Proof that Some Politicians Have a Sense of Humor

California State Assemblymen Kieth Richman (R) and Joseph Canciamilla (D) have introduced House Resolution No. 36 to the California Assembly. The bill, entitled Relative to Pluto's planetary status, is a formal condemnation of the International Astronomical Union and it's "decision to strip Pluto of its planetary status for its tremendous impact on the people of California and the state's long term fiscal health." Below are two of the reasons, cited in the bill, such legislation is necessary (click on the link above to read the text of the bill in its entirety):

"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"

"WHEREAS, The downgrading of Pluto reduces the number of planets available for legislative leaders to hide redistricting legislation and other inconvenient political reform measures"

As AlmostLucy pointed out on the WTM Message Boards today, "Now every astronomy chart/ toy, etc. will come with a label that says, 'This product does not meet the California standards of planetary classification.' "

Now, before you get too upset about the waste of the California Legislature's time and money, remember that while the Legislature discusses items such as HR36, they spend less time on bills like Senate Bill 840: Single-payer Health Care Coverage (which passed, BTW) which paves the way for universal health care in California. Ironically, in California's Assembly, a bill passed that same week (AB 1840: Employer Coverage: Disclosure) that would require employers with 25 or more employees to make public how many of their employees receive state-funded medical care with the goal of either 1) shaming 'big' companies into providing health care for their employees or 2) angering citizens so they boycott these companies. Well? Which is it? Does California want thier citizens on state-funded health care or doesn't it?

Yup, the California Legislature needs a little levity.