Welcome Honored Specimens, Err, Guests

Everyone has an off day, even Sen. President Thomas V. Mike Miller.

Maybe it was the marathon 3 minute transcendental prayer to open Thursday's session that even Miller branded "unique."

So one can hardly blame Miller for the awkward moments that followed Harford County Republican Sen. Barry Glassman's attempt to welcome foreign dignitaries from 19 different countries who were visiting the State House as guests of the U.S. State Department.

Usually the toughest part of introducing the dignitaries comes from senators attempting to not butcher the names. This time, it was the attempt to extend a warmer welcome to the guests seated in the balcony.

"Bring everybody down here and let's see what we got," said Miller, inviting the foreign delegation to the floor of the Senate.

Miller then tried to save himself from an awkward moment.

"These people traveled thousands of miles across the ocean. The least we can do is say 'hi,'" Miller added.

That's when Baltimore County Democratic Sen. Delores Kelley approached the dais to gently chide the Senate's presiding officer.

"You're making them seem like specimens at the zoo," said Kelley.

Miller turned his microphone back on and made one more run at it.

"We need to extend the proper Senate greeting, is what I meant to say,"said  Miller.

And with that a multinational incident was avoided.