To: Members of the House of Representatives and Senate

Let me be direct and forthright. Listening to you say "My Friend across the isle" while debating legislation and watching your countenance which indicate your adversarial stance, reveal that when you use these expressions you are being dishonest. Furthermore, it is sickening to listeners, especially many outside of the Congressional chamber. Many of your listeners, including  myself, hold you in contempt for behavior that trivializes the word "friend' and being a hypocrite or liar or both.

It is also disheartening to hear you use the phrase "The American people" because what you alleged as being true for the American people is not the truth. Certainly, not the truth that you know or the whole truth. How often have I cringed upon hearing you say "The American People want... don't want..." when I know you are not speaking for me." "I am American peope too."

This is my reprimand. My advice to you is: cease and desist using these expressions "My Friend across the isle" and "The American people." It is obvious to your listeners and TV viewers that you are not behaving like friends or speaking for many, maybe most, of them.

I suggest that instead of saying "My Friend across the isle," call the person by his or her name. (Example: "Mr. or Ms. Doe.") And instead of saying "The American people" say  "The American people who think and feel as I do." That would still allow folk like me, more often than not, to know that you are not speaking for "The American peope" they are.

While I am commenting on Congressional etiquette, let me also suggest that when addressing the President of the Congressional chamber (not the President of the United States) begin your comment with "Madam President" or "Mr. President" but refrain from being redundant and repeating that salutation during the remaining of your comment. Most peope learned that in grammar school.

Copyright 2010 by Uriah J. Fields

Please note: You are invited to visit my website: www.uriahfields.com and read my article "Senate is More Powerful Yet Less Representative."