First of all, I watch The Colbert Report on Comedy Central at least two or three times a week — usually  its day-old 7:30 PM (ET) repeat edition since I am much too old and tired to stay up and catch the first run at 11:30 PM (ET).

I think Stephen Colbert is often hysterically funny (not quite as funny as Jon Stewart, Glenn Beck or Betty White, but really funny).

But, I have to admit, I’m with those who believe his recent testimony before Congress on the issue of the plight of illegal immigrant farm workers in which he, for the most part, remained in his character as a clueless conservative pundit was ill-advised.

While the subject matter was important — and I don’t doubt Colbert’s sincerity in his desire to bring attention to both the cause of compassionate justice and his own TV show — the mix of comedy to reality was a bit tone deaf.

The truth is Colbert could have brought as much attention to the cause simply by testifying as a human being who is sincerely concerned with fairness and compassion toward those who spend backbreaking hours every day picking the food we eat for little compensation and (if they’re here illegally) under the threat of deportation. 

But his schtick, which is incredibly honed on his TV show, was disturbingly out of place in the halls of Congress. Beyond making a mockery of our lawmakers (which, in most cases, I’m all for), it all also, I think, distracted from his cause (almost, at times, belittling it) and further blurred the line between reality and TV that is already too blurry.

It’s one thing to make satiric points about serious topics within the confines of a comedy show. That can actually be useful in illuminating issues plus there’s something to be said for laughing at our troubles. But there comes a point when reality should rule the day. It just doesn’t seem right that a congressional hearing be turned into a promotional stunt for The Colbert Report.   

There was an instance or two when Colbert made some serious points during his comedy routine/congressional testimony — but the balance was way off considering the venue.

Shakespeare once wrote “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”  That insight played out way too literally last week in Congress.

Stephen, one Catholic to another, you’re an intelligent guy with a lot to say. Next time you testify before Congress, please be yourself.