Donald Trump has stirred up a discussion by expressing his desire to abolish daylight saving time, a sentiment that resonates with many who share his frustration over the biannual clock changes. This commentary by James Brown delves into the implications of such a bold idea, highlighting how it has reignited conversations around the structure of America's time zones. The episode explores a provocative suggestion from tech investor Shil Monot to reduce the number of time zones in the U.S. from four to two, merging Pacific and Mountain times with Eastern and Central. Brown reflects on the historical context of time management in the U.S. and compares it to China, which successfully operates under a single time zone despite its vast size. Engaging listeners with humor and thought-provoking questions, Brown invites them to share their opinions on whether it's time to rethink these longstanding traditions.
Donald Trump's recent declaration against daylight saving time has sparked a wave of commentary and discussion, particularly from voices like James Brown. As he reflects on Trump's unexpected stance, Brown conveys a sense of personal resonance with the issue, admitting his long-time grumbling about the clock change. The idea of killing daylight saving time is not merely a political maneuver but a shared frustration that many Americans can relate to. The Senate's past attempt to make daylight saving time permanent fell short, but the conversation is reignited as Trump wields his influence to challenge this long-standing tradition. Brown expresses excitement over bold ideas like this, which could inspire further discussions about time management in America.
A particularly provocative suggestion comes from tech investor Shil Monot, who proposes reducing the number of U.S. time zones from four to two. This radical idea would merge the Pacific and Mountain times as well as the Central and Eastern times, making New York and Los Angeles only an hour apart. Brown acknowledges the audacity of such a proposal and draws comparisons to China, which operates on a single time zone despite its vast geography. The episode delves into the implications of such a change, questioning the practicality and potential benefits of a two-time zone system in the U.S. Brown, however, remains skeptical, raising the question of timing—why is this discussion emerging now, during Trump's second term?
Brown's commentary does more than just explore the intricacies of time zones; it also touches on the nature of political change and the emergence of new ideas when leadership shifts. The notion that sacred cows in politics can be challenged and reimagined under new leadership is a theme that resonates throughout the conversation. Brown leaves listeners pondering whether the boldness of Trump's proposals could lead to significant changes in American society and what other long-standing traditions might be on the chopping block.
Takeaways:
Donald Trump has expressed a desire to eliminate daylight saving time, which has sparked discussions.
The recent suggestion to reduce the number of U.S. time zones from four to two has gained attention.
China operates under a single time zone despite its vast size, raising questions about U.S. practices.
Political changes can lead to new ideas emerging, which may have previously seemed impossible.
The potential benefits and drawbacks of merging time zones deserve careful consideration and discussion.
Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on time zone changes and other outdated traditions.
Transcripts
James Brown:
Trump's Time zone tangle this is commentary from James Brown.
James Brown:
Well, here's something I didn't expect.
James Brown:
Donald Trump wants to kill daylight saving time.
James Brown:
His recent social media posts made me grin.
James Brown:
Not because it's political.
James Brown:
It isn't.
James Brown:
Or at least it shouldn't be.
James Brown:
But because finally, someone with as much power as the president hates changing clocks as much as I do.
James Brown:
I've grumbled about this since I was a kid.
James Brown:
I even did a whole USA Today episode about it.
James Brown:
voted to make it permanent in:
James Brown:
But here's the fun part, at least for me.
James Brown:
Bold ideas like this inspire lots of chatter, which I love.
James Brown:
And in this case, it inspired an even bolder idea.
James Brown:
Tech investor Shil Monot suggested on Twitter that we slash America's time zones from 4 to 2.
James Brown:
Merge the Pacific in mountain, times in the Eastern in central New York and LA in this world would be just an hour apart.
James Brown:
Sound crazy?
James Brown:
Maybe, but we wouldn't be the first to do something this large.
James Brown:
China actually runs on one time zone, despite being as big as America in Alaska.
James Brown:
They drop from four time zones to one, and somehow they manage.
James Brown:
Why not us?
James Brown:
It could be a good idea, but I'm not sure.
James Brown:
I, like most people who are talking about this, have not thought about this before this weekend.
James Brown:
But I've got to ask.
James Brown:
Where was this idea during Trump's first term?
James Brown:
It seems like odd timing to get all worked up about timing.
James Brown:
All this reminds me of one of the few things I actually enjoy about politics.
James Brown:
When someone new, or in this case, newish, takes control, a series of maybes emerge.
James Brown:
Things that seemed unlikely, impossible or inevitable suddenly aren't.
James Brown:
Sacred cows make the best hamburgers after all.
James Brown:
Will Trump 2.0 be good?
James Brown:
I don't know, and neither do you, and I bet he doesn't even know either.
James Brown:
But it's what America wanted.
James Brown:
Until we want something else.
James Brown:
What do you think?
James Brown:
What's your take?
James Brown:
Should we trim our time zones or keep doing this?
James Brown:
How do you feel about it and what other old traditions do you find strange or want to get rid of?
James Brown:
Let me know in the comments and support my work@jamesbrowntv.substack.com on that note, I'm James Brown and as always, be well.