I was asked to remove my hat tonight while addressing the city council by city councilor Rolfing because of ‘decorum’
– politeness, manners, dignity –
Didn’t know wearing a hat offended anyone? But apparently Mr. Rolfing thought so. I removed my hat and quoted my favorite founding father in reference to independence day:
“Anyone who trades liberty for security deserves neither liberty nor security”
Well, I kinda said that. I wonder if the French asked Franklin to remove his coon skin cap while negoitating, or if Abe Lincoln was asked to remove his hat, because of ‘Decorum’. I think Mr. Rolfing has a bullshit view of what political ‘decorum’ entails. I suggest he does his research. He forgets that ‘I’ elected him, and ‘I’ pay his wages, not the other way around. Now if he was wearing a hat, maybe it would be ‘decorum’ for me to ask him to remove ‘his’ hat, but not the other way around. But to tell you the truth, I don’t give a shit, let’s move on with things that are important to city government, prudence and honesty, not hats. I also ranted about indoor pools, parking ramps and employee listings. I must warn you, I had a beer and a wine at Parkers and a fantastic piece of fish (that tasted like a porkchop) before my onslaught. But hey, I’m not getting paid to toot my horn, so lubrication is good. Right?
He speaks up so rarely, at least when he did, it was for something important. Oh, wait – never mind.
He needs to realize he’s at least 2 generations out of touch with what is acceptable behavior. I’ve seen what some of the councilors wear to meetings, and they shouldn’t be commenting on other people’s dress.
Start an online campaign to get everyone to wear a hat to the next council meeting. I have a Dr. Suess hat that would seem apropos.
I didn’t think of it until I left the meeting, but let’s talk about Entenman’s ‘decorum’ wearing shirts that promote his private business at public meetings. Definately not right, or polite, or right.
Well, on this one I’d have to agree with Rex. In a lot of business settings it is improper to wear hats inside, especially in a military or formal setting. When addressing the council I dont think its an issue to have people remove hats, sunglasses, etc. I’m sure he didnt mean to offend but I can kinda see his point.
Speaking of funky T-Shirts – was Takeahike Mike wearing one of his special “Mike Huether’s 4th of July” T-shirts? I hear they were real popular at the parade
Any dumbass ought to know to take his hat off in a building–right on, Rex
Also, from which school did you learn your grammar?
Lemming – Not a business setting, and even if it was, Rex works for me, not the other way around, and as I told someone before, this is 2011 not 1952. Get over it. Let’s move on with more important business.
Old fashioned but yet still respectful is to remove your hat for prayer, when the National Anthem is sung, when eating at a table (inside-usually not at a picnic), and when speaking to a group or people of authority in the type of setting you were in along with a few others. It’s to bad he had to tell you this. It’s a sign of respect to not only them but to yourself to be taken seriously.
it’s=it is
its=possessive
Saying that you pay his salary just makes you sound petulant and arrogant. Taking your hat off is just polite; knock off the attitude.
Never meant any disrespect by keeping it on, so how can it be respectful by taking it off?
Now what kind of logic is that?
You were wrong, you got your feelings hurt and now you are trying to defend you action and reaction.
Just suck it up.
I like the top hat idea. It would make the gesture of removal that much more significant. I’m thinking Bill Cutting-esque. “How doo yoo doo?”
I just think it is an old fashioned rule. When I think ‘respectful’ I think of funerals and prayer. Not sure if it is in the video, but notice I do take my hat off for the invocation and pledge. Like I said, I meant no disrespect by keeping it on. This isn’t a courtroom, it is public input at a lousy council meeting. I have worn my hat on several occasions while addressing them in the past. Rolfing was just wanted to make a spectacle out of by demanding my respect. So I made one on my blog. As for my feelings being hurt, you don’t know me that well. Notice I was chuckling when I took it off. I just think there is some very non-progressive people on the council, and Mr. Rolfing showed his true colors, as did I.
Rolfing probably should not have said anything. You probably should have known to remove your hat. You calling him non-progressive is a bit ironic considering your man love for Kermit, the most non-progressive guy in town.
You are kidding right? Kermit was/is very progressive.
I came across this site because I was trying to find a picture of Abe Lincoln in his top hat. Oddly enough, a picture of Abe Lincoln in his top hat is hard to come by and this is one of the few I have seen. If the publisher of this site had not cropped the picture, you would see that he is standing in front of a tent…outside. I have never seen a picture of Abe Lincoln wearing a hat inside. I just thought it was funny and interesting.