Manners

Manners

About a week ago, there was an incident in Washington as President Obama was addressing a joint session of congress about the health care issue. During that address, Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina heckled the President and shouted out “you lie” when the President said that legislation would not mandate coverage for undocumented immigrants. The situation was embarrassing for all in attendance. Of course, from her perch “Queen Pelosi” gave the congressman the skunk eye and tried to make him explode in his seat. If looks could kill, the congressman would have turned into a pile of rubble. The camera did not catch all the glares and stares from other members of congress, but I can only imagine that there were a great many.

Now, before you draw any conclusions about the president or the goofy health care plan that he proposes, remember this is not about the subject or the issue. It is about poor manners and respect. The President, whether you love him or hate him, is still the President. It is no different for we at the state capitol. We must show our respect to the office of the state governor. It boils down to this, you may not like the man in the seat and you may not agree with him. But the fact remains, that entity alone commands a certain level of respect. After all, the members were in a joint session of congress, not on the Jerry Springer show.

I understand that Representative Wilson has apologized and he should have. He owed the president an apology. It is very easy to lose your cool in a politically charged environment. I have been there and I have learned that no matter how you feel, there are ways to communicate and ways not to. That was certainly not the proper way for Representative Wilson to get his point across. It is unfortunate but, of course, it has been made newsworthy.

I fully believe that the President is wrong in regards to the healthcare issue. I believe that it is a step to socialism and I do not think it is fair for hard-working Americans, who struggle and pay their insurance, to have to pay for those who are unwilling to work. There is a big difference in my mind between unwilling and unable. It is like the old saying goes “if you don’t work, you don’t eat.”

Even if Congressman Wilson disagreed with the President, it does not give him the right to yell and scream in that chamber. All the boos that followed were equally as inappropriate and the whole thing just turned into an unnecessary circus. Now, I am all for healthy debate and disagreements, for that is what the political process is all about. But again, it aint Jerry Springer. And it aint reality tv. It is an institution with hundreds of years of tradition.

Now, on to state matters. By the time you read this, a Southwest Oklahoma water tour will be underway. The Speaker of the House, as well as the House of Representatives Water-Working Group and the Natural Resources Committee will make a two-day trip through southwest Oklahoma. The purpose will be to access current water infrastructure as well as look at some possibilities for future water needs in the most arid region in Oklahoma that many of us call home. We will look at the Waurika reservoir as well as the proposed Cookietown reservoir. We will also look at Hackberry flats and will visit the Altus Irrigation District at Lake Lugert. We will look into the chloride removal project in that area. The final stop will be Medicine Park where presentations will occur and the tour will conclude. It will be a privilege to welcome the Speaker of the House, as well as at least 27 legislators, to Southwest Oklahoma. It will be a great opportunity to showcase some of the really great things that are happening in our area. As information is gathered in our swing through the area, I will keep you informed.

If you would like to contact me while I am at the Capitol, please do not hesitate to call
1-800-522-8502 or send an e-mail to donarmes@okhouse.gov

And here’s a little something to think about as you go down the road:

Character is much easier kept than recovered. -Thomas Paine