What is going on with our world?

I have come across some stories lately that I just cannot ignore. It makes me wonder where our country (and our world) is headed.

1. A group in Austria called the "Association Against Animal Factories" (I assume similar to the nutjobs at PETA) is actually pushing to have a 26 year old chimpanzee legally declared to be a "person". The lawyer representing the group said, "Our main argument is that Hiasl is a person and has basic legal rights."

2. We now have a deadline for the end of the world, thanks to the global warming "scientists". "World leaders will have to agree the shape of a "son of Kyoto" treaty before the end of the year if the most catastrophic effects of climate change are to be averted, UN officials said yesterday." That's right - if we all continue to use more than one square of toilet paper per bathroom visit, we are doomed...and it will happen in just 8 months.

3. The Florida Legislature has inspired new confidence among their constituents. What, you thought politicians were dishonest, and only concerned about promoting their own personal agenda regardless of the promises they made while campaigning? How dare you make such an unfounded accusation!

And the Florida Senate has just the answer to combat that public opinion: They recently voted on a bill that would actually require them to tell the truth. This bill would require them to take an oath any time they appear before a House or Senate committee, and if they lie they will be subject to charges of perjury.

Oh...the bill did pass, but only after it was debated vigorously for about 15 minutes. It's good to know that the officials we elected finally were able to resolve the tricky and confusing issues of honesty and integrity.

Oh yes, one other thing...three of them voted against it. Apparently these three don't quite see the value in telling the truth. Not hard to imagine:

- Senator Al Lawson called the bill a "big conspiracy". He said he didn't mind having such a rule that affected lobbyists. But applying it to lawmakers, such as himself, crossed the line.

- Senator Gary Siplin (Orlando) is currently appealing a grand theft conviction.

- Senator Mandy Dawson in 2002 admitted that she lied when she claimed she had a degree from Florida A&M University. Then in 2003 she entered a rehab program so she could avoid being charged with prescription drug fraud.