House Tackles Favre
OK, we get that he's totally awesome. That he has thrown more touchdown passes than any quarterback ever. That despite turning the ripe old age of 38 this week he still breaks gridiron records. And that sports reporters harbor intense emotional feelings beyond admiration for him.
Packers QB Brett Favre can add one more trophy to his collection -- an official congratulations from the House of Representatives. (AP File Photo)
But the Brett Favre craze officially went off the deep end (zone) Tuesday with the House "debating" a resolution to honor the Green Bay Packers quarterback.
Returning from Columbus Day holiday to tackle their legislative agenda with a bang, lawmakers took up H. Res 697, which begins: "Whereas on September 30, 2007, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre established a National Football League record by throwing his 421st touchdown pass."
The resolution notes that Favre holds the NFL record for "greatest number of wins by a starting quarterback," that he's the "only 3-time winner of the NFL's Most Valuable Player Award," that he was "born in Gulf Port, Mississippi, was raised in Kiln, Mississippi, and attended the University of Southern Mississippi."
The measure goes on and on -- quoting, of course, the late NFL Hall of Fame Coach Vince Lombardi -- commending Favre for his talents on the field and his tireless charity work, and recognizing his wife, Deanna Favre, for her efforts in helping fellow breast cancer survivors.
Again, all of it worthy praise. But on the floor of the House of Representatives? Don't they have anything better to do?
The lefty-and-proud-of-it Rep. Steve Kagen (D-Wisc.), one of several sponsors of the resolution, said Favre and his beloved Packers are as important as any issue facing Congress.
"The Green Bay Packers -- unlike any other corporation in America -- can never be 'off shored,' because the team is owned by the people living in Green Bay and Wisconsin," he said of the community-owned sports franchise. Luckily, his resolution passed by voice vote.
For those who question the temerity of the House focusing on football instead of the Iraq War, housing prices, health care, immigration, taxes, global warming, terrorism or (fill in the blank here), please rest assured: The entire day was not wasted discussing the "quarterback with a golden arm."
The House also considered and approved a resolution, H. Res. 654, congratulating the Phoenix Mercury for winning the 2007 Women's National Basketball Association Championship.
By
Mary Ann Akers
|
October 10, 2007; 6:00 AM ET
Save & Share:
Previous: Rep. Crowley Performing His Musical Idol Bruce Springsteen's 'Pink Cadillac' with E Street Band Member Nils Lofgren
Next: Civility Between Leaders Threatens Partisanship In Senate
Posted by: DAN P | October 10, 2007 8:57 AM | Report abuse
Here's what it said about Lombardi:
"Whereas Brett Favre has demonstrated that hard work and single-mindedness of purpose can bring success, and epitomizes the words of NFL Hall of Fame Coach Vince Lombardi: `People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.' "
Posted by: RB | October 10, 2007 9:31 AM | Report abuse
*snorting giggles*
I'm a DC Expat who moved to Wisconsin a few years ago. And while I thought Redskins and/or Eagles fans were fanatics, they can't hold a candle to Packers fans.
Sundays during the football season, grocery stores have their employees wearing Packers jerseys. They sell things like snack bread, cookies, cakes/cupcakes/doughnuts that are yellow and green. More people have Green Bay Packer apparel than not (I fall into the "not" category).
And when we were looking at houses, I lost count of how many had a picture/shrine to Brett Favre. And I've met people who won't watch the Super Bowl unless the Packers are playing.
So a Congressional honor for Favre? Not really surprising...
Posted by: Chasmosaur | October 10, 2007 11:21 AM | Report abuse
I live a little north of Green Bay, and Chasmosaur has it right, according to this Bears fan.
Not to mention the fact that Rep. Kagen, a Democrat, was elected in a largely Republican district and is a major target for Republicans next year.
Heck, it's a lot better than costly earmarks. If this is the worse thing he does in Washington during his term, maybe sainthood is next.
Posted by: pacman | October 10, 2007 12:50 PM | Report abuse
It is kind of confusing writing but I don't think the author means that Vince Lombardi was actually commending Favre since, as noted above, Lomardi died long before Favre donned a Packer's uniform.
When are they going to have a congressional resolution honoring former quarterback Bobby Douglass of the Chicago Bears?
Posted by: danielhancock | October 10, 2007 6:53 PM | Report abuse
Since I was born in Wisconsin, and since the Green Bay Packers are actually owned by the fans, and since Brett Favre has been an amazing Quarterback, I support the Congress recognizing Favre and the Packers. The Green Bay Packers have been one of the most colorful, powerful teams in all of NFL.
I am a proud Packer-Backer! GO PACK!
Further, it is a good sign that Congress show themselves as 'real' people, involved in all aspects of this Nation.
Posted by: R Hansen | October 11, 2007 5:13 PM | Report abuse
All there is to say about this... About damn time!
Posted by: Nate | October 22, 2007 10:29 PM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
LOMBARDI DIED IN 1970.FAVRE WAS 1 YEAR OLD.