State of the Union – Democrats Seek to Sit Among Republican – Think Tank Suggestion Shakes up 200 Year Practice

Hillary Clinton and Obama sitting with Democrats during George W. Bush 2007 State of the Union - 2011 Democrats Hope to avoid show of Partisanship - image smh.com.au






The idea grew from a letter written by a Washington DC based “think tank”, Thirdway.org, the organization sent a letter to members of both Houses of Congress suggesting that the members put aside their partisan seating arrangements which have been in place for 200 years, and mix it up a bit. The group, which is headed by ex-Clinton White House staff members, business executives and others, offers suggestions on all facets of public affairs, from social issues such as abortion to “How to Talk To (i.e. Convince) Moderates about the DREAM Act”, the latest suggestion being one that will allow members of Congress to blend without identifying with a particular party during the President’s State of the Union.

Mark Udall (D-CO) was the first to push the concept, which Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D-NV) said would be taken under consideration “next week”. (NYTimes). Reid apparently has since embraced the idea, (From The Las Vegas Sun) “We need to look for more ways to be bipartisan,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. “It’s important for our country that we all stand together as Americans and this could be one way to demonstrate that.”

According to the Las Vegas Sun, the Republican’s have not objected to sitting co-mingled with the Democrats. It is a gesture suggested at once to help heal the nation by showing a United Congress, and as the Thirdway Group suggests, keep the divided parties from participating in the usual actions expected in a State of the Union: Catholic-like calisthenics, with parties, sitting with distaste apparent on their faces while the opposition party is jumping up and cheering.

All well and good for an appearance of unity, and in the wake of what should have been a healing speech to the nation by Obama in Tucson (granted amidst a cheering squad of Freshmen students, at a memorial, which, although inappropriate to the extreme, was, I all likelihood, youthful exuberance by Progressive trained college freshmen who had an opportunity to cheer on a man they have been taught to sing about for the past few years.), and the media continues to assail from the left (Anti-Palin Posters in San Francisco published today) putting a certain 2012 GOP Contender in the Constant Media spotlight.

This particular story on a united Congress has been getting traction from the most notable of the left press, including the New York Times extolling the virtues of those who would mix it up as a first show of bi-partisanship.
It is truly a grand idea, and would serve the purpose of allowing our elected representatives in Congress and the Senate, the appearance of bi-partisanship. It would also downplay the significant disadvantage in numbers between one party and other which has annually been caught on c-span cameras from the inception of that reporting body. Hypothetically speaking, if a remark made by the President is not well-received by the majority (Republican’s), and they sit (as is the custom), will the approving Democrats, showing support, stand and wildly applaud? (Spectacle!) Is this really the best idea, politically speaking, for Democrats to emphasis their decline in numbers? Or is it truly a show of support for each other, as it should be, and will both parties, sit and stand together as the case may be? This will be one State of the Union address worth watching should the Democrats and Republican’s “mix it up” for the first time in 200 years. Mark your calendars and grab your popcorn, the President will deliver his State of the Union on January 25th.

Obama Delivers Masterful, Heartfelt Remarks at Tucson Memorial Service – Takes the Time to Scold Those Who Hastily Cast Blame – From Your Lips to God’

Obama Delivers Comfort to Nation - image blog adamforillinois

President Obama delivered an inspiring speech last night at the Tucson Memorial for those victims of a non-political, deeply disturbed, 22 year old, who had held an interest in Representative Gifford since 2007, in other words, an individual similar to a John Hinckley, or one who has lost touch with reason. It is the most heart wrenching type of murder simply because there is no clear rationale, which leaves the families and the nation at a loss to explain and to prevent this type of horrific event from occurring. The grief of the family and, in this instance, with a Federal Judge and Federal Elected Official among the dead and wounded, the nation, should have, from the outset been the chief consideration of the media –however, it was not. As those who sit upon their pedestals of non-stop partisanship, major media outlets used the event to further an agenda by attacking, for the most part, individuals who hold different political views, in the most disgusting display of blind partisanship journalism seen in this nation to date. The President, our President, took away the vitriol and delivered a speech that was meant to comfort those families so heartbroken, and the nation, both heartbroken and divided, the later due to those in position of delivering “news”, politicizing the event, instead of actually doing their job and reporting facts. It is not the bloggers, of which there are many of us who would defend, and reflect upon what happened, as so many fish in a sea of opinions, rather the “First Estate” of Journalist who, of their own accord, turned what should have been a solemn occasion, into a circus.

The President, our President, touched upon the crux of the matter, remembering each victim, and in the process of his oratory, delivering a message regarding rushing to judgment when all the facts are not, as yet, available.

From the text of Obama’s remarks: (CBS News)

But what we can't do is use this tragedy as one more occasion to turn on one another. As we discuss these issues, let each of us do so with a good dose of humility. Rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame, let us use this occasion to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully, to sharpen our instincts for empathy, and remind ourselves of all the ways our hopes and dreams are bound together.

It has never been said, more eloquently, nor more passionately, regardless of the time and place, the import of all of us, Republican, Conservative, Tea Party, Democrat, Liberal, Progressive, to, of course, disagree politically, but to do so in a manner that includes due diligence as to the facts, and relies not on partisanship alone, rather on an exchange of ideas. It was, to this former Democrat, Independent, Republican, American Moderate Woman, a call to civility, delivered in such a time, place and manner as to make one take stock of what it means to take part in the public discourse, to be part of the American Dream. Moreover, how, no matter the occasion, as a Citizen of these United States of America, having the privilege of open debate, and the ability to exercise the freedoms granted all of us by our founders, to express our opinions on any given subject.

However, there is the point where we must, as noted by the President, do so with a sense towards true debate, where one might actually state an opinion and have a civil debate with one who holds opposing views. This is the only way to broaden our horizons, and to step up to the promises of our forefather, and the obligation they bestowed on each and every one of us. Of course, this call to civility, so ordered by the President, in a time and place that compels each of us to pay attention and take stock of our own lack thereof, will last only as long as the next deadline, in some cases, and in others, we may strive to give voice to concerns, and differences, and yet, politely agree to disagree. However, one thing is certain and President Obama made that point well – regardless of our difference, whenever a situation arises, we, right, left and center, rise together to heal, combat, or rejoice. It is what makes this nation exceptional. From this blogger, thank you, Mr. President, for your kind, healing, words, and your emphasis on what makes this nation the Beacon of Hope to millions, despite our differences, or perhaps because of our differences, we rise above and carry on.

Palin Responds to Media Regarding Arizona Crime - One Word - Presidential

The media is proposing there will be a backlash from the rhetoric put forth by certain members of the "Conservative Right". After receiving a phone call from a peer who was never a fan of Sarah Palin, rather would have preferred any other candidate - there was one word uttered: Presidential. Apparently, the "unenrolled", female voter on the other end of my phone line, was quite taken, not only by Palin's response, but by the barrage of insidious and inane attacks made on all Conservatives for the past week. This backlash may end up being their worst nightmare.

Sarah Palin: "America's Enduring Strength" from Sarah Palin on Vimeo.