Perhaps most have read something about the difficulties in South Carolina concerning the adoption of the Columbian (woolly) Mammoth as the state fossil. The initial story of fundamentalist Christian objections is in this diary. There is more about the debate, that could not have come on a better day (April 1), in this diary.
Jump the squiggle of suspense that may become the official fossil of Daily Kos.
Today the impasse was apparently solved. Here is the article from USA Today. Note the bold-face amendment.
H 4482, as amended April 2, 2014
Whereas, giant mammoths used to roam South Carolina; and
Whereas, scientists have identified the fossils of about six hundred and fifty species of vertebrates in South Carolina to date; and
Whereas, it has been recognized that fossilized mammoth teeth were discovered in a swamp in South Carolina in 1725; and
Whereas, this discovery has been credited as the first scientific identification of a North American vertebrate fossil. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Article 9, Chapter 1, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 1-1-712A. The Columbian Mammoth, which was created on the Sixth Day with the other beasts of the field, is designated as the official State Fossil of South Carolina and must be officially referred to as the 'Columbian Mammoth', which was created on the Sixth Day with the other beasts of the field."
SECTION 2. Subsequent to this act's effective date there is a moratorium on the enactment of legislation establishing official state symbols and emblems until such time as the General Assembly directly by legislative enactment removes this moratorium.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
I'm just just gonna stop there and let you laugh and cry.