Fear and Loathing In the Nation's Capitol and Across the Country

In September of 2009, Representative Joe Wilson, R-SC, was famously condemned for daring to call out "You lie!" to President Obama as the president addressed a Joint Session of Congress.  Was it a violation of proper decorum?  Probably.  Was Representative Wilson speaking truth to power?  You bet he was.

During the 2010 State of the Union address, in violation of all protocol, President Obama condemned the members of the United States Supreme Court for their decision in the Citizens United case.  Justice Samuel Alito was seen to mutter "Not True", and with near uniformity across the Donkey side of the Politisphere there was outrage that a mere Justice would so disrespect The President in public.

So what can be expected when President Donald J. Trump steps to the lectern on the evening of February 28, 2017, at 9:00 PM EST?

To suggest that members of the Democrat party have less than positive sentiments regarding Trump would be a phenomenal understatement.  Based upon their clear history of respect for propriety and decorum though, would it not be reasonable to expect them to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the dignity of Senators and Representatives participating in a Presidential Address to Congress?

One can certainly hope.  This particular One certainly does.

Being hopeful is not the same as being confident.  The public activities of the Opposition in this country since the evening of November 8, 2016, make it abundantly clear crude, vulgar and violent self expression as a method of communicating political dissent are deemed reasonable and acceptable to a certain segment of the populace.  As good politicians, it can be expected that those under the leadership of Senator Schumer and Representative Pelosi will be tempted to do anything they believe they can get away with in attempts to solidify support among the unruly mob that is the vocal face of their base these days.

Many Democrat members of Congress will be inviting illegal aliens, Muslim immigrants, and other minority constituencies to attend the address.  Is there perhaps more than a little bit of hope these guests will relieve Democrats of the need to conduct their own Joe Wilson attack against acceptable behavior?  Then these Senators and Representatives will be able to shrug their shoulders in sadness and muse solemnly in front of the cameras how can one possibly condemn the spontaneously erupting passion of a public feeling personally threatened by a man and his minions who is supposed to be the President of All The United States of America, but is instead actively against their own Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness?

Should such outbursts take place, Democrats would do well to remember that if a can of kerosene is poured over a pile of brush and then a match tossed on top, it is not the wood that is at fault for the fire.