TACKLE SOME REAL ISSUES

The table is set.

With mid-term elections now only a faded memory, incumbents and newly
seated state legislators can get down to business keeping promises
made on the campaign trail. Lower our taxes. Create more jobs. Fix
public school funding. Set term limits.

Yeah, right. We'll see in a few years when another wave of change is
demanded because voters cry that taxes and unemployment are too high
and job creation is too low.

Cynicism runs deep in regards to any hope I hold for real change. In
my view two things will signify change in Wisconsin's economy.

Dairy producers need a better price for milk which would stimulate cow
numbers and the economy. Then incoming governor Scott Walker's camp
must find someone to build cars in the vacant General Motors plant in
Janesville.

I know. You say it sounds too simplistic. But it's only one man's
opinion. And since I hold out little hope for either to materialize,
maybe our state legislators could focus their political radars on some
other important issues.

Wisconsin has an official state "everything." But has the Badger State
put its official stamp on music? Oh sure. Right off the top of the
head traditionalists will favor polka music with our love of beer and
loyal German heritage.

Can't say I would completely oppose polka music. The polka is already
the state dance. But while in heaven there is no beer, and I do like
to drink it here, polka music is not my top choice.

I have the utmost respect for Wisconsin's rural history. The logical
connection may be country music. Country artists like to croon about
the rural lifestyle, but I wonder how many current country divas have
milked a cow or shoveled manure.

To me the choice is simple. I'm certain it would create political
turmoil in Madison if legislators endorsed classic rock as Wisconsin's
official music. But proponents would be get my early nod for
re-election.

I wonder what legislator would be committed to endorse classic rock as
Wisconsin's state music. While they're at it, kill two birds with one
stone and ban hip-hop, rap and heavy metal from the airwaves.

It's not like I am suggesting an official classic rock band. Although
REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick and Steve Miller all have strong Wisconsin
connections from early in their careers and would be logical choices.

I'm not asking to abandon On Wisconsin as the state song, although
REO's Roll With the Changes is clearly superior.

Now that they have received sound artistic guidance, my next
legislative mission is a bit more controversial. Wisconsin has a state
grain (corn) and state flower (wood violet). But we need a state
plant, and thanks to the cable television show Weeds I'm inspired to
lobby for marijuana as my choice. To be more specific, medicinal marijuana.

For those unfamiliar with the program, Weeds focuses on a suburban
California mother who grows and sells marijuana to help make ends meet
after her husband dies of a sudden heart attack. Weeds outlines how
the woman and her circle of friends attempt to market marijuana as
medicinal thus avoiding potential legal pitfalls.

Wisconsin prides itself as a state that fosters agri-business. In the
past legislators have thrown support behind such things as emu
production or deer/elk farms as sources to supplement income.

Why not jump on the bandwagon with other states exploring legislation
to legalize medicinal marijuana? If one legislator would endorse a
bill that recognizes marijuana as Wisconsin's state plant, maybe that
would open the door for medical marijuana production. Let's see if one
of Wisconsin's newly elected legislators will show some political
vision. Since I'm having increased discomfort from back pain as my
bones begin to creak more with middle age, I would consider offering
myself as a subject to test the medicinal benefit as a muscle
relaxant. All in the name of medical research of course.

Taxes, health care and jobs. People fuming about high-speed rail.
Yada, yada, yada. Political leaders have tried to lure Hollywood to
Wisconsin as a movie-making mecca to stimulate our economy.

Classic rock and marijuana as Wisconsin state symbols. Tackle some
real issues. My sore back will be forever grateful.