MARY LYON FROM THE LEFT: What I’d Do During the State of the Union Speech

[Tace]

By Mary Lyon -- World News Trust

I know, I know. The title of this column is pretty obvious -- and rather suggestive. But before you settle down to a long winter’s nap with visions of raised middle fingers and shining moon shots and other assorted rear views dancing in your head, consider this:

If you were a member of the opposition, and you had tried everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, to be cooperative, and to give the benefit of the doubt, and to be a good sport and follow parliamentary procedure (and the rules) and the withering yowls and snit-fits from spoiled, power-mad, never-satisfied opponents who wholeheartedly wish you the same kind of fate Iran’s leader and hardline Palestinians envision for Israel -- what would you do? Isn’t it long past time to make a gesture so clear, defiant, and gutsy that it cannot be overlooked or misinterpreted? Isn’t it long past time to show how you really feel about things? Isn’t it about time to take it to them, and stick it straight in their faces?

A colleague on the progressive front, William Rivers Pitt, has suggested that the Democrats swallow a fistful of calcium supplements just before they get into their cars to head to the Capitol building on the night of this year’s State of the Union speech, and then, once the show starts -- simply stand up and walk out.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/012206A.shtml

I think it’s an absolutely CAPITAL idea, well worth pursuing here. Standing up and walking out on George would be a gesture of such simplicity as to make Audrey Hepburn stand up and applaud if she were still with us. Its message would be clear, and unmistakable. It would certainly silence the multitudes of critics (not to mention disgruntled Democrats, liberals, and progressives still struggling with abandonment issues) who sneer that the party of Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Clinton has no backbone.

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http://worldnewstrust.org/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=2266

[CTyankee]

1. Are you the Mary Lyon who founded Mt. Holyoke College?

My daughter went there and got a degreee in history. She (and I) are strong feminists (as was Mary Lyon). Just askin'.

[babylonsister]

2. This gets a wink and a nod, for sure! It's be lovely if someone

in Congress actually read this, along with Will Pitt's brilliant idea!

[tanyev]

3. Betcha plans have recently been made to escort any

walkouts straight to a paddy wagon. Or else they'll just lock them all in.

[babylonsister]

4. KICK!