State Legislative Foolishness: Pluto Becomes A Planet Over New Mexico

In an act that made South Dakota's decision to name kuchen the state dessert look like an act of profound statecraft, Eric E. Johnson reports and editorializes.

The legislature of New Mexico passed a resolution decreeing that "as Pluto passes overhead through New Mexico's excellent night skies, it be declared a planet."

 Are you kidding me? Think about what the New Mexico legislature is saying here: (1) The IAU can legislate scientific fact. (2) The New Mexico legislature can overrule the IAU as to matters of scientific fact. (3) But (incredibly!) only when Pluto is in New Mexico's jurisdiction!!!!!!!!!

'Nuff said. HT @LegalLacuna and @profmdwhite