A resolution praising the United States military for making a great choice in using a weapon made by a Tennessean? Fine.
A resolution saluting Barrett for his ingenuity in designing a rifle that the U.S. military would choose? Great.
A resolution celebrating Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Co. for the part it plays in equipping the military? Dandy.
But the Barrett Model M82/M107 semi-automatic rifle does not need to take its place beside the state flowers (iris and purple passionflower; why two?), state bird (mockingbird) and state rocks (limestone and agate; again, why two?).
Apparently, though, the bullet already is out of the chamber. The state House approved the resolution last spring, and the state Senate gave its thumbs-up on Wednesday. It does require the approval of the governor or a lack of action by him, though, to take effect.
Although the move by the state Senate has resurrected the mockery heaped on the state by last year's attempt by legislators to name the Bible as Tennessee's state book, it also has opened doors previously kept closed even with the obscure designation of the likes of the state echinacea (coneflower) and state agricultural insect (honeybee).
That's because it brought private business into the state's heretofore designation of largely natural objects. Designated birds, flowers, rocks and amphibians are here thanks to God. The M82/M107 is here thanks to Barrett.
Over the years, Tennesseans either invented or currently manufacture a number of items whose promoters now may be interested in having state designations: the state sugary floss (cotton candy was invented in Nashville), the state square hamburger (Krystal, which no longer calls the state home), the state large waste receptacle (the Dempster-Dumpster was invented in Knoxville) or the state sugary snack sandwich (the MoonPie was created in Chattanooga).
Further, Volkswagen in Chattanooga and General Motors in Spring Hill may want to duke it out for state automobile. And other firearms manufacturing companies may want to get in on the action for their specific guns.
What's to prevent a state designation outbreak?
Before such a thing occurs, perhaps some thoughtful state legislator will craft a bill that will keep private business from making the state a deli of designations.