Our wonderful state has a rich history.  From that history have come many of our state’s icons.  “California Republic Flag”  “Eureka”  “The State Seal”

Each with their own story.  Each story semi interesting.

Like the story of The State Seal”.  The goddess on the right side of The Seal is Minerva.  According to Roman mythology Minerva bypassed the usual method of being born into the world.  She sprung fully formed from the head of her father Jupiter.  She came into the world complete with her weapons.  The Romans decided she was the goddess of doctors and medicine.  California included Minerva in the seal because California was added to the Union without having to go through the territorial process other states had to endure.  Also included are images of a miner and a placer mining rocker to honor our state’s history of mining.

We all know the State Motto “Eureka” means “I have found it!”  Again, a nod to the discovery of gold here and the creation of the State that that discovery lead to.  The word is attributed to Archimedes when he discovered the principle of displacement.  (Also gold related.  Another fascinating story too long to relate here)

The “California Republic Flag” goes back to the 1846.  First raised in Sonoma during a revolt against the Mexican government.  The bear is a nod to the huge number of grizzly bears that used to roam our state.  The Red stripe stands for courage, the white background stands for purity, the star indicates sovereignty.

All in all very nice.  But I think it’s time we reassess these symbols of our state.  They certainly have their place in our history, but no place in the current state of our State.  I have a few suggestions.

State Motto……first let’s look at the current trend to find recompense for our individual problems.  Rather than accept responsibility for the condition we find our lives in, we look for who forced us to live the way we do.  It’s gotta be someone’s fault, not the result of choices we made.  I propose California’s new State Motto  “Sue Me”!

State Seal…..Roman mythology, fun though it is, has no place in the modern world.  Much less the image of the goddess of doctors and medicine.  Not in a state where doctors and medical institutions are hounded.  People here that want instant answers and cures which don’t require any lifestyle changes on their part.  Doctors and medical institutions are here for one of two reasons – Fixing and Suing.  And why should we be reminded of our proud history of mining gold?  The mining industry only exists in out state to be shut down by the legal system.  What an ugly part of our proud history I propose the State Seal – – – a judge’s gavel smacking Minerva on the head and crushing the miner as well.

State Flag…..Purity? Courage? Sovereignty?  All wonderful ideas, but are they seen in today’s society?  Only in flashes which are then promptly shown to be dangerous by the State’s legislators.  I Propose California State Flag should – – – be a proud representation of the person that the State most wants to be – Mary Poppins.  The Best Nanny EVER!  Oh, she has to be wearing a helmet . . . . . . .