A resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize the New York Yankees for winning the 2009 World Series passed easily this afternoon, but fell short of a shutout victory as 17 members of Congress voted Nay on the ceremonial bill. Another 30 members either voted Present or fully abstained from the Friday afternoon vote, unable to bring themselves to honor the guys in pinstripes.
Philadelphia-area lawmakers were for the most part good losers, though Rep. Allyson Schwartz of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional district and Jon Adler in New Jersey's 3rd district, across the river from the City of Brotherly Love, both gave the bill a giant X. Other no votes and abstentions came from all corners of the nation (Red Sox Nation, perhaps), and really, I understand the impulse. But as a Philly native, I also have to say: "do unto others." I just can't condone the
actions of elected officials who would vote no on a ceremonial bill
honoring a great achievement like this. Much better would be to do away
with these meaningless, time-wasting bills entirely. And I'm not just saying that because Ryan Howard couldn't hit a football through most of the series.
No, if you take a good look at the resolution language below, and keep in mind the wars we're fighting, the health care reform that is needed, and the countless other matters of urgency that our lawmakers are charged with handling on our behalf (in between Congressional recesses), you'll see that statements like "Whereas this year the Yankees opened a new stadium and hope to emulate the success achieved in the ‘House that Ruth Built’" don't really belong in the Congressional record. Or should I say, "the House that George Washington built."
Here's the full roll call from GovTrack.
Map from GovTrack.us
RESOLUTION
Congratulating the 2009 Major League Baseball World Series Champions, the New York Yankees.
Whereas the New York Yankees are the most successful franchise in the history of Major League Baseball;
Whereas prior to this year the Yankees had won 26 World Series Championships, the most in the Major Leagues;
Whereas this historic franchise is located in the Bronx and is known as the ‘Bronx Bombers’;
Whereas the Yankees franchise has included all-time great players;
Whereas for many years the Yankees played baseball in the historic Yankee Stadium;
Whereas this year the Yankees opened a new stadium and hope to emulate the success achieved in the ‘House that Ruth Built’;
Whereas during the 2009 regular season, the Yankees had the best record in baseball, going 103-59;
Whereas the Yankees finished at the top of the American League East Division;
Whereas the Yankees went on to beat the Minnesota Twins 3 games to 0;
Whereas
the Yankees then faced off against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in
the American League Championship Series, and emerged victorious in 6
games;
Whereas that victory represented the 40th American League Pennant that the Yankees have won;
Whereas the Yankees were matched up against a valiant Philadelphia Phillies squad for the World Series title;
Whereas the Yankees were able to defeat the defending World Series Champions by 4 games to 2;
Whereas this victory represents the Yankees’ 27th World Series Championship win;
Whereas this number of championship wins is 17 more than their next closest competitor;
Whereas the contributions of the Yankees’ players throughout the season were all vital in securing the title; and
Whereas
the Yankees were guided to victory by Manager Joe Girardi, General
Manager Brian Cashman, President Randy Levine, and the leadership of
Hank and Hal Steinbrenner: Now therefore be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates--
(1)
the 2009 Major League Baseball World Series Champions, the New York
Yankees, for an outstanding season and a record 27th World Series
Championship win; and
(2) the players, coaches, staff and leadership of the Yankees organization for their great success.