a disgrace

  I didn't watch the state of the union address. I admit to not having watched many of those political theatrics. That's the way I see it anyway, it isn't about the state of the union in any honest straightforward way, it is about getting reelected or simply bragging about how great a job you have done. I'll be the judge of that. It's a real shame that the pomp and circumstance, the formal and dignified speech from our commander in chief has devolved into a spectacle. It isn't the best view to inspire confidence in our government. It isn't just the president but the lack of decorum on the part of the representatives that has caused this. 

 I see the whole thing as a lack of order in the classroom. That comes from both sides of the aisle. Everyone knows I support the Republican party and in general terms support their policies and ideologies. Still, I thought Greene wearing her MAGA hat in violation of house rules was just a childish and disrespectful action. No order in the classroom! It didn't make any great statement in my eyes. Just seems so immature to me. Those shouting out during the speech falls under the same category in my book. It does nothing but make you look foolish! Regardless of your personal feelings toward the president he is the president! As such, the president should be given respect. It really is as I was taught in the service. You don't have to respect the man, you have to respect the (uniform) office. There is plenty of time for rebuttal later on. 

 I have to add that the president responding to such is also immature in my eyes. I'd much rather he just paused, allow the room to quiet down and continue with whatever prepared speech he had on the teleprompter. I want to see an image of someone who is unflappable in his statements. Engaging in any argument with your detractors shows your vulnerability. It's beneath the office. If you wish to project power and authority, you can't get upset when someone disagrees with you. The best course of action is to simply dismiss them as inconsequential. You are dismissed! People hate that when it happens. As the "speaker" as the authority in the room at that moment you have that power, whether you are the president of the United States or simply giving a lecture. By responding you are surrendering your power.

 I view all of that as a reflection of the lack of civility in general in our society today. It's a topic I have written about several times as it is something I notice. The concept of polite company. It is what I was taught in the 1950's and throughout the sixties. I guess all of that is old fashioned, out of date and no longer applicable. 

 Keeping a civil tongue in your head was once an admonishment. Today I've read "studies" proclaiming the use of profane language is a sign of intelligence! Perhaps, but it certainly isn't a sign of respect. Strangely, the very people proclaiming such, saying it is also the exercise of free speech, have passed laws against saying anything hateful! I can use all the profane language I choose, it's on the radio, television, social media and in the movies and all perfectly acceptable as long as I don't "hate" you. And all of that tells me the state of the union. It isn't good! The country is more divided now than it has been since the civil war. A total lack of respect for each other and others' opinions. Just shout them down! It's a disgrace.