Last night, in addition to Cindy Sheehan being arrested for her anti-war t-shirt, the wife of a Florida representative was apparently asked to leave for wearing a support the troops shirt.
Who the heck wears a t-shirt to the State of the Union address anyway? Isn’t there some sort of dress code? And I’m not sure the State of the Union address is the time for the audience to be making any sort of political statement. It’s a time for the President to talk to us about the year ahead. It’s disrespectful to the office to take attention away from that and put it on yourself.
I have no doubt that the Congressman’s wife had the best of intentions. But the State of the Union address was neither the time nor the place to do what she did. Throw the t-shirt in your purse, and put it on after the speech is over and you’re outside mingling with the protestors.
Marshall adds: I come from a background where it would have been unthinkable not to wear a tie to court. (Someone had to talk me out of wearing a tie to jury duty recently.) Wearing a T-shirt into the chamber of the United States House of Representatives? Are you kidding? Not acceptable. Ever. And especially for the State of the Union.
A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to attend a Presidential inauguration. It was outdoors on a frigid January morning. We were sitting (thank heaven) in a section approximately eight miles from the stage. I wore a suit and a tie and an overcoat.
Dressing up for occassions like the SOU or an inaugural or even for court isn’t about looking nice for the other guests. It’s about showing respect for the institution that you’re visiting, witnessing, or being a part of.
I can’t say that I’m surprised that Cindy Sheehan wouldn’t understand this. I am a little surprised that Rep. Young’s wife didn’t.
Jim adds: Gad, what a way to confirm European’s nasty stereotypes of Americans as uncouth slobs. Attention, SOTU attendees: You’re not a tourist, and this isn’t a ballgame. Of course, I guess you could say that the response to the State of the Union is, year by year, more and more resembling that of a sports event. “The president said something I agree with? Yeah! He said something I don’t like? Booo!”
Marshall again: According to NBC News Producer Mike Viqueira, Congressman Young took to the floor this morning and “went nuts.” I’ll see if I can find a transcript. But come on, Congressman. A T-shirt — in the House Chamber?
Cam: Marshall’s quoted in the CJR blog.
Fashionistas were just dismayed that Sheehan would wear a t-shirt to the address. This is from Marshall at On Tap:
You’re a fashionista, Marshall. Perhaps we should start pitching “Beer Eye for the Straight Guy” to the networks?
Cam again: Just noticed the Instalink. Thanks Glenn. And thanks even more for not quoting my comment about Nancy Pelosi’s rack.
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February 1, 2006 - 11:03 am
About Cindy’s arrest and the law she broke (UPDATED)
The liberal blogs are abuzz this morning, screaming as loud as their keyboards will let them over the fact that - according to them - Cindy Sheehan was arrested last night for merely “dissenting.” First, a recap of the arrest from the A…
February 1, 2006 - 12:53 pm
Cindy Sheehan’s weighty problem
Cindy Sheehan’s statement to all of her “friends” after she was arrested in the gallery before President Bush’s State of the Union speech last night. The security guard who hauled her out of the gallery was Mike Weight.
February 1, 2006 - 6:53 pm
Marshall:
“(Someone had to talk me out of wearing a tie to jury duty recently.)”
I’m curious: what convinced you? I hate — hate, hate, hate, hate, hate — suits and ties. And I will wear them to weddings, funerals, church services, court, and similar settings, where I figure proper respect for the solemnity of the event is more important than my comfort.
February 1, 2006 - 7:06 pm
Amen - and while we are on the subject, what is with the Joint Chief’s not wearing dress uniforms? The Chairman and the Commandant should have been in Dress Blues, as should GEN Shoemaker (he was in the Class A green suit). I know, I know, its the equaivalent of a business suit, but really….
February 1, 2006 - 9:06 pm
Martin,
It was my wife. She said a tie was just too much to wear in a jury box. But I did wear nice slacks and a button down shirt every single day.
It’s funny, the last time I had to go to traffic court, I wore a tie (of course), and was the only person in the room dressed up. There were people there — defendants like me — wearing jeans, t-shirts and all mannger of mess.
I can’t imagine going before a judge looking like that. Talk about sending the wrong message…
February 2, 2006 - 6:03 am
GOP Congressman’s Wife Claims Ejected from SOTU
Beverly Young, wife of Republican Congressman Bill Young, claims she was ejected from the State of the Union address for wearing a t-shirt.
The wife of Representative C-W- Bill Young says she was ejected during President Bush’s State of the Union…
February 3, 2006 - 12:25 am
Sheehan Arrested
She caused a disturbance – she got arrested. Why should that come as a shock to anyone? Activist Cindy Sheehan was arrested last night after demonstrating in the spectators gallery of the House of Representatives as part of a larger…
February 3, 2006 - 12:25 am
On Cindy Sheehan and Beverly Young And Free Speech
Now let me begin with the observation that I defended Cindy Sheehan’s arrest on Tuesday, a position that I believe to be consistent with what I am about to say. I believe the arrest — and the eviction of the…