I haven't posted a diary here in a LONG time. However, Neil Munro's behavior at the White House today really has me steamed.
First of all, there is the old axiom of respecting the office, even if you don't respect the person holding the office. That man at the podium is the duly elected president of the United States of America. You simply do not interrupt him in the middle of his speech. Not to yell questions at him, and not to yell "you lie." I do not buy the argument that he thought the president had concluded his remarks. Aside from the fact that the President was not concluding his remarks, Mr. Munro continued in his interruption even after the President made clear that he was not finished speaking.
Second, this notion of interrupting people and shouting down your opponents is not only offensive, but really contrary to the political values of this nation. The whole concept of free speech is based on the free marketplace of ideas. The answer to speech you disagree with is to engage in counter-speech. In a vulgar paraphrase of J.S. Mill, "let the best idea win." Lately, as seen in this incident, the incident with David Axelrod, and the earlier tea party town hall interference, there seems to be a concerted effort of shouting down people who disagree with you. Simply put, this has to end.
I kind of doubt that the issue of shouting down a political opponent is a uniquely conservative tactic. I am almost positive that liberals and progressives are guilty of it too. However, between this conservative "reporter," the Romney campaign, and the tea-party, it seems like there has been a concerted effort to try to silence political discourse. This is not only contrary to the core values that formed this great nation, but I believe it is dangerous and sets a dangerous precedent.
I know this is less a diary than it is a rant, but man, do I feel better after writing it.