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Posted by Tekime on 2003-04-01 10:12:44
Citizens of the US have long enjoyed the simple pleasures that April Fools day brings to us. It might not be the most significant of holidays, or the most celebrated, but what other day are you supposed to make fun of your friends? Well make the most out of, because this may be the last year we can lawfully enjoy this fine holiday.
In sixteenth-century France, citizens would celebrate the New Year on April 1st. At least, that is, until Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar in 1562. This placed the 'new' New Years on January 1st, but for many of the French Christians it was not observed. Whether they didn't hear about it, or they simply didn't believe it, many folks continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1st.
Friends, family and others came to make fun of these people for not observing the new date; while it would always be in good fun, it became commonplace to pull tricks on friends and family on April 1st.
Today in France April Fools day is referred to as Poisson d'Avril, or "April Fish", and the same traditions are followed around the world. The life of April Fools day might come to an abrupt halt for residents of the US though, as Bush Jr. takes time away from war-time duties to lobby for the new bill:
"April 1st has long taught us that it can be okay to make fun of your family and peers.", Bush stated, "It has shown us that it is okay to disrespect the people around us, and to scoff at the stupidity of our fathers, and mothers, brothers and sisters. While I recognize the need for humor in such difficult times as these, it is only an insult to the integrity of this great and beautiful country. It is an insult to play juvenile pranks on one another, and it shames me to think I may have ever celebrated April Fools Day in such a way. But most of all, it shames me to know that we are celebrating a holiday created by the French. Not only the French, but the stupid French!" Bush continued.
"At this moment it has never been more important to ignore the French community. We are a nation fighting for liberation, and any country that chooses to disagree with us no longer exists in our eyes. To celebrate this day of idiocy, is not only an insult to myself, and to the country, but it shames you under the eyes of God."
"April Fools Day is a day of heathens, a day of Pagans and Godless fools." the US President exclaimed.
The Bush Administration is moving fast to completely abolish the holiday "April Fools". Considering this is the first and only coverage of the new initiative, it has done well at keeping under wraps. Officials agree that if things proceed on schedule, April Fool's Day will be officially banned within 4 months.
Small protests have begun already, mostly on the northern border of the US. Candidates for a replacement holiday are being presented this week. Among them are "The French Suck Day" and "April Wise", stunningly developed by Bush Jr. at or about the same time as the initial statement to remove April Fools Day.
So, in the spirit of April 1st, Poisson d'Avril! 
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