Apr 11 2008
Boos greet new Representative
[Friday night cartoons are in the post preceding this one.]
The newest member of the United States House of Representatives was sworn in today. She was greeted with a chorus of boos from the Republican side of the aisle.
Our Republicans, you just can’t take them anywhere.
Boos follow cheers as Jackie Speier becomes newest member of Congress
Jackie SpeierWASHINGTON – For a few feel-good moments on the floor of the U.S. House today, Jackie Speier basked in bipartisan applause as she was sworn in as its newest member. Her family, supporters and kids cheered as she embraced her new colleagues.
Then, in her first speech in Congress, Speier spoke out about Iraq, and the boos and hoots began from the Republican side of the aisle.
“When will we get out of Iraq?” was the most frequent question she heard, she told the House, while campaigning in the special election she won Tuesday to succeed the late Rep. Tom Lantos.
“The process to bring the troops home must begin immediately,” she said, as several Republicans loudly booed. Rep. Darrell Issa, a Vista Republican, bolted from his seat and left the floor.
The hoots grew in volume as Speier, a Hillsborough Democrat, continued.
“The president wants to stay the course and a man who wants to replace him suggests we could be in Iraq for 100 years,” she said, a reference to Republican John McCain’s assertion that U.S. forces could be there decades, if they are not under attack.
“The House is not in order,” shouted Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga. Some Democrats applauded. Speaker Nancy Pelosi banged her gavel. “Why are they booing my mother?” Speier’s middle-school daughter Stephanie asked, according to a staffer.
It sure seems like some folks could use a good lesson in manners, but it wouldn’t do any good. This is just they way our Republicans are… childish and petulant. They have a tendency to scream and whine a lot when they don’t get their way and temper tantrums are not uncommon (witness John McCain).
The adults now have small majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Thankfully those majorities will grow larger in November and an adult will also be taking charge in the White House. Not to wish my life away, but I can hardly wait.
