Why is this the response I keep hearing?
I agree, if only because the comparison is absurd. If you are unable to look past the satirical personality and discern the point of Colbert's testimony, that is your own downfall.
Congress using satire to make a point is, well, comical. Regardless of the point, there should be some dignity in the body. A congressional hearing is not the place for satire.
He was being serious for some of it then broke off into satire. He did have some dignity.
That being said, why does it matter whether it's satire or not? Like any American that has the right to speak before Congress, they can do it in their own way. If the idiots on Capitol Hill are too dumb to understand the point of such ridiculousness, then they shouldn't be in office.
His point was clear, I just think summoning a comedian who is known for putting on a ridiculous satirical persona was a bad idea. Personally, I don't think celebrities should ever be invited to testify unless there is some reason that they clearly identify with that issue.