A class act he is not, but South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson’s boorish behavior during President Obama’s speech on health reform more than earned him his 15 minutes of infamy.
It is understandable that he chose – or as some suggested, was told – to bellow “You lie!” when the President was explaining for the umpteenth time that undocumented immigrants would not be covered under health care legislation. After all, Wilson’s extreme anti-immigrant positions are well known.
His outburst, for which he has half-heartedly apologized, not only exposed Wilson for the uncouth nativist he is, but made clear that immigration is still very much one of the Republican Party’s war horses.
“Congressman Joe Wilson’s outburst is not only a massive breach of decorum,” said Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice, “but the latest example of how race-baiting and immigrant bashing have become standard fare for hard-right elements of the Republican Party.”
One has to wonder if Wilson and his ilk are intent on committing political suicide – and in the process taking down with them the entire GOP – or if their prejudices are so deep that they just cannot help themselves.
Ironically, after all is said and done, Joe (You lie!) Wilson’s outburst could go down in history as the death knell for the most reactionary and extremist wing of the Republican Party.
#68 I will say one thing for you—you have an even disposition….always mean.
You are the kind of person who lights us the room…by leaving.
Judging by the quality and character of your posts…I can state, without fear of contradiction, there will be a lot of empty seats at your testimonial dinner…
#79 Why is that good…wouldn’t trade, the internet, liberate Cubans…the embargo clearly doesn’t…how much time is needed to know when a policy failed…1,000 years?
#79 I won’t do it…but the reasons for the embargo must be for a special interest…investigative reporting, sound analysis of fact, is required to uncover who…
But clearly the Embargo policy is not for the benefit of Americans or Cubans…
#83 Like, duh! The reason he cited was just to appease his followers. It’s just saying there’s a higher power that’s forcing him to break his promise. That’s why I said he crashed with reality and had to stop lying to his voters.
#84 I don’t see where he stopped lying.
It boggles the mind he can lie so often in a speech…and not be called on it.
Wilson should have pressed the issue…then the Establishment Media would have been forced to compare what’s in the bill, and what Obama said.
He’s pushing a version of health care that’s not in any bill.