Bringing Disrespect Into Congress

The vitriol from the last month's town hall meetings, accusations, and conspiracy theories has now been brought into the House Chamber by Representative Joe Wilson (R), South Carolina.  By now, you have read he shouted "you lie", as reported by the AP, when President Obama was outlining that the health care plan would not pay for the care of illegal immigrants.  While most Republicans remained respectful of the Office of the President, if not the President himself, and respectful of the House Chamber, others chose to hold signs, laugh, and text message.  It will make Wilson a sensation around the Internet and possibly a new hero to FOX pundits and their viewers, but he has disgraced his party and the country.  Senator Nancy Pelosi (D) was reported to have considered gaveling him out of order, but did not.  Senator John McCain (R) called for an apology immediately following the speech.  Senator Arlen Specter (R) has called for censure.

His website had been removed last night and remained down today "due to exceptionally high traffic".  His outburst should seal his fate in South Carolina.  However, an apology is not enough.  South Carolina should call on Mr. Wilson to resign immediately for his utter disrespect for the Republican party, the country, the Chamber, the people of the United States, the Office of the President, and to President Obama.

I do not believe anyone gets this emotional over a President or a policy, unless there is some hidden fear button that is being pushed.  I won't call it out here, but you and I both know what it is and it is another sad day for the United States of America.

For the complete text of President Obama's speech on health care that dispels the rumors and outlines what he expects in the plan, go here.  The transcript includes Mr. Wilson's outburst and the responses.

Addendum - This from an article by Dana Milbank of the Washington Post regarding other Republican hecklers in the House Chamber last night:

When Obama addressed the charge that he plans "panels of bureaucrats with the power to kill off senior citizens," someone on the GOP side shouted out "shame!" The president went on: "Such a charge would be laughable if it weren't so cynical." "Read the bill!" someone shouted back. Obama mentioned those who accuse him of a government takeover of health care. "It's true," someone shouted back .... Even as Obama delivered a tribute to the late senator Ted Kennedy, Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga), a leader of House conservatives, perused his BlackBerry. Shortly before the speech ended, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) walked out to beat the rush.

 And, this from ActBlue:  Since the heckling of the President by Joe Wilson, his Democratic opponent has raised $123,580  from 3,548 donors to this date/time.