Annals of Silly Legislation

In the past, we've spilled some ink in praise of Keith Richman and Joe Canciamilla, two members of the California Assembly who have tried hard to take a bipartisan approach (scroll down to "The Mod Squad") to finding serious solutions to the state's big problems. Apparently, with their personal term limits clocks about to expire, they've given up on all that. Or at least turned to sarcasm as solace.

The two last week introduced a resolution in protest of the downgrading of Pluto from planetary status. My favorite findings:

"Whereas, downgrading Pluto's status will cause psychological harm to some Californians who question their place in the universe and worry about the instability of universal constants; and

"Whereas, the delection of Pluto as a planet renders millions of text books, museum displays, and children's refrigerator art projects obsolete, and represents a substantial unfunded mandate that must by paid by dwindling Proposition 98 education funds, thereby harming California's children and widening its budget deficits...

"Resolved, that the Assembly Clerk shall send a copy of the resolution to the International Astronomical Union and to any Californian who, believing that his or her legislator is addressing the problems that threaten the future of the Golden State, requests a copy of the resolution."

Needless to say, the resolution has gotten plenty of press -- and quickly attracted 53 cosponsors.