They don't want the government to do something, they want to be able to block the signal. Right now the government is PREVENTING them from doing something. And what the theaters want to do is the right thing to do: block the signal.
People went to movies for 8 decades without the "security" of cell phones in their pockets.
If you're that afraid of being out of touch, stay home and sign up for netflix.
By the way, there are things the average person can do. I encourage people to buy those devices that jam cellphone signals. I won't provide a link here, but y'all know what I 'm talking about.
That can land you in a whole heap of trouble.
(www.fcc.gov/eb/Public_Notices/DA-05-1776A1.html), the FCC warns, “The Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and the FCC rules prohibit the manufacture, importation, marketing, sale or operation of these devices within the United States . . . .” Penalties for a first offense of this law can range up to an $11,000 fine or a year in prison.
Maybe you have $11,000 to toss around, but I sure don't.
Technology moves on. People lived perfectly happy lives without antibiotics, the internet, automobiles and other modern conveniences as well.
Being able to stay in touch even when in a movie allows many, many people to attend movies that ordinarily wouldn't be able to.
A good example is married couple with young children. Having a cell phone (on vibrate) allows the parents to be notified by the babysitter of anything needing their attention. It also allows the parents to enjoy the movie by knowing that if anything needs their attention, the babysitter will contact them rather than the parents having to call the home every so often.
Another example is someone that is on call 24 hours a day. A cell phone (on vibrate) allows them to live a normal social life rather than having to sit next to the phone in their living room waiting for a call.
Theaters are already facing declining sales. This tactic will just reduce them further.
"By the way, there are things the average person can do. I encourage people to buy those devices that jam cellphone signals. I won't provide a link here, but y'all know what I 'm talking about."
A little passive aggressive, don't you think?