President Obama outlined his vision of a 10-year, $900-billion health care plan in an address to a joint session Tuesday night, challenging Republican critics to drop their "bogus claims" about his proposals and help address the problems of rising medical costs and Americans who lack insurance.
One of those claims he addressed as untrue was that reform efforts would insure illegal immigrants. Obama called that false.
But someone in the chamber yell, "You lie!" That someone was Joe Wilson, Republican congressman, South Carolina. (pictured at the right)
Other members catcalled and one said, "Throw him out."
The chamber is supposed to be a place of reverence. You express you disapproval by remaining silent or sitting on your hands. It's protocol. It'll be interesting to see the minority party disciplines such behavior. If this is what has become of our elected officials, is it any wonder we don't know how to act, either?
Comments
Thanks to the congressman for saying what all Americans are thinking. Wish my Congressman Mike Ross had those kind of guts to speak out. You do not have anything to apologize about.
What a Jerk
I have not always agreed with Republican President's views but have always had respect for the office of the President. Shame on him and his peers for their behavior! God Bless America and the President.
Sanford, Wilson--remind me never to go to South Carolina. If this is the best their state can produce to represent them, it is one hell of a place.
Shame on Joe Wilson - SC won't get anymore of my golf vacay $
I can't believe this imbecile is a congressman. Learn som manners and Etiquette!
I just sent a campaign contribution to Wilson's challenger, Rob Miller. Wilson called the White House, but got through only to Rahm Emmanuel. I'll bet that was some spicey conversation.
Guess you're pretty proud of that Bustani too, huh American? Malpractice law suits, involvement in a British title scam...
You can't unring a bell. Forget his apology. Who cares. He is just one more of the town hall tea bagging jerks. This is what they are all about. Disrespecting the office of the President and our country.
Won't be vacationing in South Carolina anytime soon!
Points for "American".
1. You are not much of an American for thinking that rude, disrespectful behavior in the MIDDLE of the President's speech is acceptable. If any member of Congress would have done that during a speech given by former President Bush, I would have been appalled and ashamed by such disrespect. What a disgrace you are.
2. You obviously are not much of a thinker, since you are so willing believe something that has been found to be a bald-faced LIE by various NON-PARTISAN organizations.
3. You do NOT speak for "all Americans". Check out a poll or two that is not an insta-poll from Fox News watchers. President Obama is still trusted by the majority of Americans in this country.
Grow up and go read something than partisan talking points.
@American not all Americans think our president is a liar. In fact many of us our sick and tired of right wing hysterics and lies. One of those lies is that illegal immigrants will be covered under the healthcare reform bill, which explicitly prohibits coverage of illegal immigrants. Joe Wilson made a fool of himself and you're a fool too.
How dare someone hide behind a handle like "American". You are nothing but a jackass. I do not care if you like the idea of health care reform or not, no one should EVER support the disgraceful display shown tonight while the President was speaking. There are ways to show disapproval or disagreement with policy, but brazenly calling the elected leader of the United States a liar on national television is the lowest form of disrespect. Anyone who condones that type of display should hardly be calling themselves "American".
I was really proud of the way our President handled himself as a gentleman to explain his position on a very important issue that affects all Americans. It is a shame and disgrace the someone who should know better because of his past experience as a member of the military and as a current member of Congress showed so little respect for the Office of the President during an event that was televised before the entire nation and world.
I'm from Georgia and grew up amid the civil right era. While Mississipi and Alabama fought over who was the most backward state in the Union South Carolina remained in third place even with Strom Thurman, but Jim Demint, Joe Wilson and the rest of the "Republican Southern Stratagy Babies" have nailed down first place in the race for Bigots of the new century!!
I guess its not barbaric enough to just deny another human being health care and the right to life sustaining treatments but republicans need to insult the president as well.
Show No FEAR! DEFEND America against all enemies foreign and domestic! Way to GO Mr. Joe Wilson!!!! You had the GUTS to tell the WORLD the truth! I applaud you! I'll be sending you a check to support your re-election! Glad to see there is still real Americans and not all cattle!
An out of control fool does not exhibit guts anymore than a criminal or child having a tantrum. We want (and need) leadership and respect to approach our problems and address issues. Wilson clearly lacks the ability to lead, to be an example, or to participate in a democratic government that is on a world stage. The election took place last year and it is time to participate in this government and not have a tantrum by calling the President of the United States a names during a speech. He violated the rules of Congress and the common decency that we are all entitled to expect, especially from a Congressman. He should resign and search for some country that would tolerate such inappropriate conduct. I am sorry for the people of South Carolina as they certainly deserve better.
Pffft. Obama is WORSE then Bush. That's saying something. America is dying, and unfortunately the cure eludes us. When you guys get what Obama has in store for you, I hope you realize what a terrible choice you made.
So...Let's ensure that out kids do not have an opportunity to "listen" to OUR president while also embracing an individual from The Rebublican Party YELLING at The President on prime time TV...Terrific Role Models for America.
This is nothing compared what happens in other countries
legislative bodies,even the United Nations!
At least he didn't throw a shoe,or call him the Devil!
This just shows, the reicht is grasping at straws. The only arguement they have left is you lie! Come on, grow up. Try using facts, and if you have none, keep your mouth shut.
I'll avoid South Carolina at all cost, and I'll do everything I can to put Mr. Wilsons poltical career to rest.
So disrespectful that people have to stoop so low in commenting their thoughts of hate and filth! I am proud of our President and I will continue to support his issues to the highest integrity this world has to offer. Keep up the Good work President Obama! There are many behind you always!
We stood by and listened to George Bush's BS for all these years of 9/11, weapons mass destruction etc. and now this S.C. baboon has the gall to make asinine comments while the President is speaking. As much as I cannot stand George Bush I would never have interrupted a speech. Maybe that's just me or maybe it's just having manners or common decency. Let the man try to help heal a nation torn apart by the Republican politics of the past few years.
We should have let them secede when we had the chance. Once a dumb ass always a dumb ass.
Chad Morrison says: "Pffft. Obama is WORSE then Bush. That's saying something. America is dying, and unfortunately the cure eludes us. When you guys get what Obama has in store for you, I hope you realize what a terrible choice you made."
Here's my time machine response, circa, 2001: "America is dying, and unfortunately the cure eludes us. When you guys get what Bush has in store for you, I hope you realize what a terrible choice you made."
You see the difference between you and the liberals you hate? There isn't any. Anyone who puts more stock in an occupant of the White House than the amazing concept that is the United States really needs a lesson in civics. You can rest easy, angry person: America will be just fine.
ProudAmerican says: "I was really proud of the way our President handled himself as a gentleman to explain his position on a very important issue that affects all Americans..."
I thought that, too. There seemed for a moment, just a fleeting moment, that it caught the president by surprise. It reminded my of John McCain's surprise on the campaign trail when he mentioned Obama and someone in a crowd yelled "Terrorist!" It's a question of decorum in the chamber. This is something you simply don't do. Even Obama's most vocal opponents, Mitch McConnell and John Boehner, had the decency to walk down the aisle with the president as he entered the chamber. The bipartisan display my have ended when they got to the floor, but at least there's respect for the tradition of the Congress and the history that chamber holds.
Andrews says: This is nothing compared what happens in other countries legislative bodies,even the United Nations! At least he didn't throw a shoe,or call him the Devil!
That's true, Andrew, but there's a level of decorum in Congress that ought to be respected. It really does come down to a matter of class. Some have but it seems more and more of us don't.
FYI: I give Bush credit for handling that shoe-throwing situation so graciously.
I give credit to Joe Wilson for falling on his sword on this one. No way was this unplanned or unauthorized - you regularly hear the GOP Congressional leadership boasting about their tight party discipline. This was likely a planned outburst, one for which Joe probably was happy to volunteer. Once the reaction wasn't what they hoped for, Joe had to take the heat all on his own. He'll be rewarded by the RNC at some point.
Here are two useful links, the first to voice your concerns regarding Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst and the second to fund his opponent's campaign:
Send Rep. Joe Wilson a message: www.house.gov/formwilson/IMA/issue.htm
Send his opponent (Rob Miller) money: www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19079
He got more publicity than he could ever buy. There's a giant photo of him at the top of this article, as a matter of fact. Who outside of South Carolina had ever heard of him before? EVERYONE knows him now, and he will be the darling of the talk radio set.
This is a sad day for the Republican Party. This jackass, unfortunately, is the face of the new Republicans. Just to show you how low they have sunk as a party. These guys are nothing more than a bunch of red necks and thugs that with too much inbreeding. I hope to god that these people never get to run the country again. SAD...
shame on you joe --- I only wish I could vote against you in your next election.. You truly embarased yourself and the people you represent.... SHAME ---
It is wonderful how liberals act when people speak out against them, this country is going into the toilet fast and the liberals as well as the republicans are jiggling the handle as fast as they can, people are crapping on the constitution and claiming they are patriots, what a joke, well you will get what you want and deserve, the future will be interesting to say the least.
its very sad that a grown up man like joe wilson will lower himself to this level in front of america,but let me remind you that the mouth speak from the heart and the soul,wilson wanted to say more than what he said,hopeful he look in the mirrow and ask how did i get here and where am i going with this behavior?hate take you nowhere but distroy your inner being.America call it like it is,and pray for his family,this is the real joe wilson can you imagine what he say in his own home what he might call the president when nobody is around?i smell redneck!!!!!!!!republicans are showing their real colours now.But sad, and disappointed its not a good reflection of our country.
petersmith01, your link to Joe Wilson's opponents site for contributions is laughable. Wilson represents the most conservative part of SC. Rob Miller just went from a low double digit ass whippin to a large double digit ass whippin. Go Joe!
It does not matter how much you disagree with the policies the President is suggesting. You should not disrespect the President in public like that. And talk about lying! Look at how much the Republicans have lied and tried to scre tatics to get there way. I mean wouldn't we of had President Gore! Would we have found weapons of mass destruction and the list is long! very long ! As A wise book says "He without sin cast thy first stone"! It's amazing to see all of this when the President is tring to pass something that actually helps and prevents Americans from dying! The Republicans reeally don't want to lose those pharmaceuticals company campaign funds do they? Shame on the fat cat Republicans! How Great is their Insurance??? That we pay for! Take away Joe Wilson's and his families insurance and see what he has to say then!!!
Jim Wilson picked the wrong time to say the right thing. Obama often says one thing but does another. If more people believed in principles before parties partisan haze would clear up and the politicians would be held accountable by their own party. Name one czar or cabinet member that doesn't have pro-illeagal alien leanings. Obama said "Judge me by the people that surround me". How many lobbyist waivers have been issued by the man that said he will not use lobbyists. A man that has proven to be deceitful making a statement contrary to his beliefs leaves himself open to being called a liar. As for "disrespecting" the location, tell that to the people responsible for hiring a speed reader to read a bill. Common decency? Have you ever watched a Senate hearing? Why not stop looking for the "D" or the "R" and apply your standards evenly. By the way the insurance company profits of under 20 billion fall a little short of Medicare's 39 billion in waste and fraud.
I think his comment was childish. You need to show respect and none was given. I think they should have removed him from the meeting. Health care is a big issue and this reform has been going on since Clinton and we still have nothing. Maybe they should stop their 'govt health care' and go out and get their own. Then maybe some will see what it is like especially if a major health issue happens. They all get votes for 'reform of health care' but none has been done. If you ever had to put a parent on Title 19, the forms we had to fill out each month was 17 pages and all we did was repeat the same information. So until you experience some of this you don't know what hasle it can be.
This is the problem in america,we have became so used to being lied to we accept it and if someone points out the lies they inturn become the bad guy.It's as if we want the biggest crook or liar. But let me be very clear BOTH SIDES LIE neither side is better then the other.
Congressman Joe Wilson is a rude, ignorant, racist, inbred punkass bitch with no balls - is that the finest that South Carolina can come up with?
Joe the slug has brought the teabaggers mentality to the White House--he has taken off his hood and got to work.
Since both parties habitually "LIE"...his comments make him out to be a hypocrite...and IF republicans don't think there folks LIE...then they need to get the head and arse out of the sand
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE IF REPUB BIZ OWNERS WOULDN'T HIRE THEM FOR CHEAP WAGES. BUT NOW THAT THEIR POCKETS ARE LINED WITH LARGER PROFITS AND WE'RE STUCK WITH MILLIONS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, REPUBS WANT TO THROW THEM UNDER THE BUS. AMERICANS NEED TO REALIZE THAT DEMOCRATS CARE MORE ABOUT AMERICANS GETTING THE VERY JOBS THAT ARE GIVEN TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. YET IN THE END IT'S IRONIC THAT DEMS HAVE MORE COMPASSION FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THAN REPUBS WHICH IS MIND BOGGLING SINCE MOST THINK REPUBS ARE MORALLY SUPERIOR. DEMOCRATS FIRST PRIORITY IS TO TAKE CARE OF AMERICAN CITIZENS FIRST AND FOREMOST;HEALTH CARE REFORM IS FOR AMERICANS NOT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS! THERE MAY BE SOME CLAUSE OR LOOP HOLE THAT ALLOWS CARE TO SOME DEGREE FOR THEM BUT LET'S GET REAL ABOUT THIS FOR ONCE. WE SHOULD CARE FOR THESE PEOPLE TO SOME MINIMAL DEGREE TO KEEP A HANDLE ON WHAT CROSSES THE BORDER (EXAMPLE: H1N1 FLU). ALSO B/C IT'S ONLY HUMANE TO CARE FOR THEM SINCE THEY WERE USED TO INCREASE PROFITS
George: Amen.
Joe Wilson..you are my hero....
Hey Cowgirl, why don't you go down and have an affair with him. There's a lot of that going around these days.
What an irresponsible piece of trash this Joe Wilson is. He is seething because a black man is president, and it all came to a head when he rudely and unprofessionally called our president a liar. He will go down in history as the arsewipe who called the president a liar.
sean - What an irresponsible piece of trash this Joe Wilson is. He is seething because a black man is president, and it all came to a head when he rudely and unprofessionally called our president a liar. He will go down in history as the arsewipe who called the president a liar.
Sean, I dare say Mr. Wilson won't even merit a footnote in South Carolina history.
Way to go Joe!!!! You said what all of us have been wanting to say to this so called president!!! He knows he is lying & so did everyone in that room but were such cowards didn't want to say it!!!Why did they remove 2 amendments saying they need verification so that the illegals don't get our insurance!!! This man is evil & he is ruining our country!! What about Van Jones & now Cass Sustein( the idiot that says animals can sue us & he wants to change the bill of rights??? Why is it Oslama doesn't want to fix anyhting, he wants to take it completely over????
releggneh says: Why did they remove 2 amendments saying they need verification so that the illegals don't get our insurance!!!
Because the bill already precludes illegal immigrants from getting free coverage.
Correction: "You said what all of us have been wanting to say to this so called president!!! He knows he is lying & so did everyone in that room but were such cowards didn't want to say it!!!"
This should read, "You said what SOME of us have been wanting to say to this so called president!!! I BELIEVE he knows he is lying & so did SOME in that room but were too respectful of the office and the House chamber to to say it!!!"
You stay classy now!
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