Last week, with the same respect given to all of our nation’s previous non-white presidents, Neil Munro, a reporter (and I use that word in the same way I describe Orly Taitz as a dentist) for the conservative website the Daily Caller, repeatedly interrupted — and effectively heckled — a speech on immigration by President Obama in the Rose Garden.
Like Congressman Joe “You Lie” Wilson at the State of the Union or Governor Jan “Finger Wagging on the Tarmac” Brewer, it now seems perfectly acceptable (or at least predictable) that the president of the United States will be treated with the same level of respect that Charlie Sheen shows his hookers. Actually, I take that back. At least Sheen gives them cash and blow.
Of course, Munro’s rude comment was immediately defended by his snide editor-in-chief, Tucker Carlson. Loosen the bow tie, Tucker; you’re not getting enough oxygen to your brain. Comparing Munro’s repeated interruptions of the president before he had finished his speech with Sam Donaldson’s tough questions of President Reagan after he was done speaking is like comparing Glenn Beck and Walter Cronkite. Yes, each of them had a microphone. But only one of them knew how to use it with integrity.
Their vile conduct and open disrespect for our president does give me a thought. Suppose this was standard practice throughout American history? Imagine some of the heckling that would have been done to previous chief executives:
[To George Washington] “Hey, didn’t you really lie about that cherry tree? We want to see the ax!”
[To Thomas Jefferson] “Admit it. Louisiana wasn’t worth it, but you bought it just so you could hide those kids you fathered with your slave girl.”
[To Abraham Lincoln] “Isn’t it true, sir, that ‘four score’ actually equals ‘eighty?’ Why didn’t you just say ‘eighty’? Isn’t it true that you really believe you’re smarter than the rest of the American people?”
[Teddy Roosevelt} "We can’t hear you! You’re speaking too softly! And don’t wave that stick at us. We’re protected by the First Amendment!"
[To Franklin Roosevelt] “If we have nothing to fear but fear itself, why are you afraid to show us that wheelchair?”
[To John F. Kennedy] “OK, we won’t ask what our country can do for us. Just tell us how many times you did Marilyn Monroe.”
[To George W. Bush] “What the fuck did you just say? You’re completely incoherent!”
As Mama always says, “What’s not good for America is usually great for comedy!”
(Photo: Getty Images)
