Is there anything these idiots won't put their f@%&ing noses in?

WASHINGTON--AT&T's exclusive right to sell the Apple iPhone drew complaints on Wednesday from Democratic politicians, though it was unclear whether they were planning to do anything about it.

"The problem with the iPhone is that the iPhone with AT&T is kind of like a 'Hotel California' service," Massachusetts Rep. Ed Markey said--in a nod to the Eagles hit, of course--during a hearing. "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."

Even though the hearing before the House of Representatives subcommittee on the Internet was supposed to be about "wireless innovation and consumer protection," the iPhone popped up among Democrats as a subject of criticism--and, among Republicans, as an example of the free market and consumer choice in action.

For the love of all that is holy! Do you have to have an IQ slightly less than warm butter to get a job in DC? The free market is working just fine, thank you. Don't like the iCult personality, can't stand AT&T's service, I didn't buy one. Other people think they're the cat's meow and did, damned well knowing AT&T was the only carrier. Nobody put an iGlock to their heads and made them buy the overpriced thing.

But nooooo... Friggin' nanny statists (and this time, it happens to be the Dems but don't let that fool you, the Republicans want to control your life just as bad) think that everyone should benefit from Apple & AT&T's work even though it's Apple & AT&T that paid to get their product (and services) into the market.

"I think it's time that a consumer become the decider of what their phones do, not their cell provider," said Rep. Mike Doyle, a Pennsylvania Democrat.

Listen dickhead, I can decide on my own. If the cell provider decides to partner with a phone maker, I can choose not to purchase them. See above.

Most Republicans present said they believed the wireless market is a competition "success story" and thus warrants no additional rules. "When we micromanage, when we regulate, we discourage capital flow," said Rep. John Shimkus (D-Ill.)

By contrast, most Democrats and at least one Republican said the FCC may need to take steps during the upcoming 700 MHz auction that they feel would better promote consumer choice.

Because we all know how well the federal government helps consumers, right?

Can we fire them all, send them home, then nuke the entire DC site from orbit? It's the only way to be sure.