Looney Tunes

There was, of course, reliable science behind the development of the word "lunatic." Observers of the sky seemed to find a correlation between the occurrence of a full moon and erratic behavior; this led them to decide that the Latin word for "moon" would be an adequate way to describe someone who is acting in a completely abnormal way: as a lunatic. Of course, they also thought the world was flat, and the solar system revolved around the earth, so it's difficult to put much faith in what early philosopher/astronomers had to say...still...it's good to see that there are people, legislators in this country no less, who care about the word and its stigma.

It seems that the United States House of Representatives this week passed a measure 398-1 to strike the use of the word "lunatic" from every Federal document and piece of legislation. This follows the lead of the U.S. Senate that passed the same legislation back in May. According to Kent Conrad, a sponsor of the bill," Federal law should reflect 21st century understanding of mental illness..."

This is, of course, a reasonable way to view current ideas that focus on the aberration of some folks, but ...back to the single vote AGAINST the measure. The vote was cast by Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert, not because he has some sort of vendetta against people he considers to be medically/psychologically incompetent (or affected the the full moon--werewolves notwithstanding), but because he considers it "madness for lawmakers to waste time on such a measure when more serious measures such as the federal debt loom." Gohmert also added, "Not only should the word NOT be stricken, but is should be used to describe people who want to continue with business as usual in Washington."

This is a legislator for whom I could vote.

But then, there are 398 folks who don't see it his way...must be how Galileo felt.