Whether or not the president is thought to be right or wrong is not the issue. The issue is how and where such a belief is addressed.
He is still the President of the United States of America and should be given the respect that comes with the title placed upon him by the citizens of this great nation. If he is wrong, then misguided actions will catch up to him.
What Sen. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) did in Congress last week was understandable — to a degree.
The man simply spoke his mind, calling out another man and challenging his words.
The problem is, he called out the president.
After President Obama told Congress that, under his plan, illegal immigrants would not be granted free health care by the government, Wilson shouted, “You lie.”
It is undoubtedly the most memorable moment in Wilson’s political history, at least on a national scale.
Wilson obviously challenged Obama’s word, decrying that illegal immigrants really would be given health care, just like taxpaying American citizens.
If this were correct, much modification should be done to this health care plan before it ever becomes law.
But the White House denounced Wilson’s claims. The bill’s wording backs that up.
“Nothing in this subtitle shall allow federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully in the United States,” it reads.
However, the bill does leave out a provision to enforce the “no illegals” rule.
More than likely, that’s what drew Wilson’s ire and has many in the GOP reviewing the bill with doubts.
Still, it’s in poor taste for any congressman to interrupt and take attention away from a president who is addressing them.
It doesn’t matter if it’s Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan or Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
It shouldn’t matter if the Commander in Chief is Republican or Democrat.
The floor belonged to the president. If a member of Congress disagrees, do so afterward in another forum. There are plenty of media outlets available.
Wilson, who will be in a tight district race next year, did the right thing afterward by apologizing to Obama.
“While I disagree with the president’s statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable,” he said in a statement. “I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility.”
It’s good – and humble — to recognize your mistakes and admit them to the nation.
It’s still embarrassing that such actions occurred in our highest political chambers.
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