–important update below–
“No president has ever been treated like that. Ever,” Mr. Emanuel said. … Critical body language and murmurs of disapproval are typical at presidential addresses and part of the political theater. But members of both parties were trying to recollect such a pointed attack from an individual lawmaker at a presidential address and noted that a similar remark could draw a formal reprimand if delivered at a routine session of the House. – In Lawmaker’s Outburst, a Rare Breach of Protocol
A formal reprimand is fitting for Mr. Wilson, who deserves a censure, in my opinion. However, there will likely be no show towards him from Democrats, as getting health care done is difficult enough that antagonizing the Republicans— Wait a minute, they’re not going to vote for any health care reform. So, strike that. Democrats may think it’s a distraction to confront Wilson formally, but given the traditional media and cable shows are leading with Wilson’s insults it would hardly add to it; instead perhaps remind people that Democrats stand up to wingnut thuggery, we don’t turn the other cheek.
To add, just moments after I posted this piece, Roll Call reported that Democrats are demanding Wilson apologize on House floor:
Top Democrats are demanding that Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) apologize on the House floor for screaming, “You lie!” at President Barack Obama during last night’s joint address to Congress and are investigating whether to take further action.
It was a prime moment for the Sergeant at Arms to bring forth the Mace. Ah, what theater that would have provoked.
During its first 100 years, the House followed the practice of asking its Sergeant-at-Arms to quell disorder on the floor by parading around with the Mace. The sight of this symbol of order was supposed to be sufficient reminder to Members to resume parliamentary decorum.
What Wilson revealed is what Republicans represent today. That the presidency is their personal toilet on which they can throw rhetorical excrement fitting southern country boy rallies if the person presiding over the Office of the President doesn’t meet their good old boy standards. Disrespectful, tantrum throwing thugs who believe Congress is one big frat house that they can destroy with antics not fitting gentlemen and gentle ladies charged with running this country.
I say this with all due disrespect.
Wilson unmasked the birther, town hall brawlers, “death panel” punk mentality that is the Republican Party. People who shrug and stand aside when people are hurting, lives are at stake, as well as the foundational health and moral charge we all have to be our brothers’ keeper.
Wilson illustrated the Republican fundamentalism that has made them a minority party and will keep them that way if cretins like Wilson aren’t expunged from the public square, which Republicans don’t seem all that keen to do.
Let’s help them.
The PERFECT PATRIOT for Joe Wilson’s seat.
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