Cracking Down on Mascots

Why don’t we focus on improving education and leave the decisions about mascots to the local residents, mmmmkay?

A proposal designed to crack down on race-based school mascots and logos in Wisconsin is up for a vote before the state Assembly on Tuesday.

The bill calls for the state Department of Public Instruction to investigate complaints about race-based names, nicknames, logos or mascots. School boards would have a chance to argue the logos or mascots don’t discriminate, harass or stereotype. The state superintendent could fine schools if they don’t make changes.

Obama Cuff(link)ed the Dalai Lama

Commenter Steve asked for a new post. Here it is.

President Obama met with the sleeveless Dalai Lama and presented him with cuff links. The he snuck him out the back door so his parents wouldn’t find out.

Discuss.

Push to Abandon Electoral College

My goodness there are some blithering idiots in Madison. 

Some state lawmakers are supporting a plan that would do away with the Electoral College and elect presidents solely on the results of the national popular vote.

A few Wisconsin lawmakers are pointing to George Bush’s 2000 election win over popular-vote winner Al Gore, as one example of why the Electoral College method of choosing a president is outdated and flawed.

“Right now there is no guarantee that the presidential candidate who gets the most votes will actually get elected,” said Rep. Kelda Helen Roys.

Roys of Madison has authored a bill calling on Wisconsin to partner with other states in awarding its electoral votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote regardless of who wins the Wisconsin vote.

First off, this is clearly unconstitutional.  If you don’t like the electoral college, then amend the constitution. 

Second, why do they want to disenfranchise Wisconsin’s voters?  If in 2008 Wisconsin had voted 98% for McCain, why would we then throw our electors to Obama? 

Third, the implementation of this is fraught with the opportunity for shenanigans.  What happens if Illinois’ legislators renege on the deal and certify electors for the 2nd place candidate?  Does Wisconsin have any recourse or have we already thrown away our votes? 

This bill should die the long lingering death of a slug coated with salt and the politicians who supported it should have their heads examined.