Perhaps we should rename it O'Loonpia. 

Just passed by the State House, Bill 1033, making  lead wheel weights illegal. These weights are used by tire retailers for balancing wheels.  The weights are crimped on to the wheels, a few may fling off during driving, but that's an unlikely exception. Even if one does come loose, it hardly poses a threat to the environment.  This zero- tolerance for lead is getting out of control.  My gut feeling tells me that they are moving toward an out-right ban on lead, which would restrict gun ammunition to the point of putting ammo out of the reach of most Americans.  People who enjoy fishing and use lead weights, or make leaded glass windows, you are probably next.  Notice also that the bill doesn't go into affect until January 2011.  This is another bill who's effects have been postponed so far in advance that no-one will remember who passed it.

Some other proposed bills are HB1186, which would require all small engine dealers, retailers of lawn and garden equipment, small tractors and ATV's to devote an equal amount of inventory and display area to products that use "alternative energy."  It would also require that these stores display signs, as directed by the Department of Ecology, explaining to consumers why  "alternative energy" is better than petroleum fuels, no matter if the retailer actually believes this nonsense.

HB1189, which would make it illegal for any retailer to provide plastic bags to customers. Stupidity to the point of insanity.

Oh, and the cap and trade scheme is moving forward.  HB1819 has passed out of committee.  This bill would essentially redistribute wealth from successful businesses to unsuccessful business in the name of fighting a harmless trace gas to stop the non-existent problem of global warming.

All of this while Olympia is screaming and moaning that tax receipts have fallen so low that Washington state is facing an $8 billion deficit,  Rather than pass legislation that would make it easier for business to create tax revenue, they are making it harder and in some cases, impossible. Instead, the wonderful legislators in Olympia want to raise taxes on more businesses! 

The bills to ban plastic bags and lead wheel weights were sponsored by Republican Tom Campbell, of Roy, WA  If this is the reality of the Republican party, I want nothing to do them and would encourage other Republicans to rethink their support of a party that would give support to an anti-business, anti-freedom and anti-common sense candidate like Rep, Campbell.