Does anybody else think it’s kind of strange that in the USA, we behave like prissy throne-sniffers regarding a President’s address to Congress, while the British Parliament is alive with boisterous repartee and heckling? Witness this 2007 feud between Prime Minister Gordon Brown and David Cameron–

(And please do not cite procedural esoterica. I am aware that differences exist, but that’s not the point.)

UPDATE: From Slate:

In the United Kingdom, prime ministers expect less decorum from representatives. Every Wednesday while the House of Commons is in session, the prime minister spends half an hour answering questions—and enduring boos and snide remarks—from Members of Parliament.

UPDATE: I guess the answer to my question is “yes.” Alex Massie from The Daily Beast in praise of hecklers.