Could Congress Finally be Doing Something Right?

CNETnews.com is reporting that the House Transportation Committee has moved to permanently ban in-flight cell phone usage on airplanes (of course where else would in flight cell phone usage take place but on cell phones??!!!!!?).

From Oregon Democratic Representative Peter DeFazio's website press release:

"With airline customer satisfaction at an all time low, this is not the time to consider making airplane travel even more torturous. Polls show the public overwhelmingly doesn’t want to be subjected to people talking on their cell phones on increasingly over-packed airplanes," DeFazio said. "However, with Internet access just around the corner on U.S. flights, it won’t be long before the ban on voice communications on in-flight planes is lifted. The HANG UP Act, would ensure that financially strapped airlines don’t drive us towards this noisome disruption in search of further revenue."

I ride the Long island rail Road on a daily basis and on that public transportation where there ARE means to avoid jerkoffs even if it means you move and the jerkoffs stay. On an airplane? Today? They are cattle-cars and the last thing I need is to listen to some jerkoff on a phone. I have no problem with other modes of communication and DeFazio wisely addresses the issue:

The legislation only prohibits voice communications in-flight but passengers
would still be able to access the Internet, e-mail and send text messages as
these technologies become available on airplanes.

The only problem I have with this well-intentioned piece of legislation is the name.

The Hang Up Act??? The Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace Act????

Wow. What a mouthful.

Monica Lewinsky never had such a mouthful!

Anyway - Congrats to Congress for getting something right!!!!!!!!!