FROM THE STAR/TRIBUNE
By PHILIP RUCKER and ANN GERHART, Washington Post
Last update: September 11, 2009 - 6:20 AM
WASHINGTON - Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., mastered politics in a state where no-holds-barred political combat dates back to the days before the Civil War, when one of its congressmen entered the Senate chamber and beat a Massachusetts senator with a cane for attacking pro-slavery Southerners. So when Wilson went so far Wednesday night as to heckle President Obama, interrupting his address to Congress with shouts of "You lie!" he wasn't straying far from South Carolina's political traditions.
Wilson's outburst not only thrust the little-known congressman into the national spotlight; it also made him the latest in a legendary line of South Carolina politicians who appeared to revel in renegade behavior.
Wilson on Thursday turned a deaf ear to pleas from his party's leaders to apologize on the House floor, saying that a phone-call apology to Obama had been sufficient and that his comments were "spontaneous" and the result of being overcome with emotion. Democratic leaders, though stunned, said they were not inclined to pursue an official sanction against Wilson, and Obama accepted his apology: "I'm a big believer that we all make mistakes."
Still, Wilson became an overnight hero for conservatives by boldly channeling inside the sanctity of the Capitol the anger that so many activists loudly displayed at August town hall meetings over health care reform. Interest in the formerly obscure backbencher overwhelmed his website and jammed his phone lines Thursday.
Wilson's charge -- which fact-checkers have repeatedly established as false -- was that the universal-coverage provision Obama backs would extend care to illegal immigrants.
Based on the proposals so far, illegal immigrants would not be allowed to obtain government subsidies that would make it easier for low-income individuals and families to afford health insurance. Critics, however, say the legislation as proposed does not include sufficient enforcement mechanisms.
"I truly had to speak out," Wilson told constituents Thursday in an interview with radio station WVOC-AM, insisting again that his claim about the legislation was accurate. Asked if he regretted his remark, however, Wilson said, "Oh, yeah, I wouldn't do that -- I wouldn't have planned it or done it again."
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ReplyDeleteI disagree with Wilson's decision to make an outburst like that in the middle of a speech, whether you believe that he is lying or not. But what bugs me is that Democrats are insisting that Wilson makes another public apology in front of Congress. This is very childish. If Wilson has to apologize once again even after Obama accepted his apology, then Obama should apologize for saying that Palin's Death Panel quote was "a lie, plain and simple."
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ReplyDeleteWilson yelled u lie to president obama, the president always deserves respect
ReplyDeleteI think that it was fine for congressman Joe Wilson to yell "You Lie" to the president. What happened to freedom of speech. There were other congressmen who was booing President Obama,but you don't see them having to apologize. There were some people who didn't like his plan. There is nothing wrong with giving your opinion. Only if it is appropiate. Im not agenst President Obama, but you dont see me in the news for what im saying. Thanks for reading.
ReplyDelete- Jamiee G
Are you serious, Jamiee? I mean sure, people have freedom of speech. But how would you feel if someone publicly interrupted you and called you a liar? Very similar to Kanye and Taylor Swift. It's humiliating and cruel. And with him being the president, he should be treated with respect. Especially with this coming from a member of Congress, it's very childish behaviour. And you say nothing is wrong with giving your opinion if it's appropriate. I don't see anything appropriate about yelling at the president during an address to Congress. I have nothing against you, Jamiee, but that's down right silly.
ReplyDeleteHailey F2
I think it was good that Wilson spoke his mind, but I don't think he should've yelled during the middle of Obama's speech. Jaimee, you were right about freedom of speech, but your rights only go so far - they stop where somebody else's begin. Everybody has the right to be respected, and I feel that Obama's rights were violated when Wilson interrupted him.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important for people to understand that, just because you hold a high position of power, doesn't mean you always tell the truth. Don't get me wrong, I highly doubt Obama was lying, he is just misguided. In a somewhat recent speech, Obama said that his new healthcare plan would not cover those who are living here illegally. Instead, he wanted amnesty for these illegal immigrants. So in an indirect way, the new health care proposal will cover those who have immigrated in our country illegally and unfairly without investigation.
ReplyDeleteI see what you are saying Hailey,but Wilson was not the only one who disagreed with the presadent. You may think that it is childish but there are other people who will disagree with you. Is it not ok to speek your mind? What with the world that you can't say what you feel. Just like today I meet a guy who realy hated Obama and he just let it out. I did not tell him to stop saying that. I let hem say what he wanted to. Sure it was inappropriate,but I didn't say anything or make a big deal out of it. It was his opinion and I respeted it.
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ReplyDeleteI think it was wrong of wilson to scream "you lie" at obama if he had to say something it should have been done after his speech. But I can see wilson's side he felt strongly about this and it angered him when obama lied right to congress's face.
ReplyDeleteWilson was just saying how he felt, theres nothing wrong with speaking ur mind even if it is to the president. Wilson did apology but he really didnt have too. freedom of speech!!!
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ReplyDeleteIt was totally disrespectful to interupt the speech of president Obama. Although it is good that Wilson said what he thinks, he could do that with more respect or after the speech.
ReplyDeleteEven he has other thoughts or ideas as Obama, he should listen and respect his point of view.
Obama was elected as a representative for this country and you should show him respect for that.
When president Obama was giving a speech, a representative (Joe Wilson) yelled "You Lie" repeatedly at the president. For one thing it's just rude to inturupt someone when their talking especially if your talking to the "President of the united states"! I mean if i did that to the "president", my mom would ground me for weeks! But a couple days later Wilson did call Obama to apologize for what he had done at the meeting and Pres. Obama did accept his apology. I think Wilson did the right thing by apologizing, and i would of said sorrry to if it was me. I think it was kinda good and bad what he did but hey thats just my opinon
ReplyDeletekezar
I think I was a very rude thing to do, I mean if you think about it here is a man that is here to represent our country and he’s up there making a speech when someone just jumps up and yells you lie, its one thing to have a freedom of speech but your rights stop when someone else’s start, He crossed that line
ReplyDeleteI think it was inacceptable, rude and disrespectful to interrupt the prsidents speech. Even when Wilson had an other view of the situation, he couldn't tell the president that he's lying in the middle of his speech. In my opinion I think it's good that Wilson has apologize for his behavior.
ReplyDeleteAnna R2
NO MORE COMMENTS.
ReplyDelete