Posted on 12/28/2005 10:21:51 AM PST by hoosierboy
Michigan - At the Prime Table Restaurant in Niles, folks are looking to debate an interesting issue.
There are elections vastly approaching, state budgets to balance, and high gas prices to consider.
One might figure Michigan lawmakers have plenty of serious issues to keep them busy. On the contrary, much surprise ensues as to which hot topic is taking flight in the state capitol.
On the table When some patrons at the Michigan restaurant heard what could be on the table for state lawmakers in 2006, they said it's for the birds.
Dawn Belcher of Knox, Indiana says, "I just think they have much more important things to worry about."
Alpena Democrat Matt Gillard introduced a bill that would make the Black-Capped Chickadee Michigan’s official bird. Senate bill 346 says, "it literally is for the birds," that is legislation’s attempt to change the state bird.
There are also House Bills 5428 and 5429 pushing their way into the debate circuit.
So what is the current state bird?
"I really don't no, it's not important no, not to me it's not," said Tom Matzat of Niles.
Matzat was a resident of Indiana all but 13 years of his life, and is the grandfather of eight-year-old Tyler Phillips.
Second grader Tyler Phillips stated, "I learned in kindergarten because we made a book, we did a Robin in it for a state bird."
That is what has been taught for decades in the textbooks of the state of Michigan.
For years some state lawmakers have been challenging how the Robin was chosen in 1931.
Now some lawmakers want to replace the Robin, with the Black Capped Chickadee.
The Kirtland’s Warbler could also be added to the nest.
Republican John Proos, of the State House of Representatives District 79 in Michigan stated, "I’m not sure if it will be taken up in committee at this point in time."
Representative Proos also tells NewsCenter 16 the Michigan legislature has more important issues to address, “but if in fact this does move forward, I’m sure this will be spirited debate over the issue of which is the proper bird for the state of Michigan."
Most here hope the issue is moot.
Dale Rector of Niles says for example, "it would be a waste of tax payers money."
Tom Matzat agrees, "I think in this state, they've got more important things to do."
Barbara Conrad, a 75 year-old Niles resident believes, "I think it should stay the same, the Warbler is find but we don't have it down here it's up north, and the Chickadee would be cute because he's all over the place, but it's always been the Robin, so lets leave it the Robin."
Debate could surface soon The Michigan bill was introduced last month that would recognize three birds for holding different titles in the state.
The debate could come to the surface at some point in 2006.
Advocates that want to see the Robin ousted, are trying to peck their way into the heat of the debate.
Might I suggest, the Ostrich?...............
How about the Mud Hen (American Coot) to symbolize the states legislatures mire in all things irrelevant...
"Chickadee"?
They PC ladies may not like this name...
Important issues, indeed....... /sarcasm off
Turkey.
the loon (in harmony w/ their neighbors to the N.)
the dodo (reflecting their current mental state)
Birds
Flowers
Trees
Animals
Rocks
Fish
Mottos
Emblems
And all other stupid time wasting stunts and get back to work.
How about the Thunderbird?
How about the venerated MOONBAT?..........
The loon has been taken by MN...
Is that Feiger?
:)
This seems to be a good solution. The co-equal and separate state birds with checks-and-balances over each other. The birds should be able to govern effectively with appropriate oversite from the other branches (pun intended...)
They're telling the robin to fly south.
The culture vultures are at it again.
The spelling in this article suggest another priority. "I don't no and the Warbler is find" are not what one would expect from a news outlet. Or is it?
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