Legislative Priorities – Commentary by Steve Scroggins

By now I'm sure you've heard the big news. The AP Capitol report is published in many dailies across the state.

When I opened my newspaper this morning, I had to laugh. Reality under Atlanta's Gold Dome is more bizarre than any parody I can dream up. And I do dream up a few. Life imitates parody.

OK, for those of you who haven't heard, I won't prolong the suspense. I know it's killing you.

Drum roll please....

If the Senate approves and the Governor signs the bill, Georgia now has a new official state amphibian.

The House has voted 156-3 to name the Green Tree Frog as the Georgia state amphibian. I'm not making this up. Read the story yourself.

"But wait a minute," I know you're thinking..."Haven't we been reading all about the heavy agenda and the budget crisis and the education crisis and all the important, essential, vital, top priority priorities?" We've been told by numerous legislators and the governor himself that they were just too busy with important stuff to reconsider the state flag. They say the Georgia state flag issue is settled, or will be in March. You know, when they hold that insulting referendum that omits the choice over half of all Georgians want. Take your pick. The Ugliest Flag in North America? Or the Perdue Flag of Republican Supremacy?

Apparently, they found time in their busy schedules to deliberate on this important amphibious legislation. A few legislators did see the humor in it, and were walking the aisles making "ribbet" sounds. Watch out! There may be some really miffed people who think the Toad should be our official amphibian.

Now don't get me wrong. I have nothing, absolutely nothing, against the enthusiam of school teachers. In fact, I'm glad to hear we have teachers who are engaged. And for the record, I have nothing against frogs either. They're not as warty looking as Toads.

Do I have to spell it out? More than half the state's citizens want a Fair Vote on the state flag. Many of the legislators want to settle it the right way, too. There's just a few "leaders" and a few Heritage Haters who want to block a Fair Vote.

The will of half the state is being thwarted on the state flag. Yet, one science teacher wants Georgia to have an official amphibian and----Shazam!----it happens.

So what's it going to take to get our Fair Vote? An amphibious assault? [Sorry, couldn't pass that up.] How do we leapfrog these obstructionists? We're going to keep gigging these bullfrogs until they do what's right. If they don't comply with the will of the people, they'll be leaping out of the frying pan into the fire of the November elections. Then their political careers will end with a---you guessed it---a croak.

Come on. Do what's right. Let us vote! Pass the Fair Vote bill.

Don't make me start telling more bad frog jokes and lame puns. You've been warned.

Steve Scroggins is Adjutant of the Lt. James T. Woodward Camp 1399, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Warner Robins, GA and a frequent GHC contributor of parody and political cartoons and graphics.