Al Green Takes a Stand: A Capitol Circus Worthy of a Roaring Audience

Well, folks, it was just another day in the grand old circus that is our nation’s capital, where the elephants and donkeys put on the show of a lifetime. This time, the spotlight was on Congressman Al Green of Texas—a true lion amidst a parade of tamed puppies. As the clock struck the hour of President Donald Trump’s latest address, Green decided he had had enough of the clown car antics flooding the House chamber.

Imagine it: Trump, brimming with bravado, strides in like a kid who just bagged the last piece of candy, proclaiming that his electoral victory was a mandate the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades. Oh, really now? That’s when Green, a man with more courage in his pinky than most folks have in their entire bodies, jumped up and fired back with the kind of righteous indignation that could wake the dead. “You have no mandate!” he shouted, aiming that cane of his like a pistol.

Of course, this did not go over well with the Republicans, who sprang to their feet, chanting “USA! USA!” as if that made any of Trump’s claims more legitimate. One can’t help but chuckle at the almost comedic timing; it was as if the GOP had rehearsed their scripted response as if it were opening night in the theater district. But I digress.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who seems more committed to keeping decorum than addressing real issues, warned Green to behave. Spoiler alert: he didn’t. And so, with all the pomp and circumstance of an overzealous mall cop, Johnson called on the Sergeant at Arms to restore order, leading to Green’s unhappy exit. The Republicans couldn’t contain their glee, cheering and singing an impromptu farewell tune. It was a real Broadway moment, audiences!

Outside the chamber, Green was ready to face the music, telling reporters that speaking out against cuts to Medicaid was worth the risk of being tossed out on his ear. After all, it was the very essence of representing the people—shouting against the tide of a wave crashing down upon the vulnerable.

It’s almost tragic in its comedy how little the GOP truly comprehends the needs of the people they claim to serve. As Green’s voice echoed in the hallways of power, the fake news brigade swarmed—cue the expected chorus of political operatives reminding us of how decorum must be maintained. But is it really decorum when the lives of millions hang in the balance?

Let’s not forget, dear readers, that this isn’t just about Al Green and his defiance against a president more interested in ego-stroking than solving problems. It’s about a wayward administration that, days earlier, was playing nice with Russia while suspending military aid to Ukraine—an undeniable pattern of behavior that sends shivers down the spines of anyone remotely concerned with global stability.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “What about Mike Johnson?” you say. Well, folks, Johnson’s attempts to put on the airs of a genteel leader who upholds decorum leave much to be desired. He needs to take a page out of Green’s book—speak up and shake things up! If those in power are too afraid to engage in a little back-and-forth, what hope do we have of making real progress?

However, fair warning to Greener than Green: while you may have delivered a refreshing slap of truth to power, taking on this circus of clowns isn’t for the faint-hearted. But if nothing else, it sure does make for a great show, and I’ll be the first in line to buy a ticket.

So here’s to Al Green, the lion in the House of Representatives, and the courage he shows in a room full of puppets. Perhaps, just perhaps, he’ll inspire others to stand up and holler too. We need more lions and fewer lapdogs if we hope to take back the narrative from the circus that has plagued our politics for far too long.

Al Green, my friend, you may be one voice among many, but you roar like a thousand thunderheads! The nation’s watching, and they like what they see. Now let’s hope somebody in the House actually starts listening.

Sources:

1. Bedigan, Mike. “Democrat Al Green Forced Out of Chamber After Protesting Trump Speech to Congress.” The Independent, 5 Mar. 2025, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-speech-al-green-congress-b2709124.html.
2. de Guzman, Chad. “What to Know About the Democratic Lawmaker Ejected for Protesting Trump’s Speech.” TIME, 4 Mar. 2025, https://time.com/7264572/al-green-trump-speech-congress-texas-democrat-mandate-protest-removed/.
3. Erickson, Bo, et al. “Trump Touts Relentless Start to Term in Speech to Congress, Drawing Catcalls from Democrats.” Reuters, 5 Mar. 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-address-congress-after-upending-us-foreign-domestic-policies-2025-03-04/.
4. Gans, Jared. “Democratic Rep. Al Green Removed After Disrupting Trump’s Speech.” The Hill, 4 Mar. 2025, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5176778-al-green-heckled-trump/.
5. James, Anne. “Congressman Al Green from Houston Removed from Trump’s Speech to Joint Session of Congress.” KHOU 11, 4 Mar. 2025, https://www.khou.com/article/news/politics/al-green-trump-speech-removed/285-5ef5f2c9-76e7-471d-adcf-2db10c1041ef.
6. Katz, Michael. “Dem. Rep. Green Disrupts Trump Speech, Then Gets Booted.” Newsmax, 4 Mar. 2025, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/al-green-democrats-disruptions/2025/03/04/id/1201434/.
7. Metzger, Bryan. “’It’s Worth It’: Rep. Al Green Gets Tossed Out of Trump’s Speech to Congress over Medicaid Protest.” Business Insider, 4 Mar. 2025, https://www.yahoo.com/news/worth-rep-al-green-gets-031710861.html.