Dear George,

Colbert's testimony was refreshing, witty, clever, insightful and much needed. Unfortunately, Mr. Hoyer's remarks were an embarassment and inappropriate. Mr. Colbert is charged in testifying with bringing new light to the subject at hand. Congress is collecting evidence. Mr. Colber'st wit and sense of humor which are conveyed through a character he has perfected are the most clear tools he has to use as a communicator. On the contrary, it's inspiring to see someone use the platform of a Congressional hearing, frequently thought of as staid and boring, with such imagination.

Mr. Hoyer's remarks were inappropriate because they ignored the valuable point Mr. Colbert was making and took away from advocacy for his own cause. If Republicans can accept the theatrics of the Tea Party and embrace them as a way to ride back into a majority, why can't the Democrats celebrate when a quality citizen like Colbert comes forward to make a valuable point. Were it not for the clarity of commentators like Colbert and Jon Stewart, Dems might not be in majority.

You don't have to read a Shakespeare play to know that clowns have been making important points to Kings and Queens of many great countries for centuries. They held high places in court because of entertainment, but also because of their wisdom and their ability to make points in a less volatile way.

In short, a sense of humor can be much more valuable when used correctly. Mr. Colbert was clearly using his in that way on this occasion and Mr. Hoyer missed an opportunity to drive home the legislation: an "embarassment" and "inappropriate"

Joseph Clancy (Electronic mail, September 28, 2010)