Conduct Unbecoming a Free People

[madamesilverspurs]

Well, following the nastiness of last summer's town hall meetings, I probably shouldn't have been surprised. But I was, and more than a little disappointed by the conduct of some of those in attendance at this morning's candidate forum. It was sponsored by our newspaper and the local chamber of commerce. With no expectation that it will be published (seeing as how) I just sent this letter to the newspaper:


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Growing up with brothers I got used to the crudeness that, according to Dad, was just part of being a boy. As my brothers approached adolescence they developed very distinctive snickers and snorting laughs, dependably displayed as they and their friends explored the latest Monkey Ward catalogue. They did learn, though, that our very conservative father had certain rules for conversing with parents; eye-rolling and snickering brought swift retribution. Such behavior toward anyone in public happened only once. Dad was big on respect.

Dad’s been gone for many years, and his children now have their own kids and grandkids. But my conservative brother, along with the brother of liberal inclination, would have shared the shocked disgust at the snickering and snorting coming from some of those attending a candidate forum at the Chamber of Commerce. It was, frankly, quite disturbing that the snickering was instigated by another candidate who was in the audience. Following suit, an elected member of the school board added shouted insults toward one of the speakers, for which he was mildly chastised by the moderator.

But the snickering and muttering continued, reserved for only one of the candidates. It was embarrassing, not for the candidate but for those engaging in such puerile behavior. Those who gathered afterward and congratulated each other on the “effectiveness” of their snickering may view their behavior as an expression of free speech. It is that. But its disruptive nature conveys a disturbing measure of disrespect, disrespect for the honest process whereby all citizens, candidates and voters, have the right to speak and be heard.

[Control-Z]

1. Thank you for this.

I am appalled by the behavior I see coming from adults these days. I especially hate it when, on occasion, it comes from a democrat. For the most part it is teabaggers and republicans. You would think it would be a reg flag to anyone of average intelligence but far too many seem approve of it.

[jaxx]

2. disrespect.......I think you just nailed it.

We are seeing the disrespecting of our country and all we stand for. It has got to stop.

Thanks for an eye opener.

K&R

[txaslftist]

3. A "free people" ...

Tell me another one.