Civility and Politics

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Birthplace of Independent Conservatism

Okay... I go out on a limb once again. I am all for civility in discourse. I can even understand the thought process behind breaking tradition and doing the mixed seating during the State of the Union Address. Disagreement does not have to turn into incivility. Even while holding different political views we should all be able to agree we are Americans, and in that we are United.

Political discourse has never been all that polite in American politics. The examples in US history are numerous if one chooses to look. The freedom to express differing political philosophies has insured, for over 234 years robust passionately heated debates. In America this is as it has always been. It is as it must be, if we desire a free and open society for our posterity.

I see where Rep. Paul Brown (R-GA) is opposed to the mixed seating idea put forth by Sen. Mark Udall (D-C0) calling it a trap. Really? How so? Here is his explanation and response to a caller....

BROUN: Well, I agree with you wholeheartedly. In fact, I'm talking to members of Congress. Our leadership said you do whatever you want to do. If you wanna sit with the Democrats, you can. If you wanna sit with Republicans, that you can. We're going to have a conference next week and I'm gonna bring that up there. I already believe very firmly that it is a trap and a ruse that Democrats are proposing. They don't want civility. They want silence from the Republicans. And the sitting together being kissy-kissy is just another way to try to silence Republicans, and also to show — to keep the American people from seeing how few of them there are in the U.S. House now. Then when people stand up to — what the Democrats are going to be doing when Barack Obama spews out all his venom, then, um, if they're scattered throughout all the Republicans, then it won't be as noticeable as if we're sitting apart. So it is a ruse and I'm not in favor of it and I'm talking about it and I hope other members of the Republican conference in the House will not take the bait.

Audio:




I guess I fail to see the big deal. As a body, the Congress of the Untied States of America by its very design will always have opposing views. Often diametrically opposed. The opportunity for the politicians to debate their opposing views and hammer away at convincing  their colleagues on "the other side of the aisle" will always be there. As it should be.

Mixed seating at the State of the Union address (if) to demonstrate solidarity as Americans is not a bad thing. No one should, nor likely will they, take it as a capitulation to democratic "liberalism" or an "acknowledgement" the current democratic administration is doing a good job.

Civility, which is mutually respectful {and often heated}debate is good. Without it our republic will cease to exist as we have known it for 2.33 centuries. Let us not confuse the issues.

Via: Memeorandum