Is Congress sponsoring the entertainment industry? Current legislation makes it appear so -- click here to vote now!
The addition of links on Politivote to federal legislation will insure that we as citizens know more about how our legislators are using precious time and money. The last article mentioned a bill that would increase the public debt from $12.104 trillion to $13.29 trillion. This bill will exact a tremendous toll on the tax payer. However, there are other bills that cost little or money by comparison, but should concern us because of their distraction from more crucial issues.
An example of this is H.CON.RES.12 which was a resolution brought before the House of Representatives which would express the opinion that congress should “issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring Sam Phillips and that the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Post Master General that such a stamp be issued.”
The resolution details Phillip’s many contributions to Rock and Roll. As an example, Phillips “helped put together Presley’s band which led to the production of hits such as `Heartbreak Hotel’, `Hound Dog’, and `Don’t Be Cruel.” With the greatest of respect to Mr. Phillips, and his achievements, a resolution urging that a commemorative stamp be adopted has no place in the House of Representatives. The accolades Philips has already been given by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as other organizations ought to be sufficient recognition of his accomplishments. There are many other resolutions that encourage a commemorative postage stamp to honor individuals for humanitarian efforts, and these are more worthy of consideration because of their potentially universal benefit. We can all benefit from individuals who make significant contributions to eliminating poverty or promoting equality. Philip’s contributions, while significant for purposes of entertainment have done little to improve the overall human condition. Moreover, there may be some people who may not feel that they benefited from his achievements. Some people may not like the music he has produced. Congress should represent the whole nation, and any recognition it encourages ought to be for individuals whose actions benefited the whole nation.