S.C. Rep. Joe Wilson Heckles POTUS During Speech (Video)
In an official act consisting of a shocking and embarrassing breach of decorum, a Republican House Member, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., shouted “You lie” at President Obama during his speech to Congress Wednesday. His outburst came just as President Obama addressed concerned about whether illegal immigrants would obtain medical care under the Administration’s proposed heath care reforms.
Wilson called the White House to apologize to President Obama in person, but was routed to White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, according to Associated Press. He also issued a statement: “This evening I let my emotions get the best of me,” he said. “While I disagree with the president’s statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility.”
Wilson’s wasn’t the only interruption during Obama’s speech, but it was the most notable.
“Everybody was stunned,” Rep. Maxine Waters, D-CA, said of Wilson’s eruption. “It was just something that nobody had ever witnessed before. We all felt embarrassed.”
Republicans froze; several glanced in Wilson’s direction.
“There’ll be time enough to consider whether or not we ought to make it clear that that action is unacceptable in the House of Representatives,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said late Wednesday on WTOP radio when asked about possible punishment for Wilson. “I’ve talked to Republican members who share that view.”
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“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else.”
Theodore Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star May 7, 1918
Joe Wilson issued his South Carolina statement: “I personally believe, that the U.S. President, is unable to tell the truth, because uh, some, people out there, in our nation don’t have truths. and uh… I believe that our education like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as… and, I believe they should uh, our education over here, in the U.S. should help the U.S. or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and Asian countries so we will be able to build up our truth, for us.”
It will be interesting to see whether Wilson is removed from office for his behavior. Wilson’s outburst, which looks like it was initially sanctioned by Republican officials before it became clear that many in the Chamber felt it went too far, signals that the Obama Administration is already under seige by greedy corporate-backed thugs masked as elected lawmakers.
It’s ‘take no prisoners’ time. Is the Obama Administration up to the challenge?