October 6, 2011

A GOP Florida state politician, Ritch Workman wants to repeal the ban on “dwarf-tossing” which used to be a bar fad back in the 1980s. The law states:

561.665 Division to restrict licensees from permitting certain activities.—The division shall promulgate rules, to become effective no later than October 1, 1989, to prohibit every person maintaining, owning, or operating a commercial establishment located within this state at which alcoholic beverages are offered for sale on the premises, from undertaking or permitting any contest or promotion or other form of recreational activity involving exploitation endangering the health, safety, and welfare of any person with dwarfism. For the purposes of this section, the term “dwarfism” means a disproportionate or proportionate short stature most often caused by a genetic syndrome. The division may suspend or revoke the license of and may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 against any person in violation of any rule promulgated pursuant to the provisions of this section, as authorized and according to the procedures set forth in s.561.29.

http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/561.665

Little People of America believes tossing people of small stature is demeaning and wrong and probably had something to say when the law was passed in 1989.

Workman said the law was bad because it was a burden and infringed on people's liberties and freedom. Basically he wants to give back Constitutional rights to little people. He also said the law took away jobs from little people.

It is so good that Republicans are getting people back to work. They have been the party of “No” for so long that Workman's efforts should be applauded for being so different from the GOP mainstream. I suppose he will toss out the first dwarf after the laws are repealed.

All this is grandstanding.. trying to make something out of nothing. The GOP in Florida and nationally don't really want to create jobs and they want a depressed economy to make President Obama look bad.

They like to talk about jobs but just say “no” when they actually have to think and do something to improve economic conditions.