Thursday, January 06, 2011

No More Tears

When I opened up the front page of the Wall Street Journal this morning, this wasn't exactly the depiction of the transfer of power in the House that I expected or wanted to see:

Mr. Boehner, we support your agenda. We're ready to stand with in your battle to control the size and scope of government. But for the love of God man you've simply got to cease and desist with all the emotional waterworks! From the night of the election to your formally becoming Speaker of the House yesterday, it's been one long, pathetic trail of tears.

There are only a few situations when its appropriate for a man to cry in public: the death of a close relative or friend, your team choking in overtime in the NFC championship game, breaking a bottle of 18-year-old Scotch. But hopefully for most men, these tragic occurrences are few and far between. Which means for the most part, we should see you maintain a stiff upper lip in public and display the emotional stoicism we expect from strong leaders. More Phil Sheridan, less Phil Donahue please.