raison

Do they have cars in your country?

This happened a while ago, but it's well worth a serious discussion. Minnesota state senator, Mady Reiter, R-Shoreview, proposed a bill requiring driver's license tests to be administered only in English and banning the use of interpreters. Apparently, she was concerned about people cheating through interpreters on these tests. Here's a quote from the Star Tribune story:

"There are some places where folks may drive through a stop sign," Reiter said. "I have to believe that they just don't read English."

The bill was killed, but let's dig deeper so we can understand Ms. Reiter's thought process a little better. When someone runs a red light or crosses the intersection without stopping at the Stop sign, this is how those of us who are normal would respond:

"[Expletive]!"

This is how Mady Reiter would respond:

"Non-English speaking immigrant [expletive]! I am so talking to the Senate Transportation Committee about this today."

Or at least that's what she used to say before the bill died.
In other news...

China's Narcissistic Personality Disorder

The Taiwanese demonstrated in huge numbers this weekend in protest of a recently passed Chinese law calling for the use of "non-peaceful means" should Taiwan attempt to declare independence. Perfectly reasonable, right? Not for some. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported today:

"Beijing's official New China News Agency criticized the march before it began, carrying a prominent story on Saturday morning contending that Taiwanese advocates of independence 'malevolently distorted' the anti-secession law."

Ok, China, try putting yourself in Taiwan's shoes for a moment. Just pretend, ok? So, what message does Beijing's anti-secession law send to you? That's right, "Be afraid. Be very, very afraid." See what I mean? And now you don't even want them to protest! Well, bit of a control freak, aren't we?

That's it, folks. I'll be back with more news later.

Disclaimer: If you think I lack historical perspective on these issues and therefore don't know what I'm talking about, you're exactly right.