I don't see what is gained by the House Democrats passing an official reprimand. http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/19923
a bipartisan reprimand would send a message about respect due to the office of the presidency. Dowd's article on this seemed spot on, but then she agreed with me: wilson swallowed the "boy!" ... barely.
I think the message has already been clearly sent that it was disrespectful. Continuing to make a big deal about it, I think, is a distraction from what are more important matters. Hopefully a "bipartisan" reprimand will settle it, though. I don't want this episode to linger on.
The problem was that Rep. Wilson's remarks weren't just disrespectful but a violation of House rules. This is like what happened to Serena Williams at the US Open there is a rule against that sort of behavior and they both broke it.
Eh. He directly violated rules so I have no problem with consequences being levied. Don't make a big political spectacle about it if you want to avoid it being a distraction, but regardless of what he believes, he broke the rules of the House and embarrassed that legislative body as a whole. If they want him to apologize and he refused, by all means, punish him.
The day after Obama's health care speech the front story/picture on CNN's webpage was not Obama or health care it was Wilson. This BS has already distracted people from the real issue (health care). Punish the guy and don't speak of it again because now Wilson is using the whole fiasco to rally his base and raise money for re-election. The Republicans have absolutely no shame but I guess they don't need to show any considering their base eats up anything that promotes disrespect or even violence toward the President.
There is a rule in the House against accusing the President of being a liar. [rquoter]The precedents of the House allow a wide latitude in criticism of the President, other executive officials, and the government itself. However, it is not permissible to use language that is personally offensive to the President, such as referring to him as a “hypocrite” or a “liar.” Similarly, it is not in order to refer to the President as “intellectually dishonest” or an action taken by the President as “cowardly.” [/rquoter] http://rules-republicans.house.gov/Educational/Read.aspx?ID=5 Ironically a rule put in when Republicans ran the House.
Not surprising, actually, that it would have originated with them. Personally, I would not endorse such a rule. I would have no problem with a congressman shouting "You lie" if Bush made a ridiculous claim like Iraq participated in the 9/11 attack.
there should be a rule that people shouldnt be able to lie. But if he's already apologized to the President...why is this an issue? Does he owe all of america an apology? seems overkill
didn't he just get like an extra million dollars for this outburst? Hell naw he ain't apologizing.. .may stop the money from rolling in america is voting with its dollars again Rocket River
I would have gone with a quick stare and monotone "stay classy" as he went back to addressing the America people.
He owes the body of legislators that he embarrassed by violating their rule an apology, yes. Unfortunately, when you are a jerk and break the rules, sometimes you have to man up and take your humble pie.
It's better for him politically not to admit anything and play the "Patriotic Conservative Media Martyr by being a Jack***" card.
He did a disservice to the American public by interrupting the President during an address to the American public. He could have called the President a liar in one of his "tweets." Reprimand is justified. He broke the rules of the House, as referenced above. Reprimand is justified. He apologized to the President for the insult and interruption, but the very next day he used the insult for his political benefit: both money and votes. Thus, his apology was LESS than sincere. Instead he says he needs money to fight attempts by Democrats to hold him accountable. If anything was a lie, it was his apology. Reprimand is justified. An apology to the President is not enough when an apology is needed to Congress, as well as the American people. In a democracy we want transparency and accountability. Reprimand is justified. A reprimand is the only way to bring closure to this stunt. Many people believe that he was right to call the President a liar, as if he is some kind of patriot. If this goes to a vote, it will pass with votes from both sides. Such a message is needed to assure the American public that this is not acceptable or patriotic behavior, whether they are Republican or Democrat.
