Florida lawmaker wants to repeal dwarf-tossing ban to create jobs
Oct 6, 2011, 12:24 PM EDT
First, let me emphasize that this is not a parody. It’s a real story, with quotes and facts and everything. Bill Workman is a Republican state legislator with a bold plan to help Florida’s economy: he wants to lift the ban on dwarf tossing to create jobs. Yep. Here’s a true quote:
“I’m on a quest to seek and destroy unnecessary burdens on the freedom and liberties of people,” Workman said. “This is an example of Big Brother government.
“All that it does is prevent some dwarfs from getting jobs they would be happy to get,” Workman said. “In this economy, or any economy, why would we want to prevent people from getting gainful employment?”
Dwarf tossing — not a term I would prefer but that’s what they call it — was banned in Florida in 1989.
“The people who were thrown were alcoholics with low self-esteem,” said Robert Van Etten, 62, an engineering consultant and former president of Little People of America. “Many of them were injured. One committed suicide.”
Bringing dwarf tossing back to Florida is a step backward, he said, a move that signals a permissive air of mockery on an entire class of people.
“It’s something that brings out the worst element in some people, and it’s focused on people who are the most vulnerable,” Van Etten said.
Workman is actually crafting a bill to repeal the ban, which he will present to the Florida State Senate. The Palm Beach Post, amusingly, is calling the bill “Leave No Tossed Dwarf Behind.”
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Cerabino: Lawmaker wants state to reinstate dwarf tossing [Palm Beach Post]
Florida lawmaker Ritch Workman calls for lift on dwarf-tossing ban, calling it a job killer [New York Daily News]
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- cedechen - Oct 11, 2011 at 1:39 AM
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HB 4063, a bill that would lift the state ban on the bar game called dwarf tossing. Not every person is pleased that an elected official would suggest a practice regarded as demeaning in several circles. So that, Rep. Ritch Workman, Florida lawmaker seeks to make dwarf tossing legal again .
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- wizontheirheads - Oct 12, 2011 at 5:05 PM
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I don’t know what the demand for midget tossing is in brevard, but I do know the demand for skilled labor in the flooring installation field, I have just returned to brevard after nine years else ware. It seems that my all wise, protectant government (big brother) has installed a accreditation program under the cover that the ‘”Dumb” consumer doesn’t get ripped off. Now I looked into these programs, although some are necessary ie; contractor, electrician, plumber. (these have courses and tests pertaining to the work that is to be done)Most of the over 30 fields requiring this “Certification” have courses that only cover how to file a tax return (what a joke). I have been in business for 35 years and I can file a tax return just fine without your instruction or you picking my pocket ($285.00)and keeping me from working for months on end while going through the process(approx. $4000.00 a month). If you want to do something for the people of brevard, which I am one of, stop wasting your time trying to get five midgets and your favorite bar some extra scratch, help thousands by repealing this useless reg. that keeps people of lesser means from moving to this area.The money out of pocket to move here set up a home with phone, cable, trash,insurance and pay the mortgage is prohibitive when after all that you have to sit on your hands for two or more (it’s more) months. The dumb stuff government wastes it time on. How do I find respect for fools like you ??????
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- dvdatm - Oct 14, 2011 at 10:23 AM
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Don’t call it “Midget Tossing.” The proper term is “Dwarf Tossing.” The term “Midget Tossing” is offensive to midgets.
