Domestic Policy
Should We Permanently Adopt Daylight Saving Time?
Should We Permanently Adopt Daylight Saving Time?
Here’s The Scoop
Should We Permanently Adopt Daylight Saving Time? The age-old debate rages on, but what many don’t realize is that farmers, often cited as the reason for this time change, were actually opposed to its institution. So where did it come from?
The real story involves efficient railroads, wartime energy conservation, and standardized time zones. In the 1880s, there were over 144 local time zones in the U.S., causing scheduling chaos for the rapidly expanding railway industry. This led to the standardization of four major time zones in 1883. However, the idea of changing clocks to maximize sunlight didn’t emerge until the early 1900s.
Germany was the first to implement daylight saving time in 1916, not for farmers, but to save energy during World War I. The U.S. followed suit in 1918, with the Chamber of Commerce supporting the legislation to encourage shopping and other economically stimulating activities in the evening hours. Ironically, farmers were among the most vocal opponents, as it decreased their vital early hours for milking cows and harvesting crops.
Since 1966, daylight saving time has remained fairly consistent in the U.S., with Arizona and Hawaii opting out due to their sunny climates. However, the timing has shifted, with daylight saving time now observed for eight months of the year.
There’s a growing push to eliminate twice-yearly time changes, with some advocating for permanent daylight saving time, citing economic benefits and reduced seasonal depression.
Critics argue it would force early risers, including children and teenagers, to go to school and work in complete darkness. Sleep science organizations have also opposed permanent daylight saving time, citing interference with natural circadian rhythms.
As the world moves away from changing clocks, the debate continues in the U.S. Will we finally put an end to this outdated practice, or will we continue to “spring forward” and “fall back”?
What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!
Mike Diggs
February 21, 2024 at 7:14 pm
I don’t care which one stays standard or daylight savings time just pick one and stick with it.
Don
February 21, 2024 at 7:22 pm
No. Stick with standard time and to hell with daylight savings.
LadyBlue7
February 21, 2024 at 7:53 pm
Daylight saving time. Hate the early evening darkness. As for students going to school in the dark, it is dark anyway in the morning; at least here it is. Cannot drive in the dark night as many others can’t, so would love daylight saving time.
Denise
February 22, 2024 at 1:25 pm
exactly!
Makoto Oto
February 21, 2024 at 8:07 pm
Stick to one standard time and eliminate daylight saving time.
MoKinIdaho
February 21, 2024 at 8:31 pm
Keep DST.
Father Time
February 21, 2024 at 8:31 pm
Eliminate standard time!
Marty Miles
February 21, 2024 at 9:48 pm
We need daylight savings time your always talk no action
Jerry C.
February 22, 2024 at 3:26 am
We need to ABOLISH DST! The correct time is the correct time. One hour off is one hour off. Sun directly overhead = noon, not 1PM.
Carla Rudi
March 14, 2024 at 11:50 am
I think the question is confusing. Do we want to permanently adopt daylight savings time and keep changing the clocks? Or are you asking do we want to permanently adopt daylight savings time and never change the clocks again?
I know that the majority of people would like the clocks to say just like they are right now and never change again.
It seems like it would have been a better idea for people to change their schedules instead of having everyone change their clocks. People with illnesses or recovering from any surgery or injury have a very very difficult time adjusting as do babies, pets and elderly. Not to mention the increase in heart attacks and car accidents in the two weeks following every time change.
It seems as though the time change was made to see what people would put up with, what can the government get away with. If they can get away with changing time, the options for government control are endless.
Quit messing with us. Leave the clock alone.
Suzy-Q
February 22, 2024 at 8:52 am
Just settle on one or the other & leave it. Humans, always thinking they can control everything, they fail every time!!
Sally
February 27, 2024 at 7:11 am
Let thete be daylight longer. Kids don’t need to getting off school busses when it is so dark. Hive me more light and leave it alone.
Mark Smith
February 27, 2024 at 8:40 am
Sally, there is ONLY so much Day light setting a Clock won’t make the sun come up any earlier or go down later Learn to live by the SUN not a CLOCK
Judy
February 27, 2024 at 11:25 am
I think you hit the nail on the head! Thanks!
KATHLEEN BAKER
February 24, 2024 at 12:31 am
I personally prefer Standard Time but just leave it one way or the other.
mike sarnataro
February 26, 2024 at 8:12 am
my god one time thats it sta t way it should bendard
Kevin Beck
February 27, 2024 at 8:54 am
I would prefer the elimination of DST because of “the science.”
The natural point of mid-day is 12:00, which corresponds to the apex of the sun in Standard Time. The science demands that this be maintained on a full-year basis. Therefore, we should adopt Standard Time year-round.
Richmond Nunn
February 28, 2024 at 9:05 am
Use standard time only and stick with it . Quit vacillating and choose one or the other and be done with it. I prefer standard time.😀