Georgia's 4th District congressman wonders if island will 'tip over'
If you have not seen this, you really need to take two minutes of your life and listen closely. On March 25, 2010, Representative Hank Johnson, a sitting United States congressman from Georgia’s 4th district, states in a committee hearing that Guam might “tip over and, uh, capsize” if 8,000 United States Marines and their families are added to the current population.
This is not a late April Fools.
Wonder why Washington is in the shape it’s in? Exhibit #1,000,000 is right here.
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The best part is seeing the Admiral being questioned look likes he’s barely able to hold back laughter. Your elected officials, ladies and gentlemen!
Matt-
I can only imagine how he would like to have responded. Someone noted he used “the understatement of the year.”
That’s the kind of position I would have enjoyed being in. I would have fed Johnson some more line and let him run with it.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Marty Duren. Marty Duren said: New: Sitting U.S. Representative fears Guam may 'capsize'–This is not #AprilFools #news #opinion #politics http://ow.ly/1u3Ah [...]
WSB’s news correspondent, Jamie Dupree, located in Washington, says Rep. Johnson’s statements are a reflection of the medicines he’s on for the treatment of Hodgkin’s Disease. I’m just saying…………
Mrs Becki-
As you know, my wife had extended treatment for Hodgkin’s Disease. She never thought islands float.
Jamie’s tale might be easier to swallow if Johnson’s office had not already given different reasons.
[...] Marty Duren Share this [...]
This is very funny, I admit; but Rep. Johnson released this statement afterwards: “The subtle humor of this obviously metaphorical reference to a ship capsizing illustrated my concern about the impact of the planned military buildup on this small tropical island”.
OK – still sounds lame – but I believe him.
The man had traveled to Guam before; with families, the military buildup would peak at 45% of the island’s population; the EPA had reported concerns about water shortages, sewage problems, and dangers to Guam’s coral reefs. Johnson had read these reports as a good representative should, and was simply voicing the EPA concerns (you hear him mention the coral reefs). He made a weak attempt to play on the idea of “tipping the balance” against the environment.
The worst we can say about him – he has a bad ear for verbal wit.
Beau-
Here in the Atlanta area, the news also reported that he was on medication for Hodgkin’s Disease that caused him to, essentially, talk out his head.
Ok. Which is it? He has an incredibly sophisticated sense of humor or he was on drugs? Or both?
I don’t the either were true. Regardless of how many times he had been to Guam, he was clearly out of it in this case.
I’ve been known to have a very subtle sense of humor, and am pretty familiar with a wide variety of comedic styles. I just don’t see any humor here. Well, none intended by Rep. Johnson.