WINDING UP PHIL?

  FRIDAY, JANUARY 31ST., 2020
           WINDING UP PHIL?

    With just hours until he's scheduled to
make his annual appearance and
prediction Punxsutawney Phil's future
seems to be in question.
     PETA, "People For The Ethical
Treatment of Animals," wants the
State's famous weather prognosticator
retired to a shelter and replaced by
some sort of a robot!
      This is the same organization
that can claim credit for putting an
end to another American institution,
the Ringling Brothers , Barnum, and
Bailey Circus after lobbing to have
the three ring giant do away with its
Elephants.
        I've seen no evidence of Phil's
mistreatment. Quite the contrary,
He seems to be living a life of
pampered luxury only called out
annually for his weather prediction.
        The tradition stems from a
Christian belief that Jesus was
dedicated at the temple 40 days
after his birth. Animals were
often used to mark the occasion
which was also tied to the coming
of Spring.
       The Germans believed cold
days were yet to come if the
Hedgehog saw its shadow. The
Germans brought the tradition
here. But not the Hedgehogs. That's
where the Groundhog took over.
        I'm all for treating animals
well (and caring for them if you're
their owner) but I think PETA is
off base on this one. There are a
lot of cat owners (or "feeders")
around my place that would be
better off with robots!
        While most Groundhogs are
playing "Chicken" on our highways
Phil seems to be living high in
Punxsutawney!
         Hope he sticks around and'that
all your NEWS is good!