Congress gets (slow) applause for raising the debt ceiling
August 3rd, 2011
08:51 PM ET

Congress gets (slow) applause for raising the debt ceiling

It started with a proposal on Sunday from just another American waiting to see how Congress would handle raising of the nation's debt ceiling.

"When the debt deal goes through can we start a meme where we all make videos of ourselves slowly & sarcastically applauding our politicians?" software developer Chris Ashworth tweeted Sunday.

As sarcastic proposals are wont to do on Twitter, the notion caught on, and by Monday, Ashworth had the website, slowclapforcongress.com up and running with a message to Congress:

"For your leadership, your maturity, and your inspiring ability to perform the basic duties of your job, We applaud you.

Since then, 43 YouTube videos have been uploaded to the site, featuring, as promised, Americans clapping slowly, wearing expressions that range from dour to stern, disappointed, sad, even flinty at times.

The site has made Ashworth in a viral sensation, and he's quickly learning the ropes of instant stardom.

"Note to self: reporters are now actively reading (and quoting) my Twitter feed. Don't say stupid things."

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Filed under: Budget • Economy • Politics
soundoff (51 Responses)
  1. Mmmmm

    In slow motion, I slowly walk to the voter's booth and slowly pull the voting curtains close...and vote those republican terrorist dogs out of office...

    August 3, 2011 at 9:18 pm | Report abuse |
    • michaelfury

      “Forget the politicians. The politicians are put there to give you the idea that you have freedom of choice . . . you don’t. You have no choice. You have owners. They own you. They own everything."

      – George Carlin

      http://michaelfury.wordpress.com/2010/08/09/by-the-balls/

      August 4, 2011 at 8:22 am | Report abuse |
    • HIKER

      And @ Michealfury...Yeah, George Carlin...one of the best comedians *ever* !

      August 4, 2011 at 11:29 pm | Report abuse |
  2. genomega1

    "vote those republican terrorist dogs out of office"
    So you think that going another $2.4 trillion in debt is a great thing?

    August 3, 2011 at 9:22 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Curious

    Slow applause? Like when Judd Nelson slow clapped Molly Ringwald for putting on lipstick using her ampleness?

    August 3, 2011 at 9:25 pm | Report abuse |
    • Cesar The Chorizo Champ Of Chihuahua*

      JUST LIKE THAT! JUST LIKE THAT!

      August 4, 2011 at 12:21 am | Report abuse |
  4. Ummmm.....

    @genomegawhatever1:
    No, but we can't be held hostage by a bunch of immature bratty ass wipes, either!

    August 3, 2011 at 9:38 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Ernie

    In slow motion, our government has pull the brakes off; now the train called the USA is headed over the cliff of bankruptcy!

    August 3, 2011 at 9:38 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Curious

    "Slowly, I turn..."

    August 3, 2011 at 9:53 pm | Report abuse |
  7. s kel

    the tea party and republicans are, unamerican,hating right wing terrorist trash, get rid of them.

    August 3, 2011 at 10:05 pm | Report abuse |
  8. s kel

    the american taliban, coperate americas love child, the tea party.

    August 3, 2011 at 10:07 pm | Report abuse |
  9. banasy

    Omg, Curious! That was my thought *exactly* when I saw Mmmmm's post!

    August 3, 2011 at 11:07 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Ronald Dotson

    I find it funny if I refuse to pay my taxes I can be jailed for failure to pay taxes, yet those same taxes I've paid can be sent to far away places I can't even afford to go. These are millionaire's playing with pour folks to middle class lives, and what are we to do but watch our hard earned money go to waist. It's ashame how the rich have no problem with looking over us have nuts. Keep an eye on the middle east cause sooner or later American people are gonna mobilize hopefully peacefully. Stop using us as PAWN in this political garbage, don't "BS" me my vote doesn't matter because all politicians are slick talking, lying pieces of dog droppings. What if we all Don't vote then what will they do????? Find another way to put Uncle Sam Finger Up Our Backside. Can I have my half back on the Whitehouse light bill mine is due. Yea right who care. We do¡!¡:(

    August 4, 2011 at 12:02 am | Report abuse |
  11. Joey Isotta-Fraschini

    Many comments here show a lack of concern for the dollar's becoming worthless, as long as the writer gets his share of the money pie.
    There is not enough to go around unless everybody produces something.

    August 4, 2011 at 12:07 am | Report abuse |
  12. Ronald Dotson

    Terrorist don't scare me politicians Dooooo...Boo

    August 4, 2011 at 12:10 am | Report abuse |
  13. Cesar The Chorizo Champ Of Chihuahua*

    Luckily, I don't ever say stupid things.

    August 4, 2011 at 12:25 am | Report abuse |
    • Cranky

      Obviously

      August 4, 2011 at 10:14 am | Report abuse |
  14. Ronald Dotson

    Let's be real you must be rich I understand you will never understand, we don't have the same worries

    August 4, 2011 at 12:27 am | Report abuse |
  15. Ronald Dotson

    Go write a check, fund raising domestic terrorist..If We America had our house in order with Europe issues, We America could've took a huge lead in the currency race. You're brain washed like all the rest waiting on politicians to save the day. Keep holding your breath you will by suicide.

    August 4, 2011 at 12:35 am | Report abuse |
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