Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Pete Sessions votes against civil discourse

As expected, Pete Sessions voted against the resolution disapproving of Joe Wilson's outburst during the President's speech to the joint session of Congress.

Sessions Watchers thinks that Congress should always strive for civil discourse, and that members should set an example for the public by practicing civil discourse at all times.

Of all people, Pete Sessions should be at the forefront of promoting civil discourse. After all, Pete Sessions is an Eagle Scout, as he likes to remind us:
Congressman Sessions is an Eagle Scout and a former Scout Master for 13 Eagle Scouts. He is a member of the Executive Board of the Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1999, Congressman Sessions was honored as a recipient of the National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award for service to his community as a Representative in Congress and for his commitment to furthering the role of the Boy Scouts of America in the lives of young men in the Dallas Community.
Is that what they teach in Scouting, that it's all right to show open disrespect for the President of the United States?

As we recall, Pete Sessions doesn't like it very much when the shouts of disapproval are directed at him. We all remember the 2008 town hall when Pete Sessions blamed the economic meltdown on "community organizers" and one person booed. Pete Sessions was so upset that he ran out the back door after the debate, without sticking around to visit with constituents. You'd think that experience alone would cause him to demand more civility in our national discourse over complicated issues like health care. But no, Pete Sessions thinks it's alright to disrupt people when they're speaking--but don't do it to him, 'cause that makes him mad.

The House resolution passed 240 to 179, with 5 voting present; commentary and roll call information is available at Congress.Org

3 comments:

John Peterson said...

I wholeheartedly agree with you on this one. What Mr. Wilson did was very disrespectful to the President and should not be tolerated by anyone.

I also did not like it when the Democratic Representatives booed George W. Bush during his 2005 State of the Union Speech. I will admit though that was more groaning and grumbling than distinct booes.

In any case, I know Mr. Wilson apologized, and I hope Mr. Wilson is still ashamed of his behavior. I would just like to add that those who gave him money for his disrespectful behavior are very shallow and short sighted people.

JOhn

Sessions Watch said...

Thanks for the link, John. Sessions Watchers were combing the internet earlier today, trying to find out if any similar resolution was made in 2005, following the booing episode you mentioned. Those of us who discussed the episode remembered a more distinct "boo," but in hindsight, it does sound more like groaning. Hard to say where to draw the line, but it's our opinion that members of the House and Senate should sit on their hands and be quiet to show disagreement with the President in such instances. (Sure, Parliament sounds like a barnyard when the Prime Minister speaks, but we're not Parliament!)

Nancy said...

As usual, I was embarrassed but not surprised at Sessions vote and coment about Nancy Pelosi's statement. Anyone in a leadership position should want to call out speech that goes too far like they did when some protesters carried pictures of Bush as Hitler.