Reply #61: What a condescending post... [View All]

[SnakeEyes]

I know what decorum is, thanks. And, yes, I realize there is a decorum for events such as this.

A non-verbal visceral reaction to being directly criticized with an apparent mischaracterization of things I don't think breaks any decorum. Smirks, obvious negative reactions, head shakes, comments to those seated nearby and others occur at these all the time. The only difference here is you could read his lips this time. Interrupting the speech, as Joe did, clearly does. I don't see why not being Alito matters at all.

It's news this time because it's a justice and not a member of Congress. Yes, when justices have chosen to show up, they typically just sit there stoically to not appear to be taking sides in the politics of the event, for obvious reasons. Also true is that they are rarely ever mentioned in a speech let alone directly criticized. With them sitting there, knowing they can't respond, as guests of the Congress and out of respect for the other two branches, I think the direct criticism was unnecessary last night; especially as a standing ovation applause line surrounding the justices. In addition to that, his specific criticism was wrong (even though fixing the incorrect court decision is right). Because this was a rare direct and incorrect criticism, a non-verbal in response is understandable and it did not disrupt the event and therefore does not break decorum. Now, if he had responded to something other than that direct criticism then I would certainly agree with you. Again, if he had interrupted like Joe then it would certainly have broken decorum.

After last night, I think it's possible that we return to the days where we don't see many of the justices at SOTUs. And I think it may not be only the conservative justices that choose not to attend.