A Jimmy Halto Classic.

The following background information is from a press release sent out by California State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto). Sanator Simitian.

The Senator is holding his seventh annual “There Ought To Be A Law” contest which invites Californians to submit ideas for new state legislation. The deadline is Monday, December 3, 2007.

Since its inception, the contest has generated “proposals that are striking in their diversity,” said Senator Simitian. Eleven of those ideas have been signed into law, including most recently a law to put in place a drug “take-back” program to help ensure the proper and environmentally safe disposal of over-the-counter drugs and prescription pharmaceuticals.

The winner or winners will have their bill ideas introduced as legislation, and have the opportunity to testify at a hearing on their bill in the State Capitol. They will also have lunch with Simitian, and receive a California State flag that has flown over the Capitol. “But most importantly,” said Simitian, “winners stand a good chance of seeing their ideas affect the lives of 37 million Californians.”

Senator Simitian added, “Too often the public gets disenchanted with government. It’s important that people know, through an effort like this, that they can be heard and they can make a difference.”
The public can complete an application form at www.senatorsimitian.com.

Some politician should start such a contest on the National level. The California State Senator has come up with a great idea although it is not a unique idea.

About 50 years ago, there was a syndicated cartoon over-sized panel called — that’s right! “There Oughta Be A Law” by Jimmy Hatlo. It suggested to its readers to mail in their suggestions. If used, Jimmy would print a thank you, the contributor’s name, and their home town. I can recall one of the “There Oughta Be A Law” because I wrote and submitted it and it was used.

A student is studying French at home in a German household. “Why can’t he study German, so we can help him learn the language.”




I’m sure it was more funny when Jimmy rendered the idea in his cartoon panel. Now, wouldn’t it be nice if we could enter something like Senator Simitian’s contest with our own “There Oughta Be A Law” similar to Jimmy’s cartoon slant? What can you post for b4b’s own collection of these oughta-be laws? Check out the following ten…

“There Oughta Be A Law” #10 — against wise guy people who wrap presents with wrapping paper and crazy glue.

“There Oughta Be A Law” #9 — against Daylight Saving Time for guys who work all night and sleep during the day.

“There Oughta Be A Law” #8 — against newscasters who give a news story with all the ID information at the beginning of the story and not repeat it again.

“There Oughta Be A Law” #7 — against opposition politicians who made promises and then after being elected keep those promises.

“There Oughta Be A Law” #6 — against colleges who send you tuition increase notices after you’ve allotted just enough money for the semester.

“There Oughta Be A Law” #5 — against warranties that have more fine print text that the warranty itself.

“There Oughta Be A Law” #4 — against mixing women’s blue jeans with the men’s blue jeans at the secondhand store.

“There Oughta Be A Law” #3 — against the the one receipt you lost is the one you must have and right now.

“There Oughta Be A Law” #2 — against the police recovering your stolen car after car insurance paid you full value for it and now wants the money back.

“There Oughta Be A Law” #1 — against your first and last name being the same as a child molester just arrested and exposed in the newspapers.

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