PRS Operatives managed to catch up with New Jersey “Republican” Congressman Scott Garrett on his way to work.

Congressman Garrett, PRS here. Do you have time for a question or two?

I suppose so, but I am, as I’m sure you know, very busy with important things.

OK, I’ll get right to it. Could you explain to me the reason why you joined with nine other Republican congressmen to vote against the rescinding the ban on the sale of incandescent light bulbs, thereby forcing Americans to light their homes with those compact fluorescent things?

I don’t see a problem with the ban. There is nothing wrong with compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Did you consider that compact fluorescent bulbs don’t come on instantly when cold, that they cause seizures in some people and that they produce sterile light, which many people simply do not like?

Well, they are better for the environment.

Did you consider that they contain mercury, which means that they require special disposal procedures and that when dropped, they can’t be simply swept up and put in the trash, but rather require Hazmat-type procedures to clean up the broken bulb?

Yes, I’m aware of all those things, but I still think that the law banning old-fashioned light bulbs is a good idea.

Do all the light fixtures in your home contain exclusively compact fluorescent light bulbs?

I don’t think the type of light bulbs I use in my home is any of your business.

Do you feel it?

Feel what?

The earth-shaking irony in your last statement.

I don’t know what you mean.

I didn’t think you would.