If Democrats in Congress are not going to impeach George W. Bush, then the very least they can do is refrain from applauding him.
Don't ya think?

All Democrats need to do Tuesday night when George W. Bush strides down the aisle, pumping hands and slapping backs, on his way to the podium to deliver this year's State of the Union speech, is nothing. Since that's something Democrats have spent the last six years practicing, you should have no trouble doing it one more time.

So, Democrats – and straight-thinking Republicans – why not spare us the trained-seal act this year? Stand in respect for the office, but keep your flippers folded politely in you laps. Don't clap. And most certainly don't cheer.

And when he reaches the House-chamber podium and is introduced by Speaker Pelosi, remain seated and busy your hands by checking your Blackberry for messages, straightening your tie or scratching that itch. But please, no clapping.

Doing so would provide those of us watching on TV two important services: First, we would not have witnessed those we voted for because they promised to "do the right thing" applauding the man who has done more wrong than any President in our nation's history. Second, it would allow us to identify those serving in Congress who are either truly stupid or incurably corrupt, because who else – at this point, after all that's happened – who else would applaud and cheer such a man?

Nothing would speak louder to this President, to the nation and to the world than silence Tuesday night. Stand, but stand as you do when the casket is rolled down the church aisle at a funeral mass. Stand in silence, in respect for the office of the Presidency and in mourning for the ways the current holder of that office has abused it, disgraced it and in so doing, disgraced us all.

So, email this to your elected members of Congress before Tuesday night's State of the Union. Tell them that, since they can't screw up the courage to remove the festering tumor, the least they can do is not applaud him.

Don't ya think?

Silence is the most perfect expression of scorn. -- George Bernard Shaw

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January 22, 2007 By Stephen Pizzo