Adding Insult to Enmity

In the midst of what is supposed to be a respectful, if not enthusiastic, response to the annual pep talk to the nation, given with rose tinted glasses by the leader of our nation, some of those Republicans assembled mistook what was intended as a monologue for an invitation to take an active role by way of dialogue. Accusations were hurled, impugning not merely the statements of Joe Biden but also by implication, the office of the President. But who would expect anything more (or really anything less) from those whose preferred approach is to search for the lowest common denominator and then drop below it.

"Bullshit". "Liar" and other invectives were hurled at the President without concern of retribution (if this were a classroom, at least they would have been told to sit in the corner for 5 minutes and think about what they had just said). And, at least one explanation for this behavior, was something akin to "it was just my immediate involuntary reaction." I see, act before you think, clearly the motto of this crew.

Impulse control disorder has been defined as chronic problems in which people lack to the ability to maintain self control which ultimately results in the onset of extreme dysfunctions and disruptions. The "I had no capacity to stop what I just said" defense.

 I understand that the State of the Union is a hard pill to swallow for the opposing party. Nancy Pelosi's far too polite clap of the hands after Donald Trump finished up reporting all his lies, or even better, her literally ripping his words in two, were intended to convey her disgust and dismay that Mr. Trump was leading his party, and this country, into a moral toilet. Still, there was a level of restraint exhibited by her.

From 2009, when the dam burst with the "liar' comment shouted at President Obama, it appears that the Republicans have decided that adding insult to enmity is not merely permitted but  looked upon as a badge of courage and honor.  They continue to find ways to bring disgrace to the political system and to a party that has simply lost its way.