Representative Alan Grayson must be either publicity-starved or one of the biggest morons in a House of Representatives filled with morons, thieves, liars, lawyers and political whores. Or, alternatively, he just woke from a coma and thinks it is April 1, 2009 – April Fools Day.

According to Politico.com …

“Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) was standing in the middle of Disney World when it hit him: What Americans really need is a week of paid vacation.”

“So on Thursday, the Florida Democrat will introduce the Paid Vacation Act — legislation that would be the first to make paid vacation time a requirement under federal law.”

“The bill would require companies with more than 100 employees to offer a week of paid vacation for both full-time and part-time employees after they’ve put in a year on the job. Three years after the effective date of the law, those same companies would be required to provide two weeks of paid vacation, and companies with 50 or more employees would have to provide one week.”

European socialistic policies  …

“All members of the European Union, by contrast, must provide workers with a minimum of 20 paid vacation days a year plus public holidays.” <Source>

It is a simple fact that more regulation often results in more litigation, more costs, less productivity and more control over entrepreneurs and small businesses which contribute the bulk of tax revenues to the government.

This is legislation that openly panders to those who want the government to guarantee their employment, benefits and now, vacation. The democrat, or should I say, Marxist ideal.

“The idea: More vacation will stimulate the economy through fewer sick days, better productivity and happier employees.”

Fewer sick days, yeah right! Other than the legitimately sick, many employees have been known to abuse their sick days.

Disney?

“ ‘There’s a reason why Disney World is the happiest place on Earth: The people who go there are on vacation,’ said Grayson, a freshman who counts Orlando as part of his home district. ‘Honestly, as much as I appreciate this job and as much as I enjoy it, the best days of my life are and always have been the days I’m on vacation.’”

Disney is an artificial world that is clean, efficient and was designed to scientifically separate park visitors from their money at every turn in the park. Disneyland may be great for kids and lovers – but it is often hell on parents trying to manage their brood and budget. The Disney view of life, turning vicious wild animals into cute cuddly creatures for sale, is not what makes this world run.

Stress and workplace burnout …

“According to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, 28 million Americans — or about a quarter of the work force — don’t get any paid vacation. The center says that a lack of vacation causes stress and workplace burnout and that those evil twins cost the economy more than $300 billion each year.”

What the reporter doesn’t say is that the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) is a left-of-center progressive think tank that openly advocates for “for a shorter work week to be included in current U.S. economic stimulus measures.” <Source>

And how convenient that they simply leave out the real determinants of job stress: the employee’s personal life and finances (decimated savings and being plundered by current credit card interest rates), the uncertain nature of the employment marketplace with its declining jobs, increased automation, outsourcing and the demands of reducing headcounts to improve executive bonuses. The simple need for fewer employees to do more in less time is probably the single most stressor to be found in the workplace.

Recreating (pun intended) France …

“One more if-you’re-reading-this-then-you’re-probably-not-on-vacation fact: The United States is dead last among 21 industrial countries when it comes to mandatory R&R.
France currently requires employers to provide 30 days of paid leave.”

And we all know how productive the French are … and how French unions shut down the country regularly in response to any perceived slight. But then again, I guess that’s what separates the cheese-eating surrender monkeys from the United States. I am shocked and surprised that our own version of a French legislator, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) did not fight to introduce this legislation. Or, perhaps he knows better.

The truth emerges: more union and special interest legislation?

“Not surprisingly, some in the travel industry are salivating over Grayson’s bill; Grayson spokesman Todd Jurkowski said the U.S. Tour Operators Association and the Adventure Travel Trade Association are both on board. Other tourism and labor groups are expected to sign on in the coming days.”

“The U.S. Travel Association has not yet endorsed the measure, but Senior Vice President Geoff Freeman says Congress does need to consider new ways to stimulate the vacation industry and travel economy. 
So far, no group has come out in opposition of the bill. Nor has anyone announced opposition to roller coaster rides, cookouts on the beach or salt-water taffy on the boardwalk.”

Is this yet another democrat plan to secure campaign funding from the special interests and offer benefits to the slacker class? How long will it be before we set up a taxpayer-paid program subsidy for those who cannot afford a vacation and offer tax rebates to those who vacation more than 1,000 miles from home.

Not everybody agrees: introducing the “Grinch” factor … 

The assertion that no group has come out against the bill seems to be rendered inoperative … or perhaps they are waiting for the actual introduction of the bill so they can prudently examine its provisions and plans for implementation.

“But with many Americans out of work and an economy in shambles, some say this may not be the best time to propose more time away from the office, especially on the boss’s dime.
The Society for Human Resource Management issued a statement Wednesday warning that ‘a one-size-fits-all, government-imposed mandate is not the answer.’”

Because of the 50- and 100-employee thresholds, most small businesses wouldn’t be directly affected by the bill immediately. But the National Small Business Association warned of indirect consequences; companies might artificially hold their hiring at the 50-to-100-employee level to avoid the costs of paid vacation time.”

“The bill also could have a negative impact on manufacturers already bracing for higher costs that could be associated with the climate-change legislation working its way through the House.”

Capitol Hill: currently producing nothing except hot air, chaos, corruption and legislated aggravation …

“One place where the bill wouldn’t have much of an effect: Capitol Hill. Congressional staffers already get paid vacation, even if they don’t actually have time to take it. And members can take time off during recesses — as they will next week — albeit not as much as they once did.”

The unionization of America?

“Grayson’s bill is part of a larger move by Democrats to improve employee and workplace standards. Earlier this month, Democrats introduced a bill that would make employers give mandatory sick time.”

“The committee is looking at a number of proposals to help workers balance family responsibilities and work duties,” said House Education and Labor Committee spokesman Aaron Albright. ‘The fact is the United States is behind the rest of the world in ensuring that workplaces have paid leave policies. These policies not only benefit workers but also help the employers’ bottom line because of lower turnover and better job satisfaction.’”

And exactly where in the Constitution does it provide for the federal government to interfere in commerce in a way that does not relate to supporting fair, equitable and safety issues in interstate commerce. This issue is clearly not a constitutional matter for Congress or the Administration, but a democrat ploy to attract more voters who want to “stick it to the man,” the employers who risk their time, effort and capital in providing them jobs. To attract more members to corrupt and complacent trade unions with a history of selling out their members for personal or political gain.

And this is just the beginning of life in Obamaland … where life is fun, work is minimal and the government will take care of everybody. “From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his needs.” Next stop: HillaryLand of rationed healthcare?

Bottom line …

You can no longer trust the members of Congress to fairly represent their constituents over the special interests or the Administration to uphold a Constitution that they barely understand. There is yet but one solution:

-- steve

P.S. Grayson is a Harvard-trained lawyer who founded IDT Corp., a telecommunications carrier which relies on governmental regulation for its existence. No wonder Grayson decided to run for office. As a successful entrepreneur, one wonders why he abandoned business and went over to the dark side – or why he is even a union-supporting democrat?

Reference Links:

Congressman: We're going to Disney - Politico.com