And another thing …

It’s a busy time for lawmakers. As if arguing themselves in circles about whether there’s a connection between road improvements and the gas tax weren’t enough, the divisive debate continues on designating English as Maine’s official language. Perhaps it’s time to consider making logic the Legislature’s official thought process.

The FBI continues its three-year investigation of Wen Ho Lee, a Taiwan-born scientist working at the Los Alamos lab who may have passed along vital nuclear secrets to China. At the center of the inquiry are perplexing high-tech documents that are either schematics for America’s most advanced missile warhead or an explanation of the Maine Milk Commission’s pricing formula.

First, Vice President Al Gore proposes putting a $100-million satellite in orbit to provide pictures for an All Earth, All the Time TV station. Now, it’s a national three-digit phone number so drivers can get local traffic reports. What next from the visionary veep — a space-based early warning system for burnt toast?

Speaking of presidential timber, kudos to Republican contender Lamar Alexander for promising to leave his red plaid lumberjack shirts in the closet this campaign. If only Elizabeth Dole would do the same with her political outsider costume and Pat Buchanan with his military man disguise.

Congress approves millions in emergency funding to help states recover from last winter’s ice storm. HUD yanks Maine’s share away. Congress approves millions for homeless shelters. HUD yanks Maine’s share away. Congress approves millions for block grants. HUD says Maine can apply. Once again, Charlie Brown lines up for the kickoff.

The oil tanker New Carissa ran aground on the Oregon coast a month ago. The shattered vessel was cut in half and hauled out to sea to be sunk, but the bow section broke free and headed back to the beach. It was hauled out again and sunk, but it bobbed to the surface and headed back to the beach. It was hauled out a third time a few days ago, the Navy blasted it with 70 artillery shells and a torpedo and it sank. For good or just for now? Headed for the bottom or back to the beach? Current events or the rough draft of Stephen King’s new novel? You decide.