Unlike the British Parliament, where shouting and rancor are considered the rule, our Congress prides itself on being, for the most part, a civil institution. Members call each other "my distinguished colleague from X."
And never is this decorum more august than in a joint session with the President speaking -- until last night. Not even at the height of George Bush's lies did he receive the disrespect that Republicans showed for Obama last night.
Through much of the speech, there was rudeness from the Republicans. I don't mean remaining seated and not applauding. I mean holding up copies of their bill in defiance, laughing, booing at one point -- and then culminating with the "undistinguished colleague from South Carolina" calling out "You lie !!"
Everyone, including other Republicans, were shocked at this breach of respect and decorum. Rep. Wilson later apologized.
But what irony that, following this, Obama ended his speech with these noble words:
We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it. I still believe we can act even when it's hard. I still believe we can replace acrimony with civility, and gridlock with progress. I still believe we can do great things, and that here and now we will meet history's test. Because that is who we are. That is our calling. That is our character.That is our character. I'm afraid last night some of the members of Congress showed the flaw in their character.
Ralph
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