Today, I learned, albeit a little late, of just how much the federal government wants to get involved in our lives. On April 15, 2008, Congressman Peter DeFazio, a Democrat from Oregon (I’ll get around to using the more conventional “D-OR” eventually,) introduced the Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace Act or HANG UP Act. It was cosponsored by 24 other representatives and reported by committee, The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, on July 31, 2008. WHAT??? Who are these people representing? According to the congressman, 63% of those responding to a poll sponsored by The Association of Flight Attendants do not want to see the ban on cell phone use in aircraft lifted. What are the actual numbers of the poll? The argument is that cell phone use will disrupt the comfort of an entire cabin. OK, maybe. What about the screaming babies? I can’t think of anyone who can stand that. Can we legislate that until a child is of an age where they won’t cry or throw a fit, they can’t be allowed on the aircraft? What about the obnoxiously chatty couple next to you? What if I don’t want to deal with the flickering lights during the movie? No movies? Why don’t we just make a law that says once you enter the aircraft, you sit down, shut up and only speak when a flight attendant speaks to you?! Let’s go another direction. What about cell phone conversations in restaurants or movie theaters? I know there is most likely an overwhelming majority of people that this bothers. The fact is you can’t outlaw poor manners. We can politely ask someone who is being inconsiderate to please stop, can’t we? Or do we need the government to come in and do everything for us? Representative John Mica, R-FL (there, I did it) said it best, “You are trying to legislate courtesy, folks, and that just doesn’t work.” Thankfully this atrocity was never voted on.

Now for some really good news: I’m happy to report that the people in Oregon, Indiana, California, Minnesota, Arkansas, Hawaii, Colorado, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Illinois, and North Carolina have absolutely no problems.