file under: so what if we don't eat it?

A Page One promo on WSJ.com today reveals this tidbit (reg required to follow the link):

Estonia Chooses a National Fish

Estonia's effort to forge a post-Soviet national identity hinges, in part, on Baltic herring. Following an emotional debate, Estonia selected the small, oily animal as its national fish. One problem: few Estonians actually eat it.

It got me thinking: what would the Journal have written back in June, 1782 when the Continental Congress officially adopted the Seal of the United States with its Bald Eagle grasping arrows and an olive branch? Probably something along the likes of:

United States Chooses a National Bird

The United State's effort to forge a post-English national identity hinges, in part, on the Bald Eagle. Following an emotional debate, the Continental Congress selected the bird of prey as its national bird. One problem: few Americans actually eat it.

Of course, if Benjamin Franklin had his way with nominating the turkey as our national bird, we'd be munching away on it daily.