Bart Simpson Comes to Springfield, Illinois

It was a bit odd when the voice of Bart Simpson could be heard describing ways of being nice and making good choices. It was also odd that this subject really came up at all during a hearing in the Illinois House. It what seemed like nothing more than a gimmick, Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart, could be heard explaining what Dan Burke (D-Chicago) and his sponsored House Resolution 254, is all about.

It was explained as "seeking to shape the character and integrity of children in the state's public schools." It proposes three programs for character development, including "Good Choices."

Now enter Bart, or the voice of Bart, Nancy Cartwright. She is creator of the non-profit foundation Happy House. The "Good Choices" program is linked to L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology. Cartwright is a member and a highly placed donor as well, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. She was there to lobby for the principals in the 48-page booklet and not endorse Scientology or Hubbard. In what started as a nice talk about morals and making good choices, it quickly faded in the usual separation of church and state issue.

Jerry Mitchell (R-Sterling), the committee's ranking Republican, objected because kids could connect the premises in the book with Scientology, and thus was a religious issue. It did not pass and even Burke had to admit he thought it would be "fun" to have Bart here.

Perhaps Chief Wiggum could have said something to bring order to the House. However, not sure where Hank Azaria stands on the issue. But, this took place in Springfield, Il. and "The Simpsons" takes place in Springfield, too.