Let’s Pretend
Let’s play a little game where we pretend that DS15 has a temper. In fact, he really does not. He was fortunate enough that he did not inherit that trait from his dear ole Mom. But we’re pretending that he did. And that he was at his high school, and someone insulted his older brother DS16 in a really bad way. Beyond that pesky little retarded word. This person said something really, really horrible, and DS15 in his anger (remember he has a temper) slugs the guy. What would happen?
The words “suspension” and “CASE” come to mind. Okay, so let’s pretend he did actually get suspended. Then a few days later he returns to school. And there’s an assembly. Do you think his principle would stand up, mention what DS15 did, and that he would get a standing ovation? I seriously doubt it. He would be viewed as a trouble-maker. It could affect what school activities he was allowed to participate in. What college he was admitted to.
So why should it be any different for Alabama state senators? Shouldn’t they be examples for our kids? And shouldn’t they be held to the same set of standards for decent behavior as others? I don’t care WHAT someone called his mother, slugging another senator was wrong on the part of Charles Bishop. If I were another senator, I would be calling for his suspension, resignation, or something. But that’s not how the GOP handled this violent senator. Nosireebob. They gave him a standing ovation.
Yet another reason I do not feel closely aligned with the Republicans–my party of 20+ years. It absolutely sickens me that Bishop’s juvenile behavior would be applauded and condoned by a party already accused of loving violence because of their stand on gun control. This is not the example I want set for my children of how to handle an insult. Not to mention it is yet another reason that when asked where I am from, I feel compelled to answer, “I live in Alabama. I am from Atlanta.”
June 22nd, 2007 at 10:51 am
Great. And we wonder why AL has such a reputation elsewhere?!
June 22nd, 2007 at 11:44 am
Not to mention, in most zero-tolerance no-thought zones, he’d be suspended or expelled. Maybe Congress needs some zero-tolerance rules!!!
June 26th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Hi! I’m visiting here from Especially Heather. I saw your comment telling you’re also from N Al. Me too! I got all excited and neighborly and had to see who you are!
Anyhoo. I scrolled down and scanned over a few posts and wondered what in the world this one was about when you were talking about your son’s temper. But I caught on quickly.
I know the Senator who was hit. I went to school with his son. He probably did say something that deserved a punch. But VERY FEW oother senators haven’t said something deserving a good knuckle sandwich. What got me was watching the film of it and seeing Barron’s smirk. He knew he would come out as the “victim.” (not that he is a victim in ANY sense of the word.)
Unfortunately, he has made some political enemies and only this year has lost his position of power. He has to find and take every opportunity to regain any status he can.
As for the whole Dem/Rep thing…. They’re pretty much the same thing here in Alabama. We still have some of the old conservative position of Democrats lingering from who-knows-when. My grandmother would roll over in her grave if she knew I had EVER voted for a Republican. And she was as conservative as they come.
I’ll be back. Your blog is an interesting mix of all sorts of stuff.
June 26th, 2007 at 10:33 am
Allison, Yep, Alabama has a reputation for soooo many reasons. Like we really need another black mark.
Gem, No joke about the zero-tolerance. It just makes me ill that our kids have different rules and standards that are HIGHER than those for publicly elected “servants.”
Auburn Gal, Welcome neighbor!! Thanks for your take on the knuckle sandwich-(grin)! Definitely pop back in!