Rhubarb Ruminations: Episode 9

Do you know of any other place where you can discuss “Formula One” and “Texas politics” in the same breath? The latest episode of Rhubarb Ruminations, of course! I guess both involve horses, perhaps, but the similarities end there. Here is the latest Rhubarb to give you something to ponder with spring (and the start of Formula One season) right around the corner.

1. In the “surely, you jest” category: the Ferrari Formula One team have recently revealed their 2011 championship contender – named the Ferrari F150. The name, in typical Ferrari fashion, is in honor of the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification. I am sure that the tifosi will love it, especially on a beautiful fall day in September at Monza. But get this – the Ford Motor Company has threatened to file a lawsuit for trademark infringement on their F-150 truck.

Are you serious? Is there going to be some brand confusion for the average American that (frankly) has no comprehension of what a Ferrari is anyways? Or is there some brand confusion for the average global citizen who may know what a Ferrari is but really doesn’t care about a gas guzzling Ford pickup? The only thing these two have in common is lousy fuel mileage.

So what was the verdict?

Ferrari issued a statement that this was all “very difficult to understand” (now THAT is an understatement if ever I’ve heard one) and that they would rename it the “Ferrari F150th Italia”. I am sure the announcers worldwide will certainly appreciate that. Add a touch of sarcasm here, please.

2. A Rumination without politics is like a day without sunshine. Leave it to none other than Governor Rick Perry to grow some fresh rhubarb for us. On February 8, he gave us his “State of the State” speech to tell voters how Texas is doing these days – much like the Presidential “State of the Union” address. Do any other states do this, or is this just a Texas thang? Anyhow, Governor Perry skirted the issue of this little $27 billion budget deficit. Apparently, Texas is still doing well economically – or so we’re told.

So what did Governor Perry focus on? Well, how about a $10,000 college degree. Yes, he wants schools to create a bachelor’s degree that costs no more than $10,000, including textbooks.

Hold on a second here. My bachelor’s degree – tuition only, and in Canada – in 1988 cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $7,000. That does not include living expenses, textbooks, etc. Add in my books, and we are probably close to $10,000 – back in 1988! Add a 3% cost of living adjustment per year and, well, you are now pushing $20,000 – again, without living expenses. I am not quite sure how Governor Perry thinks this is going to happen. Maybe he should ask his alma mater – Texas A&M – how this could work.

With math like this, maybe this explains the budget deficit …

3. While we’re on the “State Of The State” address, how about this one: “establish criminal penalties for employers who knowingly hire workers who are in Texas in violation of immigration laws”.

Add this to the mix: “one of the Texas House's most prolific writers of anti-illegal immigration legislation (Rep. Debbie Riddle) filed her fifth related bill Wednesday”.

Note to Governor Perry and Rep. Riddle – this issue has been a federal offense for years.

We don’t need more frivolous bills – we have plenty of those already. Fifth related bill? I would like to know when Rep. Riddle has time to represent her constituents – between writing redundant legislation and her book entitled “Taking Back Your Country”. Kind of like “Fed Up”, I suspect.

Maybe the Republican battle cry for “smaller and more efficient government” could start with removing some of the legislators who are just wagging their lips and writing legislation that is simply redundant. Five bills is unnecessary and simply a social media adventure to promote an $11.95 book. Republicans talking about less government, and Republicans actually holding to that concept, are two entirely different things.

If we were to simply follow the laws that exist right now, then we’d be fine with immigration. Enforce the current laws, and don’t create any new ones. Now that would be more efficient government, wouldn’t it?

Photo credits: Janex & Alba