Sali Proposes Suspending Gravity

Eye on Boise and Red State Rebels have reported on yesterday's floor speech by the Idaho 1st District's finest, Bill Sali, and his proposal that Congress suspend the laws of gravity to combat obesity.  Here's the entire transcript from the Congressional Record.

Mr. SALI. Mr. Speaker, a number of my colleagues have pointed out the problems with raising the minimum wage; that it is an unfunded mandate on small business, will likely result in the loss of over 1 million jobs for low wage earners, that it will eliminate entry level jobs and actually hurt the poor more than it helps them.

   The negative impacts will result naturally from the rules and principles of the free market. In my college courses, I learned that the rules and principles of free markets are the rules and principles that every business and worker are subject to in every transaction, every negotiation and every new idea. That is, those negative effects of this bill are unavoidable with its passage. In spite of the negative effects, this bill does seem destined to pass.

   As a freshman Congressman, the likely passage of this measure has taught me a new principle: The force of Congress can be brought to bear and justified to suspend those natural laws which would otherwise control important matters. The well-intentioned desire of Congress to help the poor apparently will not be restrained by the rules and principles of the free market that otherwise do restrain American businesses and workers. Apparently, Congress can change the rules that would otherwise affect the affairs of mankind.

   So, Mr. Speaker, I have asked my staff to draft a measure I call the Obesity Reduction and Health Promotion Act. Since Congress will apparently not be restrained by the laws and principles that naturally exist, I propose that the force of gravity by the force of Congress be reduced by 10 percent. Mr. Speaker, that will result in immediate weight loss for every American. It will immediately help reduce obesity problems in America. Weight loss will also help to promote the overall health of Americans as we have been vigilantly advised by our health care.

   Mr. Speaker, I thank this body for the education I have received from the passage of this bill. Since the basis for the use of Congress's power is the same with both measures, I would also ask that everyone who is supporting the measure before us consider becoming an original cosponsor of the Obesity Reduction and Health Promotion Act, and I have a copy.

   Mr. Speaker, I close by noting that, with the new principles I have learned, it appears to me that with Congress the sky is the limit.

Photo courtesy of Bill Sali's official website.  I don't know...I think this is a rather flattering photo of Sali.  Perhaps the 1st District could get an official congressman to go along with that upcoming official photo.

Comments

[Sysiphus]

I've never found that the use of cynical rhetorical devices to be that useful a technique in persuasion particularly when it is based upon faulty logic. It is especially disturbing that a lawmaker as well as lawyer makes reference to "natural law" as a guiding principle, whatever that is. Citing that in a courtroom would draw howls of derision from the bench. Its likely to resonate with his base though. My only hope is that those voters who voted party line over the man will realize now what they've done. We warned them.

[MountainGoat]

I can imagine that Sali was quite pleased with himself and his cynical approach...his entire staff probably got quite a chuckle over the whole mess. I have no doubt we'll have many of these gems to report on throughout his term. Question is will MSM pick up on enough of them and, as you suggest, will it matter to those party line voters next time around.

[Sysiphus]

Depends on the oppostition, either in the primary or the general.

[Diana Rowe Pauls]

The Statesman has an article today at http://www.idahostatesman.com/235/story/67514.html.

I think Idaho is going to wish Helen could come back from the grave, before Sali's time is up.

"Perhaps the 1st District could get an official congressman to go along with that upcoming official photo." LOVE IT!!