Nanny State California: "Metalic helium-filled baloons" to be outlawed

[Blind_Io]

http://cbs13.com/local/Balloons.Ban.....2.695129.html

State Bill Proposes Ban On Metallic Balloons

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ― California would become the first state to ban helium-filled metallic balloons under a bill unanimously advanced Tuesday by a legislative committee.

Sen. Jack Scott, D-Altadena, said the party balloons frequently break free and float into power lines, where they can cause electric wires to arc.

He said they cause millions of dollars in losses for utility companies and businesses that lose electricity. Pacific Gas and Electric Co., the main utility in Northern California, says the balloons caused more than 200 power outages last year in its coverage area.

California law requires the balloons to be sold with weights to hold them down. But Scott said those weights are often candies or action figures designed to be removed by children.

Scott's office and Barry Broad, a lobbyist for The Balloon Council, say California would be the first state to ban the balloons. Broad objects to what he calls a "wacky" attempt to criminalize a party toy.

The bill, which cleared the Senate Public Safety Committee, sets a $100 fine for selling the helium-filled balloons starting in 2010. Repeat offenders could be charged with misdemeanors.

Metallic balloons are considered more dangerous to power lines than nonmetallic balloons because they conduct electricity. They still could be sold in California, but not if they contain a gas that could make them float high enough to reach power lines.

[argatoga]

Barry Broad, a lobbyist for The Balloon Council

Am I the only one who finds it hilarious that there is such a lobby group.

As for the balloons, I see no reason to ban them. How much does it cost to put a plastic wire tube around power lines?

[Crazyjeeper]

Here is me reading that article ->

[KaJuN]

The economy is in bad shape, education is a mess, health care is a joke...and this is one of California's priorities? Wow. Just wow!

In related news I'm happy to announce the next North American Finalgear meetup!
When: ASAP
Where: California's land borders
Supplies: Jackhammer, shovel, backhoe, a plastic spoon from Wendy's if you have to
The event: We all get together and help the nanny state float away (Don't worry about the legality of it...they'll be too busy banning balloons and light bulbs to notice what we're doing)
Cost: Sweat and satisfaction. Loads and loads of satisfaction.

[phuckingduck]

I think more people should join my "Party of people for the act public service for the ritual of chair throwing in the face of idiots at dumb meetings".

[argatoga]

Originally Posted by phuckingduck

I think more people should join my "Party of people for the act public service for the ritual of chair throwing in the face of idiots at dumb meetings".

Well you know who to recruit.

[phuckingduck]

Is that Balmer?

[argatoga]

Originally Posted by phuckingduck

Is that Balmer?

Yes, yes it is.

[teeb]

Originally Posted by phuckingduck

Is that Balmer?

He's no good, he's already set out his policies if he runs for office :

• Developers
• Developers
• Developers
• Developers

they cause millions of dollars in losses for utility companies and businesses that lose electricity

This made me laugh really quite hard. METALLIC BALLOONS : THE #1 THREAT TO THE US'S ECONOMY

[PelicanHazard]

Ok, I'm convinced California will kill kids' happiness.

The only solution is to take them to Las Vegas when they turn 21.

[vegasrebel29]

Originally Posted by PelicanHazard

Ok, I'm convinced California will kill kids' happiness.

The only solution is to take them to Las Vegas when they turn 21.

We have enough yuppies, sir.

Take them to Atlantic City.
The New Jersey air might do them good.
Or show them what pollution is.

[Crazyjeeper]

This makes me want to go into California and release hundreds of balloons.

[Lupin_IV]

Sadly Mythbusters proved that going over like a lead balloon means flying if large enough.

[bafranksbro]

How the heck did them Northern Californians manage to put the damn power out 200 times in a year with metallic balloons, they must have been trying to shut the power down.

Are they going to ban squirrels too? I've actually seen three squirrels kill themselves and the power in the same day on the same power pole/line. Three dead squirrels and three times without power in one day.

[vegasrebel29]

The real solution here is simple:

WE MUST OUTLAW CHILDREN.

[argatoga]

Originally Posted by vegasrebel29

The real solution here is simple:

WE MUST OUTLAW CHILDREN.

I agree with our resident hermaphrodite, think of the children, outlaw children!

[chaos386]

Originally Posted by Lupin_IV

Sadly Mythbusters proved that going over like a lead balloon means flying if large enough.

...what?

[Karoug]

^If you make a lead balloon big enough (and thin) it will fly. It won't "go down"