programmed for the old daylight-saving calendar. An analyst at Forrester Research estimates the total cost of computer fixes will reach more than $350 million."
Ouch! I wonder where those costs are going to be absorbed. Consumers will not doubt foot the bill for this snafu, but wait there’s more…
"The main problem for businesses will be that the clocks inside hardware and software systems may not sync up as programmed. This could affect things ranging from programmed stock trading to meeting schedules. The biggest issue for consumers will be with e-mail and calendar programs like Microsoft Outlook."
This change will not only affect technology, but there’s a good chance that business and travel schedules will also be disrupted initially. Most, but not all, of Europe will go to daylight-savings on March 25th. Other countries such as Asia, Africa, and South America are all holding the “L” sign to their foreheads as they say, “Whatever” to our master plan.
The silliness of March 11th will be over soon enough and we’ll all live to tell the tale. But now, I can only imagine what the reigning power mongers in D.C. will pull next.
I have an idea… stop trying to control time and clean up that mess in the Middle East.
