Cindy Sheehan wasn’t the only one removed from the SOTU address on Tuesday. So was the wife of Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R-Fla.), for wearing a shirt that said “Support the troops.” Rep. Young got really incensed on the house floor yesterday and eventually got an apology from Capitol Police Chief Terrance W. Gainer.

Here’s the kicker, though:

Young said he wouldn’t be so mad if it were just Sheehan. “I totally disagree with everything she stands for,” he said. But by removing his wife, Gainer’s officers clearly “acted precipitously,” Young said.

This incident is very telling: at least this one member of the self-professed “small-government” party feels it fundamental that heavy handedness be kept in check so long as you agree with him. Everyone else is “the other” and can fend for herself..

Contrast this with the more liberal view that, for better or for worse, we are all in this community, society, planet together, and abuses against one are abuses against all. Contrast this clannish outlook on the world with principled view epitomized by Voltaire: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”