Louisiana is often last in many good categories and nearly always first in many bad categories, but, there have been signs that those rankings are about to change. Louisiana is in an unusual situation of having a surplus in this year's budget. Fears abound that Louisiana's old style banana republic type politicians may take over and keep the state in bad shape while squandering or worse, pocketing, the dollars won largely on the backs of hurricane victims.
There is also a fear that Louisiana legislators may lose focus on the difficult issues face in this state. That fear was narrowly avoided when Louisiana Senate bill #6 came before the senate. Louisiana Senate Bill #6 was written for the sole purpose of naming Sazerac, a reportedly "world famous" alcoholic drink first conceived of in 19th century New Orleans, the official state cocktail. I love the carefree culture that defines New Orleans and much of South Louisiana in general, but, if Louisiana state senators have enough time to waste naming an official state cocktail, then they have clearly lost focus on the real needs of the people that they serve.
Luckily, North Louisiana State Senator Buddy Shaw - R was bold enough to call into question the merits of Louisiana Senate bill #6 and the measure was defeated 27-8. Times are changing in Louisiana and things are looking up.
Sources: 1. "Senate will get next chance to raise a glass" Thursday, April 03, 2008
By Ed Anderson New Orleans Times Picayune, 2. Louisiana Senate nixes state cocktail Wed Apr 9, 5:02 AM ET AP
