Comments on: Pluto Terminated http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/ I am an astronomer, writer, and skeptic. I likes reality the way it is, and I aims to keep it that way. My real name is Phil Plait, and I run the Bad Astronomy blog. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:54:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: A. Maylis http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20302 A. Maylis Thu, 14 Sep 2006 08:06:08 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20302 To: Ghost of Tookie. The Calif proposition on redistricting was the 5th time in the last 24 yrs the REPS tried to shift the balance of the legislature in their favor. They lost--again!! In Texas they used the "retired judges" approach and although the REPS won big, it was not enough. So The REPs wiped out that law and did an old fashioned gerrymander which resulted in another 4 seats in the House of Reps (Congress) going REP. That atrocious gerrymander is now in the courts as a violation of the voting rights act. The Calif gerrymander of 2001 was set up to allow all incumbents to have very safe districts and the REPS went along with it. Two years later they changed their minds. Pure politics. To: Ghost of Tookie. The Calif proposition on redistricting was the 5th time in the last 24 yrs the REPS tried to shift the balance of the legislature in their favor. They lost–again!! In Texas they used the “retired judges” approach and although the REPS won big, it was not enough. So The REPs wiped out that law and did an old fashioned gerrymander which resulted in another 4 seats in the House of Reps (Congress) going REP. That atrocious gerrymander is now in the courts as a violation of the voting rights act. The Calif gerrymander of 2001 was set up to allow all incumbents to have very safe districts and the REPS went along with it. Two years later they changed their minds. Pure politics.

]]> By: J. D. Mack http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20287 J. D. Mack Fri, 08 Sep 2006 18:34:48 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20287 That was hilarious! Thank you, Phil, for blogging about this! J. D. That was hilarious! Thank you, Phil, for blogging about this!

J. D.

]]> By: Polarbeast http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20286 Polarbeast Fri, 08 Sep 2006 17:13:29 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20286 Very subtle parody there. It had me going until I read the part about millions of children's refrigerator magnet drawings obsolete. :D Very subtle parody there. It had me going until I read the part about millions of children’s refrigerator magnet drawings obsolete. :D

]]> By: Phobos http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20285 Phobos Fri, 08 Sep 2006 14:08:22 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20285 After all, they don't want to upset their astrology base. After all, they don’t want to upset their astrology base.

]]> By: Scott http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20288 Scott Fri, 08 Sep 2006 03:32:15 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20288 You KNOW creationists will teach that Pluto is a planet just to spite science! You KNOW creationists will teach that Pluto is a planet just to spite science!

]]> By: brainwagon http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20290 brainwagon Thu, 07 Sep 2006 19:02:43 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20290 <strong>HR 36 Assembly House Resolution...</strong> From our legislature… WHEREAS, Recent astronomical discoveries, including Pluto’s oblong orbit and the sighting of a slightly larger Kuiper Belt object, have led astronomers to question the planetary status of Pluto; and WHEREAS, The me... HR 36 Assembly House Resolution…

From our legislature…

WHEREAS, Recent astronomical discoveries, including Pluto’s oblong orbit and the sighting of a slightly larger Kuiper Belt object, have led astronomers to question the planetary status of Pluto; and

WHEREAS, The me…

]]> By: Todd http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20291 Todd Thu, 07 Sep 2006 18:02:21 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20291 Obviously a joke--look at all the "code phrases" in it--e.g. "mean spirited", a common label Democrats applied to Republicans during the Clinton administration; also references to Astrology which many of the more religious Republicans make fun of on religious grounds and other Republicans make fun of on scientific grounds. The Governator probably has enough of a sense of humor to want to sign it, but after having been criticized for the "Girly Men" joke, he might pass this time. Obviously a joke–look at all the “code phrases” in it–e.g. “mean spirited”, a common label Democrats applied to Republicans during the Clinton administration; also references to Astrology which many of the more religious Republicans make fun of on religious grounds and other Republicans make fun of on scientific grounds. The Governator probably has enough of a sense of humor to want to sign it, but after having been criticized for the “Girly Men” joke, he might pass this time.

]]> By: Phobos http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20292 Phobos Thu, 07 Sep 2006 16:52:09 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20292 Although I don't know his history that led him to write that bill, I can't help thinking that it is a waste of taxpayer dollars and that he should be chided for wasting everyone's time. Although I don’t know his history that led him to write that bill, I can’t help thinking that it is a waste of taxpayer dollars and that he should be chided for wasting everyone’s time.

]]> By: Phil http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20289 Phil Thu, 07 Sep 2006 16:31:41 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20289 It's a real measure that was really introduced on the floor of the Assembly. While the text is itself a parady, it really was one of the 4000+ measures introduced this year. It was never brought to vote, but was rather just a sarcastic statement from Richmond, who is being termed out and has been frustrated with the inaction of his Legislature to work on some issues like redistricting. Even if the Assembly had approved the resolution, Schwarzenegger wouldn't have to weigh in on it, as it is just a resolution from one house. It's funny that 53 assemblymemebrs signed on to this resolution which derides their own inability to get stuff done, yet that is more than enough votes to pass most measures. It’s a real measure that was really introduced on the floor of the Assembly. While the text is itself a parady, it really was one of the 4000+ measures introduced this year.

It was never brought to vote, but was rather just a sarcastic statement from Richmond, who is being termed out and has been frustrated with the inaction of his Legislature to work on some issues like redistricting. Even if the Assembly had approved the resolution, Schwarzenegger wouldn’t have to weigh in on it, as it is just a resolution from one house.

It’s funny that 53 assemblymemebrs signed on to this resolution which derides their own inability to get stuff done, yet that is more than enough votes to pass most measures.

]]> By: Mike O'Connell http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20294 Mike O'Connell Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:40:07 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20294 This is the first time I have ever read a bill streight through... it is great... someone needs to draft something similar here in Missouri. This is the first time I have ever read a bill streight through… it is great… someone needs to draft something similar here in Missouri.

]]> By: The Ghost Of Tookie http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20293 The Ghost Of Tookie Thu, 07 Sep 2006 14:52:03 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20293 Moonflake's link talks about Richmond's championing of independent redistricting, so that makes him a hero in my non-political book. The dummies here in California were actually handed a vote on getting rid of gerrymandering last year, and they voted against it, mainly through ignorance and a lack of critical thought. Moonflake’s link talks about Richmond’s championing of independent redistricting, so that makes him a hero in my non-political book. The dummies here in California were actually handed a vote on getting rid of gerrymandering last year, and they voted against it, mainly through ignorance and a lack of critical thought.

]]> By: The Centipede http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20296 The Centipede Thu, 07 Sep 2006 14:39:02 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20296 “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…” The sad thing is... that's probably true. Having grown up in SoCal I know all about the wingnuts (freedom of thought allows them to have their beliefs and me to tolerate but belittle them for said beliefs). There's a reason why Heaven's Gate showed up there, and why the Church of Scientology has invested a lot in the region. Crankery and ideology are major regional exports. “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…”

The sad thing is… that’s probably true. Having grown up in SoCal I know all about the wingnuts (freedom of thought allows them to have their beliefs and me to tolerate but belittle them for said beliefs). There’s a reason why Heaven’s Gate showed up there, and why the Church of Scientology has invested a lot in the region. Crankery and ideology are major regional exports.

]]> By: Irishman http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20297 Irishman Thu, 07 Sep 2006 14:33:19 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20297 This bit also caught my eye: <blockquote>Resolved, That the Assembly Clerk shall send a copy of the resolution to the International Astronomical Union and to any Californian who, believing that his or her legislator is addressing the problems that threaten the future of the Golden State, requests a copy of the resolution. </blockquote> Seems intended as a rebuke against the legislators for their inaction. This bit also caught my eye:

Resolved, That the Assembly Clerk shall send a copy of the
resolution to the International Astronomical Union and to any
Californian who, believing that his or her legislator is addressing
the problems that threaten the future of the Golden State, requests a
copy of the resolution.

Seems intended as a rebuke against the legislators for their inaction.

]]> By: Berkeley http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20298 Berkeley Thu, 07 Sep 2006 13:36:24 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20298 I am not the center of the Universe? Really? I defy you to prove it! Don't mess with me (bla bla etc) (Muttering) I am not the center of the Universe? Really? I defy you to prove it!
Don’t mess with me (bla bla etc)
(Muttering)

]]> By: moonflake http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20295 moonflake Thu, 07 Sep 2006 12:33:54 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20295 Richmond's motivation <a href="http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/county_news/article/0,1375,VCS_226_4947230,00.html" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Richmond’s motivation here.

]]> By: Lab Lemming http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20299 Lab Lemming Thu, 07 Sep 2006 10:01:47 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20299 I like the accusation of the unfunded mandate the best. I like the accusation of the unfunded mandate the best.

]]> By: Demote Pluto http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20300 Demote Pluto Thu, 07 Sep 2006 06:53:00 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20300 Definitely satire, though I wonder at how many Plutophiles will actually take it seriously. Definitely satire, though I wonder at how many Plutophiles will actually take it seriously.

]]> By: JustinK http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/comment-page-1/#comment-20301 JustinK Thu, 07 Sep 2006 05:19:20 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2006/09/06/pluto-terminated/#comment-20301 At first I thought this was a fictitious bill, but it does seem to be on a legit website. I still think it's a joke though (in more ways than one), even if it is an actual bill. I'm not at all familiar with CA politics, but lines like the following sound like sarcastic jabs at politicians (and other Californians) to me... "The mean-spirited International Astronomical Union decided on August 24, 2006, to disrespect Pluto by stripping Pluto of its planetary status and reclassifying it as a lowly dwarf planet..." "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..." "The downgrading of Pluto reduces the number of planets available for legislative leaders to hide redistricting legislation and other inconvenient political reform measures..." "in the closing days of the 2005-06 session, has been considering few matters important to the future of California, and the status of Pluto takes precedence and is worthy of this body's immediate attention..." At first I thought this was a fictitious bill, but it does seem to be on a legit website. I still think it’s a joke though (in more ways than one), even if it is an actual bill. I’m not at all familiar with CA politics, but lines like the following sound like sarcastic jabs at politicians (and other Californians) to me…

“The mean-spirited International Astronomical Union
decided on August 24, 2006, to disrespect Pluto by stripping Pluto of
its planetary status and reclassifying it as a lowly dwarf planet…”

“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…”

“The downgrading of Pluto reduces the number of planets
available for legislative leaders to hide redistricting legislation
and other inconvenient political reform measures…”

“in the closing days of the 2005-06 session, has been considering few matters important to the future of California, and the status of Pluto takes precedence and is worthy of this body’s immediate attention…”

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