I simply don't buy the argument that being an asshole is somehow more honest than not being one. Language was developed for our use, so that we can express our thoughts and feelings with more complexity than grunting and pointing.
I agree that in-your-face confrontation is sometimes called for, sometimes desirable. It doesn't bother me within the proper context. But to send out the message that 'you lie!' is a suitable alternative to a reasoned discussion about political matters (in the senate, no less) is foolhardy and, quite frankly, dumb. And I can't help but think that the proponents of these kinds of transactions are possibly simply lazy. Reasoned debates aren't passive-aggressive, they take time, effort, thought, sincerity, caring. This Doctor Long is really showing his ass when he says that 'you lie!' shows "more honesty than any speech delivered in that hallowed institution within my lifetime."
More honest than this?
and that's just one example. there are thousands of instances of politicians standing up and saying 'fuck you!' to the assholes of the world with dignity
and honesty. And I'm still inclined to throw the weight of my trust and respect behind these people.
There was an article last week in one of my nursing journals about the trend toward incivility in nursing practice. Is this something we really want to invest ourselves in? Because there are no exceptions. You don't get to pick and choose. Either we are a society that values things like respect, decency, compassion and caring or we are not.