Not to be outdone by the host of celebrities responding online to the death of Amy Winehouse, rookie Republican Congressman Billy Long chipped in with a dubious Twitter contribution yesterday, comparing the spending habits of Congress with the habits of the late British singer: “No one could reach #AmyWinehouse before it was too late. Can anyone reach Washington before it’s too late? Both addicted – same fate???“
Not literally, one hopes. The representative for Missouri’s 7th congressional district, a former auctioneer, is well-acquainted with controversy. He has advocated a “crying towel” for those unfortunate enough to lack health insurance and previously used his Twitter handle to mock the necessity for tornado drills. He represents Joplin, Missouri, which suffered a major tornado in May. The US risks defaulting on its debts if Congress doesn’t agree to raise the debt ceiling by August 2, with Republicans pushing to slash spending.
Meanwhile, Amy Winehouse’s autopsy proved inconclusive, as family and fans mourned.
