Fundamental right: choose your own light bulb

The federal government definitely does have the right to regulate commerce. The Tea Party majority has brought us bar stool constitutionalism.

Of course having the power to do something doesn't mean it is wise to do it. So what about my incandescent bulbs on dimmers? - GWC

House Votes to Withhold Funding for Light Bulb Law - NYTimes.com: "“The federal government has no right to tell me or any other citizen what type of light bulb to use at home,” said Representative Michael C. Burgess, Republican of Texas, who offered the measure as an amendment to a 2012 energy and water spending bill. The light-bulb provision was approved on a voice vote; later the House voted 219 to 196 to pass the energy bill.

Although the efficiency regulations do not specify what types of bulbs are allowed, the standards would effectively eliminate many of the most popular choices on the market beginning with the 100-watt incandescent bulb on Jan. 1. If it becomes law, the provision approved Friday would prevent the Energy Department from enforcing the regulation in 2012."