I had a moral dilemma last Friday when I was told I had to take the day off because it was declared a National Holiday for the observance of Reagan. I was told if I worked I MUST be paid extra Holiday pay and could not work for the straight 8 hour pay. I was being forced to observe a day that I was strongly against.   The taxpayer should not have to pay for such a questionable observance. I am a Republican, not a liberal Democrat, and I voted for Reagan so politics was not my motivation.

I worked anyway and put in a very long day and worked for nothing the next day, Saturday until 11:30. I will only be paid for the Holiday off pay that we all get. Out of principle, I would give that money back if I could. Since I can't "return the salary" I worked 1.5 times as long as I needed to on Friday and worked on a regular day off (Sat), without pay, as a matter of principle.

This is just one example of how some employees are forced to comply with questionable policies from Washington. A better way around this would be to allow a waiver for an employee to sign if that person wanted to work, out of principle, and for the benefit of the taxpayer. What I did was volunteer my time, which is against policy. I could not be hypocritical in this case, because I knew I would not be observing Reagan's honor or memory. Had I spent the day in his honor by actually doing something (not just driving to grandma's house) then I might have considered taking the Holiday off.

I had to act out of conscience. I did not break any laws, but did go against policy and I could be reprimanded.

Cruiser

P.S.
One of my greatest concerns is Mr. Bush, in the back of his mind (?) is thinking he will be afforded the same honor at his death because of his part in declaring last Friday a Holiday.