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Published on:

24th Feb 2026

Why Can't We Just Keep Daylight Saving Time Forever?

New York is pushing for a permanent Daylight Saving Time, but here’s the kicker: it’s contingent on a whole domino effect of other states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey jumping on board. It’s like a game of governmental chicken, with everyone waiting for the next guy to make the move. We dive into the irony of how so many state leaders are fed up with the clock-changing chaos, yet nobody is willing to take the plunge and make the first decision. Honestly, it’s a perfect metaphor for modern governance—slow, messy, and often paralyzed until someone absolutely has to act. So, let’s chat about our collective disdain for changing our clocks and why it seems like we’re stuck in this time-warping loop for the foreseeable future. A lively discourse on the perennial frustration of Daylight Saving Time (DST) unfolds as we dive into the tangled web of state legislation. With the state of New York leading the charge to make DST permanent, the catch lies in the cooperative spirit required among neighboring states like Connecticut and Massachusetts. It’s a classic case of 'I'll do it if you do it,' which highlights a broader theme of collective decision-making—or the lack thereof—in our government systems. We explore how states like New Hampshire are waiting on Maine and others, creating a domino effect where no one wants to be the first to make the leap into permanent daylight. As we dissect this bureaucratic ballet, we can’t help but chuckle at the irony of it all. So many leaders are united in their disdain for changing clocks, yet they remain paralyzed, waiting for consensus. It’s almost like a game of political chicken, where each state leader is hoping someone else will take the plunge first. I reflect on how this situation serves as an allegory for modern governance: often slow, sometimes messy, and usually reactive rather than proactive. Our discussion wraps up on a note of resignation—while many of us dream of days free from the clock change hassle, it seems we're likely to keep winding our clocks for the foreseeable future. I invite listeners to share their thoughts on this issue, tapping into the collective frustration we all feel about the time change. Do you find yourself dreading the clock adjustment twice a year? Let’s hear your opinions and experiences about this quirky legislative dance, and maybe we’ll find some common ground in our shared annoyance of DST.

Takeaways:

  1. New York is looking to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, contingent on neighboring states' decisions.
  2. Many states are hesitant about Daylight Saving Time, but they are all waiting on each other.
  3. This situation serves as a perfect example of how government can be slow and indecisive.
  4. It's likely we will continue adjusting our clocks for the foreseeable future, unfortunately.
  5. The interdependence of states on this issue highlights the complexities of modern governance.
  6. Many people share the frustration of changing clocks twice a year, and it's a common grievance.

Links referenced in this episode:

  1. jamesabrown.net

Companies mentioned in this episode:

  1. Connecticut
  2. Massachusetts
  3. New Jersey
  4. Pennsylvania
  5. Vermont
  6. New Hampshire
  7. Maine
  8. Rhode Island
  9. Delaware
  10. Maryland


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Transcript
Speaker A:

This is the Daily note from jamesabrown.net New York has a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, but it only kicks in if Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont do the same.

Speaker A:

New Hampshire is waiting on Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island.

Speaker A:

Delaware needs Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, and so on and so forth.

Speaker A:

And across the country we go.

Speaker A:

You see the problem.

Speaker A:

So, so many state leaders hate Daylight saving time, but everyone's waiting on everybody else to make a decision.

Speaker A:

I can't think of a better allegory for modern government, often slow and sloppy and usually still till they have to do something.

Speaker A:

That's why I bet we're not going to stop changing our clocks anytime soon.

Speaker A:

What do you think?

Speaker A:

And do you hate changing your clocks, too?

Speaker A:

Let me know on jamesabrown.

Speaker A:

Net on that note.

Speaker A:

I'm James A.

Speaker A:

Brown.

Speaker A:

It as always, be well.

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About the Podcast

The Daily Note with James A. Brown
The Daily Note is a 60-second daily podcast hosted by James A. Brown.
The Daily Note is a 60-second daily podcast from James A. Brown. Each episode delivers independent commentary on American life through small, honest observations. Brown notices the moments most of us feel but never say out loud. He asks questions about work, family, time, money, and the systems that shape how we live.
This is not a news show and it is not a political show. It is a show about paying attention. If you have ever felt like you see something that nobody else is talking about, The Daily Note was made for you.
New episodes every weekday on air and online. Learn more at jamesabrown.net

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