Kudos to Rep. John Mica (R., Fla.)

The U.S. House of Representatives, with nothing better to do, is considering banning cell phones on planes. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved a bill that would make the current Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communication Commission ban on cell phone use during flight permanent.

Why?

Because members of the House are 'offended' by their usage - with one member complaining that his wife had to listen to another women's cell phone discussion of her sex life.

Of course, the excuse given to the public will be 'safety' as someone saw a person take a picture of the plane with a cell phone.

All this when European Union is considering allowing cell phone usage during flight.

The other concern is that airlines might make more money by charging people extra to sit in a no-cell-phone section.

But then along comes Rep. John Mica with a huge dose of common sense - thankfully! He pointed out that there are many annoyances on planes, but we don't ban them. I don't like screaming babies, dirty diapers, kids who kick the back of your seat, people who have their iPods so loud I can hear it two seats away, individuals with bad breath, and snoring ... but I don't see Congress considering bans on those items.

Mica hits the nail on the head - and his colleagues need to pay attention:

"You are trying to legislate courtesy, folks, and that just doesn't work," he said.