Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 5, 1994 TAG: 9405060018
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-16 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
He's put an end to official state proclamations because he says they're too costly and time-consuming. One of his staffers was spending half a day every day processing all the whereas's before he squashed the be-it-therefore-proclaimed's.
Think what might happen if this catches on elsewhere. No more momentous celebrations for National Lampshade Month, National Zipper Week and National Handwriting Day.
The Virginia General Assembly might have to halt its practice of commemorating everyone and everything but serial killers and tooth decay - plus our own favorite: passing dozens of resolutions memorializing Congress to do this, that and the other, or else suffer the wrath of state lawmakers - to all of which, natch, Congress pays not the slightest attention.
Even as we speak, the folks who gave us National Foundation Garment Week are probably marching on the Montana statehouse to protest Racicot's radical and un-American assault on the girdles-and-skivvies institution. Not since President George Bush came out against broccoli has a politician shown such disrespect.
On the other hand, Racicot's stop-work order may save a lot of trees. He could be a hero on national Arbor Day. And if there's not already a National Paperwork Reduction Week, perhaps there should be - in his honor.
by CNB