Friday, October 27, 2023

The "John Fetterman Debacle!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading more and more about one of Pennsylvania's newest United States  Senators, John Fetterman for whom I recently voted.  I should tell you at this point  in my story that I will try and tie several stories together, so follow closely!  I continue by telling you, at this point in my story, that I taught high school Graphic Arts, which involved the skill needed to run a printing press, to both of my sons, older son Derek and younger son Tad, both of whom I had in my Graphic Arts and Photography classes as high school students years ago.  I wore a shirt and tie to school, but always covered myself with a full-length jacket to make sure I wouldn't catch my clothing in a piece of equipment.  I did get my hand caught in a printing press one day while showing my students how to run the press, but that was because I wasn't paying attention and not due to my attire.  Every time I look at my right hand, I still think about that day and what might have happened had I been wearing a loose tie around my neck that day!  Both my sons still work in the printing trades and find it necessary to dress appropriately when they go to work.  No reason to wear a coat and tie, since they didn't have to impress those around them with their clothing.  Well, you probably are aware of the stink that has cropped up in the past few weeks due to one of Pennsylvania's United States Senators arriving at work in shorts and a hoodie.  

Cover of "The Week" which features a likeness
 of Chuck Schumer and John Fetterman burning a tie.
Notice John's shorts and white hoodie!

My first thought was...how is John going to get away with that!  Isn't there some sort of law that says they have to wear a coat and tie?  Well, I found out that there isn't a law...just a presumption that the men will wear a coat and tie....no jeans please!  Makes you look more professional and makes you work harder.  Yeah..right!  If you are reading this.....I'm almost absolutely sure that you never saw John Fetterman when he was at work.  I certainly never saw him in the Senate!  So...what's the big deal if he doesn't wear a coat and tie?  Now, I realize that he may go a bit too far off the assumed state of attire when he wears a hoodie and shorts, but I don't think a tie is necessary.  Yes, I agree with all who believe long pants and a sport shirt would be an appropriate form of attire for the United States Senate.  He might be overdoing it with the hoodie and shorts.  Funny, but we were never told what he had on his feet, but my guess would have been sneakers and no socks or maybe sandals!   Almost every week there is something in the newspaper about his attire.  MUST YOU DRESS IN SUIT COAT & TIE WHILE IN THE SENATE CHAMBERS??  I'm guessing that many in the Senate believe in that form of dress, but I'll bet there are many others who would just love to come in a nice, pressed sport shirt with comfortable dress pants....even jeans.  No need for a suit and tie.  Seems that the Senate never really had an official dress code...as far as I know!  You were just expected to have a coat and tie.  Well, John has other visions as to what is expected as acceptable dress!  Perhaps there should be a secret vote in the Senate chambers to see what they really want to wear when they take on their "customers" (you and me) problems.  I do agree that you look more professional with the coat and tie, but all people don't agree with me, either.  All "Blue Collar" workers probably wouldn't mind if he came in blue jeans and short-sleeved shirt, or even shorts and neatly ironed shirt.  John's white "Hoodie" might have been a bit too much...especially since he stands a head or two taller than most everyone else in the room.  I propose they take a secret vote to see what and if they must all have coats and ties when in their chamber.  As far as the female congregation goes, I can't believe that any of them would come in anything else except something nice looking.  But, then again, what's wrong with a comfortable bikini!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

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