In Praise Of Decorous Language
Many of my liberal friends are outraged that the Michigan legislature barred two state representatives from speaking on the floor for the day after they "failed to maintain the decorum" of the legislative body. They're pretending that one legislator was barred for using a word for the female anatomy.
Here's CNN:
State Reps. State Reps. Lisa Brown and Barb Byrum, both Democrats, were arguing against proposed legislation that would enact new restrictions on abortions in Michigan, including provisions for new insurance requirements for abortion providers.
Brown ended her floor speech by declaring: ""I'm flattered that you are all so interested in my vagina, but no means no."
The context is key. It's really just indecorous rhetoric in general. It's not the word she chose but the juvenile allegation against the motives of pro-life legislators.
A spokesman for the Republican majority said:
"House Republicans often go beyond simply allowing debate by welcoming open and passionate discussion of the issues before this chamber. The only way we can continue doing so, however, is to ensure that the proper level of maturity and civility are maintained on the House floor."
Mostly I'm just disappointed that these female legislators were so unoriginal. But what do you think? Should such language be grounds for losing speaking privileges for the day?
I wasn't a fan of punishing Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting out "You lie!" to President Obama during his State of the Union, but it seemed most Republicans and Democrats agreed that he was out of line.
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Comments:
Dec '11
Re: In Praise Of Decorous Language
I think that there do have to be ground rules, and the ground rules should be subject to an organizational vote. There is a difference between free and open debate and trolling. Mz. Brown was trolling, she knows she was trolling, she intended to troll, and it really doesn't have a place in a legislative body.
See when your trolling you beget a flamewar. Would she then think that the appropriate rejoinder to her argument would be to [respond in kind]?
Come on this is internet 101 here
Edited for Code of Conduct
Edited on June 15, 2012 at 4:07pmRe: In Praise Of Decorous Language
I agree with you Mollie. The real sin here is stealing material from Sarah Silverman's 1998 stand up routine.
Jun '10
Re: In Praise Of Decorous Language
absolutely they should have been banned. It is one thing to use appropriate anatomical language in debate over anatomical subjects. But the language here was personalized. Moreover, what a little punishment to get exercised over. It was not exactly 40 lashes.
It was an appropriate measure to address inappropriate language.
Aug '10
Re: In Praise Of Decorous Language
Vagina is not a bad word. If Brown wants to make a Jenny ass of herself by making intentionally inflammatory, idiotic statements when it's her turn to speak, she should be allowed to do that.No one should interrupt the President while he's lying.
Dec '10
Re: In Praise Of Decorous Language
I disagree with Rep Lisa Brown on virtually everything, but she used a technical term, not coarse slang. They have no reason to silence her.
Re: In Praise Of Decorous Language
See, I'd like evidence that she was silenced for using the technical term. To me, the aspersion that pro-lifers are motivated by their sexual obsession with her was what was offensive and indecorous.
Jan '11
Re: In Praise Of Decorous Language
Agreed. The speakers were called down for their behavior and insults, but then they blamed it on their language. The media, of course, went right along with that premise, and cast the whole episode as if it was about salty language.
Pay attention to what this says. If we threaten their abortion privilege, they'll stop at nothing.
After all, these are the same people who claim that if we change the law, it'll drive women into "back-alley abortions." In other words, if the law says they can't have abortions, they're going to have them anyway ... flipping us the middle finger during the process, no doubt. And then, in a spectacular display of chutzpah, they want us to be horrified at the gruesomeness of the procedure (that the law tells them not to go through in the first place).
They don't respect the law, or anyone who doesn't agree with them.
Dec '11
Re: In Praise Of Decorous Language
Mollie Hemingway, Ed.
See, I'd like evidence that she was silenced for using the technical term. To me, the aspersion that pro-lifers are motivated by their sexual obsession with her was what was offensive and indecorous. · 2 hours ago
I think the implication that a prolife position is a desire to rape was also probably a bit beyond the pale.
Apr '12
Re: In Praise Of Decorous Language
I think the implication that a prolife position is a desire to rape was also probably a bit beyond the pale.You have seen the recent legislature mandating transvaginal ultrasounds haven't you?
May '11
Re: In Praise Of Decorous Language
Did this come to mind for anyone else when they read this post?
Aug '10
Re: In Praise Of Decorous Language
I see it this way: Rep Brown was deliberately insulting. Yes, that should be unacceptable public behavior. But while taking away her speaking privileges for the day was justified, it might not have been the best strategy.