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Its not a Political Rally
By: Cam Edwards on February 1, 2006 - 10:00 am
Uncategorized
Last night, in addition to Cindy Sheehan being arrested for her anti-war t-shirt, the wife of a Florida representative was apparently asked to leave for wearing a support the troops shirt.
Who the heck wears a t-shirt to the State of the Union address anyway? Isnt there some sort of dress code? And Im not sure the State of the Union address is the time for the audience to be making any sort of political statement. Its a time for the President to talk to us about the year ahead. Its disrespectful to the office to take attention away from that and put it on yourself.
I have no doubt that the Congressmans wife had the best of intentions. But the State of the Union address was neither the time nor the place to do what she did. Throw the t-shirt in your purse, and put it on after the speech is over and youre outside mingling with the protestors.
Marshall adds: I come from a background where it would have been unthinkable not to wear a tie to court. (Someone had to talk me out of wearing a tie to jury duty recently.) Wearing a T-shirt into the chamber of the United States House of Representatives? Are you kidding? Not acceptable. Ever. And especially for the State of the Union.
A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to attend a Presidential inauguration. It was outdoors on a frigid January morning. We were sitting (thank heaven) in a section approximately eight miles from the stage. I wore a suit and a tie and an overcoat.
Dressing up for occassions like the SOU or an inaugural or even for court isnt about looking nice for the other guests. Its about showing respect for the institution that youre visiting, witnessing, or being a part of.
I cant say that Im surprised that Cindy Sheehan wouldnt understand this. I am a little surprised that Rep. Youngs wife didnt.
Jim adds: Gad, what a way to confirm Europeans nasty stereotypes of Americans as uncouth slobs. Attention, SOTU attendees: Youre not a tourist, and this isnt a ballgame. Of course, I guess you could say that the response to the State of the Union is, year by year, more and more resembling that of a sports event. The president said something I agree with? Yeah! He said something I dont like? Booo!
Marshall again: According to NBC News Producer Mike Viqueira, Congressman Young took to the floor this morning and went nuts. Ill see if I can find a transcript. But come on, Congressman. A T-shirt in the House Chamber?
Kathianne said:Same results, but I would guess without the attitude. Links at site:
http://ontapblog.com/2006/02/01/its-not-a-political-rally/
SpidermanTuba said:The results weren't the same. One person was arrested, one was not.
According to the Yahoo article the Congresswoman's wife argued with the police and called one an "idiot" to his face. No arrest.
Whereas sheehan was simply dragged out the building, not even give a chance to argue.
Clearly you getting treated differently depending on whether or not you agree with the President.
theim said:One is also a known attention whore who likes to get arrested and make trouble for the publicity, and one is just a woman with a nice shirt.
SpidermanTuba said:They both broke the same law. Only one was actually charged with it. What you are advocating is unequal treatment under the law, which is no surprise coming from a rightie.
