Rand Paul casts lone dissenting vote.

[BzaDem]

"Like father, like son. Libertarian-leaning Rep. Ron Paul (R., Texas) is known in the House as a frequenter lone dissenter on bills. Today, his son, freshman Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.), voiced the only “nay” vote on a measure that outlaws aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.

The amendment to a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill passed 96-1.

The younger Mr. Paul said he thought it was a bad idea to point lasers at pilots, but “there are a lot of states that already have laws, and I think the states ought to take care of it."

...

Laser pointers, often used to guide office staff through corporate slideshows, can cause blindness and plane wrecks if pointed at a pilot’s windshield, said the measure’s sponsor, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D., R.I.)."

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2011/02/03/rand-paul-follows-dad-in-solo-dissent/

Really? You think it's unclear whether pointing lasers at planes is a bad thing, so you want to let the states experiment?

:rofl:

I guess I'm just glad he isn't arguing for a second amendment right for potentially-plane-crash-causing laser pointer usage.

[CherokeeDem]

1. How Embarrassing.....**facepalm**

If my parents weren't in their mid-80's and I need to be here, I would move from Kentucky in a heartbeat, just so I wouldn't have to say this freaking idiot is my senator. OMG, when you can seriously say that McConnell is the better of your two senators, things are pretty bad.

Don't blame me, I voted for Conway...who is sane.

[era veteran]

6. It does give us a goal though

This dullard will be an continuing embarrassment.

[social_critic]

11. Rand Paul has shown he's not a Republican

OK guys, but he's clearly not a Republican. He's a libertarian. And libertarians did need a voice in the Senate. I think it's refreshing, and maybe he'll discuss legalizing drugs. Plus I know he's antiwar.

I wouldn't be criticizing the guy this way, either he votes GOP, or he votes Libertarian. I'd rather see a Libertarian than a Republican.

[DainBramaged]

15. I'd rather seea Democrat under ALL circumstaces.......

He's not refreshing, he's a thug.

[social_critic]

17. Why call him a thug?

I don't see why the name calling. I also believe everybody in the country deserves representation. There is a libertarian sector in society, and they deserve to be heard. One lone libertarian in Congress sounds OK to me. I would also love to see a Senator who says openly and without hesitation he's an atheist. And a native american would be good as well. I'm for diversity.

I do ask again, why would you call him a thug? Why such lack of civility?

[Arkana]

19. Paul's a two-faced jackass.

He claims to support individual rights and he claims to be against government interference in people's lives--yet he supports banning gay marriage, even at the state level.

Libertarianism is a unique political philosophy that is easily defined, simple to implement, and completely fucking wrong and ignorant.

[DainBramaged]

20. Hmmmmmmmmmm

he is a thug, he sanctioned the use or armed thugs during his campaign, said NOTHING when his armed thugs beat up a demonstrator during his campaign.

Quit with the holier than thou routine...

[chelsea0011]

2. A states rights guy. I wonder if he believes in any federal laws.

He certainly thinks discrimination by private companies should be allowed. he has said as much and now we know he would probably vote against the civil rights act because he is for states rights.

[Glimmer of Hope]

3. What is wrong with his brain??

[FSogol]

4. Not even a laser pointer could expose what's wrong with his brain.

:shrug:

[DaveinJapan]

5. I prefer to wonder about what's wrong with the brains (how many?) that voted for him. nt

[opihimoimoi]

7. Kentucky Voters sucked his shit??? OMG

[liberal N proud]

8. This moron doesn't understand the federal in Federal Aviation

[nuxvomica]

9. How ironic considering he's an eye doctor

Maybe "ironic" isn't the right word, though.

[BzaDem]

10. "eye doctor"

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-06-15/rand-paul-opthamology-certification-scandal-why-it-matters/

[nuxvomica]

12. Yeah, I had expected that if he had lost his Senate race...

He would've started his own Senate. :D

[Mass]

13. OMG. He makes Scott Brown and Sarah Palin look bright.

As for not carrying guns on planes, I would guess he would vote against such a law if there was a vote on it.

[Stevenmarc]

14. Rand must also belive The Onion

Laser Pointer Aimed Toward Space In 1997 Finally Annoying Planet 13 Light-Years Away

http://www.theonion.com/articles/laser-pointer-aimed-toward-space-in-1997-finally-a,17031/

[ck4829]

16. Only looters want to make sure that they don't have laser pointers pointed at their eyes, right?

:sarcasm:

[Javaman]

18. Hair plugs will be a one term wonder. nt