We’ve heard time and time again of America’s obsolete and inefficient imperial system, remaining the only nation which chooses feet, pounds, and miles over metric measurement. Our units, however, are not the only outdated part of modern society. An equally illogical practice plagues the lives of every American, and whether we know it or not, we are losing sleep over it.

    Daylight saving time (DST) is not as modern of an idea as some may think. Modern DST was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin, who joked about resetting clocks in the winter to economize candles; a similar idea to the earlier agricultural daylight saving practices of earlier civilizations. But now that we’ve moved on from log cabins and candlesticks, is there really any sense in continuing such an odd tradition?

    While daylight saving was first put into practice for fuel conservation during both World Wars, the most recent and still-active Uniform Time Act was enacted in March of 1975. It was believed that the conservation of daylight would provide benefits in the areas of energy, traffic-related fatalities and violent crime. When the data was analyzed, however, the effects were minimal; certainly not enough to justify such a confusing and complicated system. In 2005, the Energy Policy Act extended the duration of DST starting in 2007, arguing that the custom would help to combat the energy crisis. In reality, though, with new and ever-improving “green” products and procedures, is daylight saving really necessary?

    The community of Scituate High School holds varying opinions on daylight saving time regarding its effectiveness and justification. Senior James Robotham devised his own reasoning behind the tradition. “With the farmland practicality gone, one of the only benefits is that people can stay out longer to shop,” said Robotham, proposing a rationale which would appeal more to consumers and store owners. Mr. Maguire, a member of the SHS science department, holds a similar viewpoint. “We’re no longer an agricultural society, so we don’t need it anymore… it really makes no sense,” he said, commenting on DST’s obsolete nature in today’s world.

    Some enjoy the change of pace which daylight saving time brings to monotonous everyday routines. “It makes my life more interesting,” said junior Scott Reinhardt, continuing, “I definitely like the extra hour of sleep.”

    While it is nice to take advantage of that extra hour of night-time every fall, come March 9 you’ll be wishing daylight saving time never existed. As a matter of fact, the majority of Arizona is exempt from the unjust chaos of DST. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 states that local jurisdictions may choose for themselves whether or not to observe daylight saving. While most of America was unified under the act, most of the copper state withheld from renewing DST. Such inconsistencies only add to the disorientation caused by a seemingly pointless act.

    Confusing and inconsistent as it may be, daylight saving time looks like it’s here to stay. With supposed “energy conservation” as its singular benefit, environmentalists are sure to argue, with a valid point, that the custom is truly beneficial to our society. Oh well, I suppose a sunset isn’t as romantic at 3:00 in the afternoon, anyways.