I got my degree from Jeb U.

Fun story about FL State Legislators forcing UF to rename its Education School the "Jeb Bush College of Education."

It appears that this move is in retaliation to UF refusing (and by "refusing" I mean Jeb lost the vote 38-28) to grant Jeb an Honorary PhD (but he shouldn't worry too much, he has honorary degrees from both St. Pete College (formerly St. Pete Jr. College) and Polk Community College). Anyway, I don't really think anyone cares about honorary degrees, or who gets them. Not getting one is akin to not getting the cardboard crown at Burger King. But, politics being what it is some people do care, and Jeb lost the election fair and square.

But the NeoGOP has no patience for voting (especially when they lose) so the State Legislature quickly stepped in. Voting 13-0 they forced the above change. According to the Bills sponsor, Rep. David Rivera (R-Miami),

Whether you agree with him or disagree with him on the issue of education, he certainly pushed the debate and pushed the envelope on the issue.

And,

This amendment may demonstrate to some folks around the state and around the country that the office of governor of Florida is a very prestigious and honorable office and certainly deserving of an honorary degree, absolutely, but even more so the naming of an important college.

Yes, that's the point of all this. To establish the trend that every Governor of FL gets something named after them. Because being governor of one of the largest and most politically important states just isn't enough. The job needs some pizazz! Poor, neglected FL Governors, no prestige or honor in that lowly title.

I wonder, being the cynical skeptic that I am, if the real reason came when Rivera revealed that "lawmakers came up with the idea as an answer to the Faculty Senate's 38-28 vote last month against awarding Bush an honorary degree." So it was either about the prestige of the office Governor or a big "Suck on that UF!" You decide.

This is why the NeoGOP is losing ground. One, this new found love affair with Executive Branches. Again for those new to the blog, Congress and the Executive branches, even at the state level, should be somewhat antagonistic. By rushing to the "aid" of the Governor, the Legislature only shows its deterrence to the Gov. In an ideal world, they don't care enough about the issue to take it up. Kissing the Gov's toes only lessens your position.

Two, there's no real appreciation of the will of the people. Jeb lost a vote and I'm willing to bet didn't lose much sleep over the whole thing. However, the NeoGOP can't stand to be insulted, no matter how stupid the slight. And if they don't like what the people want to do the playbook reads.

1. Lie.
2. Deny.
3. Cover-up
4. Cloud the issue.
5. Take away the right of the people to decide.
6. Do it anyway.
7. The highest level of Government Power trumps the will of the people stupid.

So when Jeb loses a minor and silly vote, rather than just leave it at that, or even respect the will of those with the voting power, the State steps in. Again, where's the notion of "small government?"

However, big congrats to Jeb. According to his spokeswoman Patricia Levesque

While Gov. Bush appreciates the gesture, he believes public service is an honor in and of itself and naming a building, road or program after an elected official will diminish that service," Levesque wrote in an e-mail. "Additionally, the most appropriate time to name something after an elected official is after their passing."

Good for Jeb. I wonder if he'll veto it? My bet is yes, but this will pass with a veto proof margin. Everybody wins...almost.