Vivek Ramaswamy deems Juneteenth ‘useless,’ advocates for Election Day as a holiday.
Republican Presidential Candidate Criticizes Juneteenth
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has sparked controversy with his recent comments about Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. During a speech in Iowa, Ramaswamy expressed his belief that the holiday is “useless” and should be canceled.
“I think that if we made a national commemorative holiday for everything that’s important that happened in our history, we’d have no working days left,” Ramaswamy said. “But I think that the spirit of Juneteenth, we already channel into other holidays, like Martin Luther King Day, like Presidents Day. I think we can commemorate the spirit of that holiday separately, so I think that we shouldn’t have redundant holidays that celebrate overlapping purposes. It should have a distinct purpose.”
Ramaswamy’s comments have drawn criticism from those who view Juneteenth as an important and meaningful holiday. Supporters argue that it serves as a reminder of the progress made in the fight for equality and justice.
In response to Ramaswamy’s suggestion of canceling Juneteenth, he proposed making Election Day a national holiday instead. This idea has gained traction among some who believe that increasing accessibility to voting is crucial for a thriving democracy.
Despite the controversy surrounding Ramaswamy’s remarks, it is important to note that Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. This act declared June 19th as a day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth’s Growing Recognition
Since its establishment as a federal holiday, the recognition of Juneteenth has been steadily increasing. In its first year, only 9% of private employers made Juneteenth a paid company holiday. However, that number has grown to 33% last year and has now reached 39% this year.
While Ramaswamy’s comments have sparked debate, it is clear that Juneteenth holds significant meaning for many Americans. It serves as a reminder of the progress made in the fight against racial injustice and the ongoing work towards a more inclusive society.
As we continue to navigate discussions surrounding holidays and their significance, it is important to approach these conversations with empathy and understanding, recognizing the diverse perspectives and experiences that shape our nation’s history.
Let us remember the words of Senator Tim Scott, who encouraged us to focus on the future and progress of our nation, while acknowledging the sins of the past.
Happy Juneteenth, everybody.
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