Repubs say the sit-in is "disrespectful."

[csziggy]

5. Disrespectful was when Issa turned the mic off for Rep. Elijah Cummings

Issa shuts down his own IRS hearing
03/05/14 12:08 PM—Updated 03/05/14 12:41 PM

By Steve Benen

The first time House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) tried to hear testimony from Lois Lerner, the former head of the IRS’ tax exempt division, she asserted her Fifth Amendment rights, as expected. Today, Issa brought Lerner back, knowing she wouldn’t testify, but wanting to put on a little election-year show for the cameras anyway.

But as the above video makes clear, the interesting development wasn’t Lerner’s decision not to testify, which everyone already knew would happen, but the heated confrontation between Issa and the committee’s ranking member, Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.).

For about 15 minutes, Issa, already well aware of the fact that Lerner wouldn’t answer his questions, strutted for the cameras, pushing his favorite talking points about the discredited scandal.

When he was done, Issa decided to abruptly end the hearing. When Cummings sought an opportunity to speak, Issa invited everyone in attendance to leave. When Cummings proceeded anyway, Issa cut off the power to the congressman’s microphone.

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/issa-shuts-down-his-own-irs-hearing

The Republicans have shown over and over that they are afraid to hold discussions about important topics. If they don't want to think about a subject, they just shut down any venue where discussion might occur.

Republicans are the definition of "disrespectful."