To Congressional Dems: don't boycott SOTU!

[grumpyduck]

There's been a movement among Dems to boycott SOTU, but here's an argument for why you should not:

Given the lack of professionalism, care, and integrity shown by some Congressional Repubs over the past year, what this nation needs right now is a show of that professionalism, care, and integrity by the opposing party. "Two wrongs don't make a right" (and other cliches) notwithstanding, Dems at this time need to show some class and need to show us that they're doing the jobs they were elected to do.

Fine, take some anti-nausea meds before you go, or take airsickness bags, and gag, retch, and hold it in during the speech, and run like hell to the nearest bathroom afterwards, but attend the speech and show us that you're doing your job. Show us that you're not lowering yourselves to the level of repugnant kids who are willing to hold their breath until they turn blue if they don't get what they want. Show us that sticking to your oath of office isn't an option but a solemn trust.

Then -- then, because you're politicians -- grab the opportunity to get interviewed afterwards and express your opinion. Because you were there and heard it first hand. Because you stuck up for your nation and your voters. Because you're doing your job regardless of the nausea. Because you care about this nation.

[leftstreet]

1. They go low...we get run over!

At this point it might actually HELP to have a media **BAM!** story the next day. A bunch of politicians refused to listen to Trump!

[grumpyduck]

4. I used to think that,

but, given the antics of the Repubs, now I think the Dems need to show they're different. I think a media BAM would just help the Repubs point at the Dems and go, see, they're against us or some such bullshit.

Actually, a good BAM would be for the Dems to stay for the entire speech and then start to quietly leave during the applause. At least the Repubs won't be able to say they didn't attend.

And I do believe that staying for the speech will give them more points once they get interviewed and start blasting away.

[kentuck]

2. They should go but let their silence be their statement...

When the Repubs get up to applaud, stay in their seats and look straight ahead.

[uppityperson]

3. That has happened for as long as I can recall, non-pres party sits

Will Mueller attend? I don't know if they ever do.

[Bettie]

21. Or stand and turn their backs on the giant turd

that would drive him crazy.

[pamdb]

5. SOTU

I agree. Sit on your hands. No applause. No getting up from your seat.

And have that family-THE WHOLE FAMILY-of the man from Detroit who was deported a week ago, front and center.

[smirkymonkey]

23. That was just so wrong and heartbreaking.

I would like to see that family get some more help and media attention.

[Squinch]

6. OK, but how about if they all wear noise cancelling headphones?

[Gidney N Cloyd]

7. Agreed. This is an opportunity to look like the adults AND to grab the podium afterward.

No "You lie!" -type childish nonsense. Show the world how far into crazyland the Repubs have drifted.

[loyalsister]

13. That this administration is hell bent on destroying government makes it essential

Dems need to be advocates for a return to governing and the conventions of government traditions and operation. Getting on board this whole lack of decency and burn it down mindset does not help us recover what is slipping away.

[4now]

8. Running away and hiding is not going to impress anybody

Show the country that you are doing your job like adults.

[Voltaire2]

9. Boycott the fuck out of it.

Normalizing this president is a terrible mistake.

[Sophia4]

10. My suggestion remains: Walk out one by one, and meet the press right outside.

Talk to the press. One seat will empty then the next until the Democratic side of the aisle is empty. That's the best way to respond to this horrible president. It is dramatic but not noisy. It says what needs to be said.

The Democratic base is furious with the Republicans, with Trump and with those in the Democratic Party that support Trump without realizing the price that our country is paying for his incapacity and bad personality. Trump is no leader. Democrats should not treat him as they would treat a leader.

[SeattleVet]

12. Or all get up and walk out at one time, as soon as the first lie comes from his piehole.

Then step into the foyer and talk to the waiting press.

A mass exodus would have more impact then a slow trickle.

[mariesa]

11. The man has been a National embarrassment and a disgrace

to the office. He is incapable of showing class.

I am ok with the handful of members of Congress who are not attending. His behavior must not be normalized.

There will be plenty of commentary and fact checking from the Democratic Party when his address is over.

[sweetroxie]

14. They should go, but then turn their backs on him

nt

[marked50]

15. I just want someone to scream out " You Lie "

[TlalocW]

16. Bring a beach ball to knock around

Like students do at college graduations.

TlalocW

[grumpyduck]

17. See, this is where I think

the Dems should show some class and let the Repubs act like assholes (not that they need any help). Then let the press go all over them.

IOW, set them up.

[nolabels]

18. Okay but am allowed a drink afterwards?

I hardly ever drink anymore (like once every couple of years or so) but I might need one after


Maybe I should get me a T-shirt made up saying

" I survived the last great orange pumpkin's State Of The Union address"

[grumpyduck]

19. Dude, I'll be having a drink with you

[wasupaloopa]

20. I sure as hell am going to boycott it. Not going to watch it. I hate to be lied to to my face.

Everything he says is a lie. Sitting there pretending other wise does a disservice to the office.

He does not deserve the respect of the office. I hope as many Dems boycott him as possible.

Don't normalize this piece of excrement.

[Tarheel_Dem]

22. I certainly won't be watching, and I hope the Democratic response gets posted here. As for the Dems

not planning to attend, I say follow your conscience. I sure as hell wouldn't want to be in the room.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

24. Dems should all wear headphones.

Listen to their favorite music throughout.

Then, tell the press afterward these are lie-canceling headphones and they didn't hear a single word.

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