If I was on Stark's staff, and if I had anything to do with it, it would have gone like this:
In a few moments, the House of Representatives will consider a motion to censure me, on the grounds that I, by my "despicable" conduct, have "dishonored" myself and "brought discredit to the House;" and that I "merit the censure of the House for the same." The resolution continues: "Resolved, that the member from California, Mr. Stark, is hereby so censured."
I please guilty. In fact, I plan to vote "aye" on this measure myself.
Certainly my words have brought discredit on this body. They have exposed the rank hypocrisy that has rotted the People's House to its foundation. While we debate trivialities, soldiers die. While we censure Moveon.org or Pete Stark, our Constitution is subverted. The Republicans say that my words have helped to expose this dishonor. I agree. Guilty as charged.
Certainly my conduct has been despicable -- if by despicable, you mean speak the truth in a House that, under the leadership of our Republican friends and now, sadly, under our own party, has become a house of lies. I am despicable, if by despicable, you mean my poor attempt to force this Body, and the American people, to confront the truth.
Certainly I have dishonored myself, in not speaking more loudly to stop this war, and in not speaking more eloquently to prevent my colleagues from following our President over cliff after cliff after cliff.
Certainly I merit censure. No one in his right mind would do what I have done, or say what I have said. And so I join you in voting "aye" on this resolution. I apologize for my shortcomings, and now, I retreat into irrelevance and obscurity, which is the only place that, in this House, I think I stand a chance of finding truth or courage.
But, no such luck.