Just when we thought it was . . .

As you may recall, it wasn't all that long ago that we published a news item about the UK communications regulator Ofcom clearing the way for cell phone use in aircraft. (Ofcom approves use of mobile phones on aircraft.)

The objection is not safety oriented. It's more in tune with librarian sensibilities.

Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Jerry Costello (D-Ill.), John Duncan (R-Tenn.), Thomas Petri (R-Wis.) and James Oberstar (D-Minn.) have proposed a new law called the Hang Up Act, (Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace Act) hoping to keep noisy talkers quiet on airplanes.

I'll let you decide for yourself whether you like the idea or not. While it's certainly true that some unfortunate people like to shout into their cell phones (it's going wireless so the sound must be weak, right?) I think the great majority of us can handle the responsibility of talking in hushed tones.