It's That Time Of Year.

       Hey, did ya hear? Punxsutawney Phil claimed there would be six more weeks of winter. Six weeks of winter left? On the one hand I'm sick of it, but on the other hand, six weeks takes us until mid March. I'd be satisfied if warm weather showed up in the middle of March, wouldn't you? According to Live Science website, he's usually correct somewhere in America, but not often in Punxsutawney, Pa.
       The ceremonies held each February one, are somewhat silly, but also somewhat fun. This year was especially interesting when the visiting dignitary was speaking. The handler held old Phil up to his ear, presumably to whisper the prognostication. The woodchuck leaned forward and bit the speaker. Everybody jumped and the speaker seemed to be finished with his speech for a moment or four. He rubbed his ear (cheek) while old Phil was removed from view.
       I suppose even a woodchuck gets irritable at times. Perhaps he felt the man had said enough. He was a mayor of some municipality in Pennsylvania, which means he's a rather minor politician and as such I can see why Phil may have gotten tired of hearing yet another vote seeker. Too bad it wasn't a more prominent politician. Now I wouldn't want anyone to be harmed by a rodent, not even a nationally prominent politician, but a wake up call for these folks is certainly called for.
       Ya know, politicians are a bit like preachers. Speeches, like sermons come in two distinct forms. There are the wake-up type that have real and important messages, well delivered. Then there's the lullaby type. Of course a good lullaby is welcome when you need a short snooze. Like old Phil, politicians are only right a small portion of the time. Therefore we should count on accuracy from either, only on rare occasions.