Wisconsin doesn’t need official state cocktail

The Wisconsin Legislature is again doing what it does best, passing meaningless legislation that accomplishes nothing. In this case, lawmakers are poised to take the important step of naming an official state cocktail. Of course, that would be the Old Fashioned, which in Wisconsin is typically made with brandy rather than whiskey. It is a Wisconsin favorite, particularly during Friday night fish fries. But does Wisconsin need an official state cocktail? We already have dozens of official things, like a state bird, a state grain, even an official state tartan. If the old fashioned is enshrined as official in Wisconsin, it wouldn’t even be all that official. It is only a resolution, not a bill, so it doesn’t require a public hearing or the Governor’s signature. It is the equivalent of naming June as Dairy Month in Wisconsin. But wouldn’t you know it, this idea has bipartisan support. Our lawmakers can’t agree on the big issues like tax reform, or education spending, but they can all raise a glass and pat themselves on the back as they name a state cocktail. Maybe next they will name the official garnish for the drink, or an official state ice cube. Either way, such action does nothing to improve the lives of Wisconsinites. But hey, we have an official state cocktail. Cheers!