If This Is an Early Spring, We Have One Question: They Shoot Groundhogs, Don't They?

A mere five days ago the most famous rodent in American — Punxsutawney Phil — told the world that we are destined for an early spring. Meanwhile here in Dallas, where we were enjoying springlike weather and temperatures in the 70s earlier in the week, temperatures plunged into the 40s and are heading lower still. If this is an early spring, we have just one question: They shoot groundhogs, don't they?Not to be flippant about Punxsutawney Phil. We understand he didn't predict an immediate cessation of winter weather. By not seeing his shadow, the groundhog predicted that we would have a shorter winter. So, according to the lore of the groundhog, whatever Mother Nature wishes to throw at us over the next few weeks is fair game.But there is something else that should be fair game, too: that shadow-fearing groundhog meteorologist. When we go from springlike sunshine and birds chirping to cold rain and howling wind, it's time to question the age-old habit of allowing a groundhog to raise our hopes about an early end to the bleakest of the four seasons. We're not advocating actually killing the little critter, just killing off the idea that groundhogs have much worth saying about the season. Punxsutawney Phil, thanks for your service. But, bud, it's time to hang it up.  Continue reading...

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