Yesterday, House Republicans kept their campaign promise to read the Constitution out loud. But that doesn’t mean Congress members actually paid any attention to it. Some members groused that they were “fetishizing” an old document. Now that rules have just been changed to allow the use of personal electronic devices on the floor, some of them busied themselves sending Twitter Tweets. But one moment of drama came during the reading of the clause that says nobody but a natural-born citizen can be President, and a woman in the Gallery yelled out, “Except Obama! Except Obama!” and had to be removed.
- Mrs. Obama later apologized for her outburst!
Kind of amusing, but pretty damn disheartening as well.
I think that most Americans love this country – with all of it’s flaws and blemishes. I fly my flag. I am awed by, and grateful for, the men and women who have and continue to serve in our Military. I vote. (except for the contestants on “American Idol” and “DWTS”). I stand and put my hand over my heart when I hear the Star Spangled Banner, and I’ve taught my kids to do the same. I know this country isn’t perfect, but when I look around the world… I’d say it’s the best thing going!
I can’t imagine that - if today’s technology had existed back in the 1700’s when an extrodinary group of men (and the women behind them!) came together to produce the blueprint for our country, this same “Twittering” would have been going on.
Imagine Ben Franklin Tweets to Thomas Jefferson: “Don’t tell J. Adams, but Abigail is HOT”.
Jefferson Tweets back: “OMG… I’m into B. Ross. She flies my flag if u know what I mean”.
Nor can I imagine John Hancock listening to the hot new single from England by King George’s cousin, “Lady GaGa”. Or Alexender Hamilton paying his horse-lease online while the Constitution was being debated. Or George Washington “tweeting” Martha to remind her to pick up some furniture polish for his teeth.
I realize the world has changed. But I also find it disrespectful and in poor taste that some of the people we elected to uphold our countries Constitution, couldn’t even take the time to listen to it Thursday.
They should have forced themselves to do it… like I was forced (for years!) to listen to Minnie Ripperton’s “Loving You” and Maria Muldaur’s “Midnight at the Oasis”. It just goes with the job!
Have a great weekend and I’ll see you back here on Monday!
- Dick