On June 17, 2009, S. RES.188 was passed. This resolution congratulates the Las Angeles Lakers for winning the NBA championship of 2009. I am deeply gratified to read the stirring account of this team’s victory over Orlando! I am also gratified to read the stirring account of how this team defeated the Houston Rockets and the Utah Jazz! Evidently, we have some Laker fans in the senate. A regret I have is that the bill passed without amendment. I am disappointed that Senator Hatch as my duly elected representative didn’t do his job and amend the bill with how the Utah Jazz beat the Lakers in a regular season game.
The usefulness of the resolution ends right here! I am absolutely baffled why such a frivolous piece of legislation is passed by the senate which ought to spend its time on more important issues. This isn’t the reason I elect my senators. I am confident that Californians, laker fans though they may be, would rather have legislation of more consequence. I have seen other bills in which Congress bestows honors on members of the entertainment industry. The recognition and praise that the fans give these entertainers ought to be sufficient.
This piece of legislation is the reason for Politivote. We need to question the legislation being considered and passed at both the federal and state levels. If someone has a reason for supporting S. RES. 188, they have the freedom to support it. They also have the freedom to express their support through commenting. I, on the other hand, am disturbed by the bill because it represents a distraction from the business of the Senate.
Posts Tagged ‘Entertainment Industry’
S. Res. 188: a Fabulous Piece of Sports Writing
Thursday, January 14th, 2010Congress and the Entertainment Industry?
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
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.