| It's no surprise to those of us in the 5th District that Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks sees Socialists under every bed, behind every government document, and inside every Democratic headquarters. But, Brooks' unfortunate tendency to sprinkle his favorite noun into everyday conversation took some of his Congressional colleagues by surprise: Freshman Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, was forced to withdraw part of his comments on the House floor this morning after other members objected to his use of the word "socialist."
Brooks, speaking against an alternative 2012 budget proposed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, was critical of spending decisions made by "certain socialist members of this body." He didn't name names, but Democrats immediately called for a point of order and asked that Brooks' comment be "taken down," a rare disciplinary action when the chair reviews the record and decides if the words are inappropriate.
The objection was lodged by Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn.
After some awkward silence, Brooks was asked by the Republican in the chair if he had a request for unanimous consent, and Brooks then asked for unanimous consent that his use of the word "socialist" be stricken from the record.
Brooks was allowed to finish his remarks on the budget, and said, "For whatever reason I am permitted not to use one word."
Ok, Mo, so if you truly don't understand the reason, let's explain. Unless you actually " have in your hand a list" of Socialists in Congress and are prepared to share it, then moderate your speech. That's a nice way of saying "keep your trap shut because Alabama gets embarrassed enough already by Sessions & Shelby." As an attorney, Rep. Brooks no doubt knows the old lawyer's adage: When the facts are on your side, argue the facts. When the law is on your side, argue the law. And when you don’t have either the law or the facts on your side, pound the table! It almost makes you pity a Congressman whose party has just released a budget proposal to cut taxes on corporations and millionaires while privatizing Medicare and gutting Medicaid. Without math, facts, logic, or even basic human empathy on your side what's left? Simple: call your opponents Socialists. |
