Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and the northern hemisphere is destined to be subjected to another six weeks of abysmal weather. So say those who gathered in the Pennsylvania wilds this morning.
I take issue with the furry critter's prognostication interpreters. I contend that the groundhog saw his shadow only because of human intervention.
With dozens of reporters and cameramen vying for optimum viewing position, the opening to Phil's den was bathed in more megawatts of artificial light than a runway at Philadelphia International Airport. How could the poor animal help but see his shadow in those conditions?
I submit that had the portable generators been disrupted, had the miles of power cables carried nothing more than the sound of vinyl casing contracting in the eighteen degree weather, had the high intensity bulbs been nothing but empty glass shells, Punxsutawney Phil would have been hard pressed to see the nose on the end of his face much less his shadow.
It is my belief that Phil's emergence from his cozy home should be a for your eyes only event. It's the only way to maintain the integrity of the prognostication. The event should be open to reporters only (no cameramen) armed with nothing but pencils and steno pads.
I venture to say that had those regulations been in place today, we would be preparing for the early arrival of warmer temperatures.
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