How a joke became a harmful ritual

Ben Franklin wrote about it.

It was said to be invented by a Kiwi. 

It was first tried by Canadians…eh. 

And it was popularized by Zee Germans (said with a lispy German accent).

Anyone with young kids knows what a disaster it is.

Daylight savings time (DST).

Last week an hour of sleep was stolen from us, and it felt like a 26-hour day...the longest day ever.  

Not to mention the clock confusion around current time vs. non-DST.   

Like many parents, we work hard with our kids to establish good sleeping habits and a consistent bedtime. 

And then twice a year, it gets totally messed up. 

Last week was no exception when we…sprung forward…damn!  

It got me thinking,

Who is the sick masochist that came up with this idea?

Why do we keep torturing ourselves?

And

What can be done to stop this madness?

The History of DST 

DST was first enacted as a wartime effort to save energy by adding one extra hour of sunlight to the workday (first happened in the US in 1918).

Ben Franklin joked, in 1784, that Parisians should shift their day to save candles.

Currently, like everything, there is a bill stuck in Congress to make DST permanent. 

The debate is to DST or not to DST. 

Scientists argue that DST is bad because it throws off our sleep.

Going back to 1918, the data set shows a significant increase in heart attacks and depression from DST.

The hour is small but can be drastic to our circadian rhythm.  

Those who argue pro-DST say it saves energy, reduces crime, and prevents traffic accidents.

Some have even argued that pushing the sunlight to the end of the day increases shopping.  

A group of wise poets once said: 

“Cash Rules Everything Around Me. C.R.E.A.M. get the money, dolla dolla bill, y'all,” Wu-Tang Clan. 

I’m team NO DST. 

It messed me up, and it has messed up our kids' sleeping.  

I’m determined to be the only man in Eastern Time Zone working a Central Time Zone schedule. 

My proposal:

Get rid of the antiquated law by making the decision that is best for people. 

Stop DST but don't forget...

CREAM get the money, dolla dolla bill ya’ll.