I WAS with a group of people the other night when the subject of daylight saving came up.
Everyone again felt relieved that it was over and that days and evenings again seemed less rushed with more time particularly in the morning when most appreciated.
Meal times and sleep patterns had gone back to normal and there was none of the endless disputes and discussion about why people find it so disruptive.
There was generally a relief that is was at last over and life could go back to normal.
The few zealots would have to be content to set their own alarm clocks instead of imposing jet lag twice a year on the whole and wider community.
Imagine my surprise then, when many of these seemingly intelligent and well-rounded people then indicated that they were considering voting for a continuation of daylight saving.
I was astounded and dismayed.
In three years I have only ever come across the odd zealot or not-so-bright person that supported daylight saving.
Usually daylight saving supporters are driven by a need to impose their will on the rest of the population in order to accommodate their own laziness.
They cannot understand reasons against and usually shout down opposition.
They offer a raft of reasons why daylight saving could be good, such as if they were to spend more time with the family or trade with the eastern states, which none of them ever do, but it would be good if they did, etcetera.
Some newspapers are now trying to assist in the con job by saying that the vote is close so that swinging (and not-to-bright) voters may be won over.
My friends then offered reasons for support.
It is inevitable to have it.
No, it’s not.
Why should one segment of the population force such an unnatural, unpleasant and unnecessary imposition on the rest?
The eastern states have it so we should.
There is some benefit if you live on the east side of a mountain range with an east coast. We do not and we are already half an hour advanced due to the size of our state at the time set at Kalgoorlie.
If you trade with the east it gives you extra time–seven hours instead of six.
This is the most ridiculous argument ever.
So those few people get up early or get a diary.
You have more time after work to spend in the sun.
Who wants to?
Melanomas are bad.
Everyone is tired after work.
I like mornings.
Morning exercise is good.
You eat later at 9pm like Europeans.
Great, so your kids go to bed at 10.30pm and wake up tired and grumpy while you get reflux because you eat late and still have to lose an hour’s sleep each night.
Change for its own sake is good.
For goodness sake, get a life.
Do not be conned and do not be complacent.
There are actually people around you who are seriously considering voting for this ongoing nightmare.
There is no point in listing reasons for and against because you already know and have experienced them.
Make a point of voting no even if you are wavering or currently support it.
The reality is that it is an unnecessary and unpleasant change for many, that will dislocate and divide our society twice every year.
Even if the majority is fooled (or worn down) into voting for it, there will be a large section of the community significantly and negatively impacted.
Every year we will hear about the problems.
Every year we will have the arguments for and against.
Every year we will have the loss of productivity as people adjust–twice.
Every year families and workplaces will be divided between those negatively impacted and the zealots who can not/will not understand and want the situation of conflict and dislocation so they can force their selfish point of view onto others and have continuing arguments.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Leave the clocks alone and get up earlier if you want.
Don’t be gullible or so completely bloody selfish and blinkered.
Please vote no and tell everyone you can.
Ask yourself, do you want peace or conflict?
Email a friend