It’s Got Me ...Dander Up

Carol Ann Martin of Wallingford, Vt., wanted to celebrate her heritage and asked the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for vanity license plates spelling out IRISH. But her application was turned down because the word “could be considered offensive or confusing to the public.” Incensed, she took the DMV to court — and lost. “If IRISH is permitted... is NOIRISH?” asked Superior Judge Matthew Katz. “Folks would probably find it evocative of ‘No Irish Need Apply,’ an employment notice actually and reasonably offensive to many.” Katz added that a license plate “was not the best venue” for such a message. “She may affix any bumper sticker she wishes,” he said, but “ethnic” terms on “state-issued” license plates are a no-no. (Barre Montpelier Times Argus) ...I wonder if he’d allow IDT JDGE?