Peter DeFazio (D-OR) Sponsors Law To Outlaw Already Outlawed Cellphones On Planes
Yeah…
Democrats are that dumb…
I guess this guy has never flown on a commercial flight?
August 1, 2008
Tech Dirt
Congress Pushes Forward On Banning Already Banned In-Flight Calls
from the aren’t-politicians-great? dept
The crusade against the almost non-existent in-flight phone call menace continues. First, we had the FCC insist that it would not lift the ban on in-flight use of mobile phones, in part because of worries from people about having to sit next to someone yapping away. Then, a few months later, the FAA also said that it would not allow mobile phones to be used on airplanes. As we noted at the time, this seemed rather superfluous, given the FCC ruling. But, of course, when there’s an issue that’s already been decided, who best to step in and decide it all over again but Congress?
Yes, a Congressional representative, Peter DeFazio, has given us the (I kid you not on the name) Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace (Hang Up) Act, which forbids “voice communications using communications devices on scheduled flights.” We had mentioned this law when it was first proposed, but it’s actually now been approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
While I can understand the annoyance factor that people fear (and, yes, it’s actually been shown that only hearing half of the conversation is more annoying, which is why it’s different than just having people talking to each other on the plane), it’s still not clear why such a law is needed. Beyond the FCC and FAA bans already in place, if such phone calls are really as annoying as most people predict, then why wouldn’t airlines already ban them, rather than piss off customers? Or, more likely, you’d get some self-selection in a way that benefits everyone. Some airlines might allow phone calls, while others wouldn’t — and people can self-select. Or, some airlines may have “talking sections” and “non-talking sections,” and, again, the issue is solved completely without needing a law at all. This is yet another example of Congress telling us what it thinks is good for everyone, when people are pretty well-equipped to figure that out on their own.
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Had my cell phone on in my backpack on my return flight from chicago last month. I guess that’s proof that this law and this NEW law are both bullshit.
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:35 amRome is burning and these assholes are fiddling with their nuts.
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:46 amAirlines and the FAA can install cellular phone scramblers on aircraft to eliminate cellphone usage. Turn it on once they leave the gate, and turn them off again when the arrive at the destination. They are readily available too. The military have been using them for sometime now as a way to inhibit cellphone-triggered roadside bombs and IED’s………..hell, even I can buy one.
I don’t see any good reason to have the 1st law enforced, let alone a second one of the same thing.
FTM, I guess.(FTM=Follow The Money) I use that idea whenever the asshats in Washington do stupid shit that doesn’t make sense.
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:52 amHow much are the earmarks on this bill?
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:39 amOregon’s finest.
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:06 amThanks Oregon for caring enough to send your very best.
another oxygen thief in congress. yeah its probably another democrat trojan horse filled with nothing but earmarks.
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:58 amGood work Congressman and staff. Shre does prove that you are keeping up with the most important issues of our time.
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:04 pm