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Thursday, September 10, 2009
Meet Joe Wilson!!
A quick thumbnail sketch of the man who heckled the president during the nationally televised speech.
I do not mean to offend anyone with my question nor am I saying it was an appropriate time to express his opinion, but in a democracy, should we vilify Rep. Wilson for what he said?
Britain, India, Italy and numerous other governments have heated arguments during parliamentary sessions and it is just business as usual.
Are we shocked by his behavior because of the venue he chose to express himself or do we feel that he does not have a right to voice his frustration?
I was raised to respect the position of POTUS, regardless of which party is in the majority. Would I ever call the President a lair to his face, no, never. However, does that mean I feel that Rep. Wilson should not be allowed to express himself? I'm not sure.
Rep. Wilson was out of line. France and Britian are under a Unitary System not Federalism as the United States. Was Rep. Wilson did was disrepectful, and may cost him his seat in 2010. Rep. Wilson has been known for being a pistol, and it sounds like he may have already had it set in his mind to make an outburst, and not only was his outburst disrespectful, it was incorrect. President Obamas health plan does not include coverage for illegal immigrants. Rep Wilson has since been making phone calls of apology to the White House, and the GOP for his comments. Nothing gained, and unknown how much will be lossed.
Very interesting. The news I have seen so far tended to indicate that Mr. Wilson was correct in his assumption. In either case, it will most likely be an outburst he will regret. Most of the coverage this afternoon was on Mr. Wilsons apology. Speaking out so boldly during a presidental speach is clearly not the norm in the US.
L. Williams Amer Nat'l Gov DBU I believe Rep Joe Wilson's reaction during President Obama's speech was very rude, disruptive and disrespectful. It is perfectly O.K. for Mr. Wilson to disagree. However, this is something that should be communicated privately. When a person is making a public speech, interruptions are only allowed when the speaker gives permission.
One of the comments mentioned the heated nature of parliamentary debates in Britain, Brazil, etc. Actually, Great Britain does have time-honored rules of civility for parliamentary debate. These rules include a ban on calling a speaker a liar since it besmirches the speaker's character while contributing nothing to the debate merit-wise.
I think that Mr. Wilson was wrong in his outburst during the President's speech. There is always a time and a place for everything. Should he be allowed to comment? Absolutely he should, but not during the speech. I believe he was completely disrespectful. I would have to agree with Lisa that this outburst may very well cost him the 2010 election.
I agree respect is needed, this would be no more then what is expected in our own offices each day that we live under concerning our code of conducts for how we treat our peers and employees and employers etc. I do however see where Elizabeth is coming from. I personally hate these speeches. I wish there was something real that actually came out of them. And at least his outburst was that, real. I feel all they ever do is tout their personal sales pitch on what is good without ever giving us the true facts around what they are asking for, its just another election speech where they talk and applaud, stand and clap. I want the details! Give me presentation that bullets the facts please! How many people would this impact today, what is the bottom line cost, how do they plan to get the money and what class of folks will be billed, taxed and how will it be paid back and returned? What will the overhead be spent on (the money coming in) how much will go back into the system or be used to pay off other bills or go straight to someone’s pocket? What business venture would we propose at work that did not cover these basic points to our superiors, would we ask them to read a thousand pages to approve a business case? No, we would give them the details in a way they could assess the impacts and debate the issues. Every speech I hear appears to be a sales pitch. Therefore, although I don't condone his behavior, there are far greater ways he could have addressed that, asking a simple question live (for example, “how do you plan to ensure this does not occur then?) that may have actually made a point or forced the speaker to actually providing some real specifics etc. I wish these addresses were more conducive to a working session that the public could hear and know the facts around rather then another sales pitch of an “idea”.
Everybody has an opinion but I feel that right is right and wrong is wrong. Joe Wilson was definitely wrong from his untimely and disrespectful outburst. I do not know about anybody else but I would not want a representative in Congress who can not control his tongue and disrespects the President of the United States. If he lacks self-control and respect what good is he in Congress? As civilized human beings we can not just go around hollering out what we feel about everybody, he should be punished. Who cares about freedom of speech-it is better to have good judgment and discretion-kick him out!
Rep. Joe Wilson's emotional outburst was disrespectful. Whether we support President Obama politically or not, we need to respect the office. There is an appropriate time and a place to voice disapproval, but during The President’s address to the joint session of congress was not the appropriate time.
The problem with the media is that they are politically biased toward the liberals. If you are going to hold one group to decorum and civility, shouldn't all groups be expected to be held to the same standard?
Does anyone remember when former President Bush was booed in 2005; it was by democrats who did not want to hear the truth because it was not on their agenda.
I do remember President Bush being booed during the State of the Union address in 2005. It was actually this event that was the basis of my questioning if Rep. Wilson had a right to voice his disapproval. ( Again, not saying he was right in the approach he took.)
Unlike Rep. Wilson' actions, which can be explaned as 1 loose cannon, what occurred in 2005 was a group reaction. Both instances were inappropriate, but like you said, the expected behavior should be across the board.
The outburst of Republican Joe Wilson may have been out of line in the sense of disrespect, but he does have reason for concern regarding President Obama’s proposed health plan.
President Obama made a comment according to the commentary on the website of Newsweek, http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/09/09/joe-wilson-obama-heckler-health-care.aspx?GT1=43002 which Sullivan recommended to check out. I read “President Obama defended his health-care plan, saying that he had never proposed providing coverage to illegal immigrants.”
It concerns me about the validity of President Obama’s proposed health plan.
After viewing a You Tube clipping of the speech on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUC2rGj2VqE&NR=1&feature=fvwp which was recorded by CNN, I noticed that the president’s defense was sandwiched in between defenses pertaining to senior citizens and funding abortions.
The latter part about abortion funding will happen according to information given on the website of The Washington Times http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/24/your-taxes-to-pay-for-abortions/ and it includes an excerpt from Section 4B of the the Capps Amendment HR 3200 which reads "Abortions for Which Public Funding Is Allowed.”
I am sure there can be other valid information out there that makes me question the truth to the president’s statement on September 9th of last week.
In spite of the inappropriate manner in which Republican Wilson later apologized, I think it may have gotten the attention of the American people to reconsider passing the health-care plan. Since Congress has a lot of weight and the ball basically rests in their court, it is up to the American people to put in their say to their senators and congressmen.
We as a nation need to fervently pray to God for the welfare of the American people of the United States.
I agree with several of the comments above. Rep. Wilson was definitely disrespectful by making his outburst. He has a right to his opinion and can make it known that he does not agree with President Obama, but he should not interrupt his speech in front of the whole congress. Obviously there are many people who disapprove of Obama's healthcare plan but there are better ways to express that discontentment. We should all have respect for President Obama for the office that he holds and the efforts that he is making to solve problems, even if we don't agree with the plans he has come up with.
Cherie Bullock - DBU POLS 2301 As I tell my son...there is a time and place for everything. The President's speech was not the place for Rep. Wilson to make his opinion known. He has his own venues.
Many of the comments above discussed how Rep. Wilson will probably pay the price by losing the 2010 election with his constituents. I don't know...Fox News reported tonight that he has raised over a million dollars in campaign funds since Wed. of this week. Additionally, it was reported that a verification step has been added to the health care bill. This step is to make sure illegal immigrants are not mistakenly allowed coverage under the new plans. Not to have a "Polly Anna" attitude, but I can't help to think that maybe this outburst will constructively effect the ratification process. One can hope...
Rep. Wilson's outburst was unprofessional and disrespectful. Regardless of whether or not he felt President Obama was lying, he needed to keep his comments to himself.
A person in his position is held to a higher standard and should behave himself accordingly. I hope he is embarrassed by his actions and will use this as a learning experience moving forward.
I like Dr. Mitchell's question. I do believe that culture dictates what is considered correct or incorrect in any situation. In this culture we might tend to think that man of such clout as the President is deserving of enough civility and respect to be able to give a speech without being interrupted. I for one believe that a man, in part, earns his respect by what he says and what he does, not always who he is. I believer there should be some means for open discussion and debate as the is in England. People like Rep. Wilson would soon lose their respect for not having their facts straight. Open debate is a two edged sword, and would force people out of their ignorant 'opinions'. Of course, there is a balance. There must be some order. So ultimately, I do not know what that would look like, but I believe Rep. Wilson greatest mistake was to show his ignorance.
In a sense of political etiquette, I think Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst was certainly unethical. While it is true that the Democrats' did participate in "booing" at the President during the State of the Union, I don't think that justifies the right of Rep. Wilson to lose control by letting his opinions fly unchecked. I agree with Cherie Bullock in one of the posts above in that there is most definitely a time and place for everything, and his thoughts and opinions could have been used towards actually making a difference in joining the opposing party without making that side of the argument look foolish through all eyes of the media. Without a doubt, certain measures of respect should be held for the President regardless of any difference in opinion, and this was violated through this interruption of his speech.
However, now that this event has transpired, I am hopeful that Rep. Wilson's statement will create a new awareness on the part of lawmakers to take second glances at a bill and make sure that everything the President says matches up.
Rep. Wilson was wrong in the way he expressed his disagreement. Everyone should have freedom of speech as long as it is done in a way that is respectful. Then again, he is human and apparently let his emotions get the best of him. Officials in government are not exempt from their emotions but should be more self controlled due to the positions they hold in government and the fact that everyone is watching.
I do not mean to offend anyone with my question nor am I saying it was an appropriate time to express his opinion, but in a democracy, should we vilify Rep. Wilson for what he said?
ReplyDeleteBritain, India, Italy and numerous other governments have heated arguments during parliamentary sessions and it is just business as usual.
Are we shocked by his behavior because of the venue he chose to express himself or do we feel that he does not have a right to voice his frustration?
I was raised to respect the position of POTUS, regardless of which party is in the majority. Would I ever call the President a lair to his face, no, never. However, does that mean I feel that Rep. Wilson should not be allowed to express himself? I'm not sure.
Rep. Wilson was out of line. France and Britian are under a Unitary System not Federalism as the United States. Was Rep. Wilson did was disrepectful, and may cost him his seat in 2010. Rep. Wilson has been known for being a pistol, and it sounds like he may have already had it set in his mind to make an outburst, and not only was his outburst disrespectful, it was incorrect. President Obamas health plan does not include coverage for illegal immigrants. Rep Wilson has since been making phone calls of apology to the White House, and the GOP for his comments. Nothing gained, and unknown how much will be lossed.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. The news I have seen so far tended to indicate that Mr. Wilson was correct in his assumption. In either case, it will most likely be an outburst he will regret. Most of the coverage this afternoon was on Mr. Wilsons apology. Speaking out so boldly during a presidental speach is clearly not the norm in the US.
ReplyDeleteL. Williams Amer Nat'l Gov DBU
ReplyDeleteI believe Rep Joe Wilson's reaction during President Obama's speech was very rude, disruptive and disrespectful. It is perfectly O.K. for Mr. Wilson to disagree. However, this is something that should be communicated privately. When a person is making a public speech, interruptions are only allowed when the speaker gives permission.
One of the comments mentioned the heated nature of parliamentary debates in Britain, Brazil, etc. Actually, Great Britain does have time-honored rules of civility for parliamentary debate. These rules include a ban on calling a speaker a liar since it besmirches the speaker's character while contributing nothing to the debate merit-wise.
ReplyDeleteI think that Mr. Wilson was wrong in his outburst during the President's speech. There is always a time and a place for everything. Should he be allowed to comment? Absolutely he should, but not during the speech. I believe he was completely disrespectful. I would have to agree with Lisa that this outburst may very well cost him the 2010 election.
ReplyDeleteSo are we all agreeing that a modicum of respect is necessary for the ethics of public debate?
ReplyDeleteI agree respect is needed, this would be no more then what is expected in our own offices each day that we live under concerning our code of conducts for how we treat our peers and employees and employers etc. I do however see where Elizabeth is coming from. I personally hate these speeches. I wish there was something real that actually came out of them. And at least his outburst was that, real.
ReplyDeleteI feel all they ever do is tout their personal sales pitch on what is good without ever giving us the true facts around what they are asking for, its just another election speech where they talk and applaud, stand and clap. I want the details! Give me presentation that bullets the facts please! How many people would this impact today, what is the bottom line cost, how do they plan to get the money and what class of folks will be billed, taxed and how will it be paid back and returned? What will the overhead be spent on (the money coming in) how much will go back into the system or be used to pay off other bills or go straight to someone’s pocket?
What business venture would we propose at work that did not cover these basic points to our superiors, would we ask them to read a thousand pages to approve a business case? No, we would give them the details in a way they could assess the impacts and debate the issues. Every speech I hear appears to be a sales pitch. Therefore, although I don't condone his behavior, there are far greater ways he could have addressed that, asking a simple question live (for example, “how do you plan to ensure this does not occur then?) that may have actually made a point or forced the speaker to actually providing some real specifics etc. I wish these addresses were more conducive to a working session that the public could hear and know the facts around rather then another sales pitch of an “idea”.
Everybody has an opinion but I feel that right is right and wrong is wrong. Joe Wilson was definitely wrong from his untimely and disrespectful outburst. I do not know about anybody else but I would not want a representative in Congress who can not control his tongue and disrespects the President of the United States. If he lacks self-control and respect what good is he in Congress? As civilized human beings we can not just go around hollering out what we feel about everybody, he should be punished. Who cares about freedom of speech-it is better to have good judgment and discretion-kick him out!
ReplyDeleteJanet T. DBU student - POLS 2301 Fall 2009
ReplyDeleteRep. Joe Wilson's emotional outburst was disrespectful. Whether we support President Obama politically or not, we need to respect the office. There is an appropriate time and a place to voice disapproval, but during The President’s address to the joint session of congress was not the appropriate time.
The problem with the media is that they are politically biased toward the liberals. If you are going to hold one group to decorum and civility, shouldn't all groups be expected to be held to the same standard?
Does anyone remember when former President Bush was booed in 2005; it was by democrats who did not want to hear the truth because it was not on their agenda.
Janet,
ReplyDeleteI do remember President Bush being booed during the State of the Union address in 2005. It was actually this event that was the basis of my questioning if Rep. Wilson had a right to voice his disapproval. ( Again, not saying he was right in the approach he took.)
Unlike Rep. Wilson' actions, which can be explaned as 1 loose cannon, what occurred in 2005 was a group reaction. Both instances were inappropriate, but like you said, the expected behavior should be across the board.
The outburst of Republican Joe Wilson may have been out of line in the sense of disrespect, but he does have reason for concern regarding President Obama’s proposed health plan.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama made a comment according to the commentary on the website of Newsweek, http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/09/09/joe-wilson-obama-heckler-health-care.aspx?GT1=43002
which Sullivan recommended to check out. I read “President Obama defended his health-care plan, saying that he had never proposed providing coverage to illegal immigrants.”
It concerns me about the validity of President Obama’s proposed health plan.
After viewing a You Tube clipping of the speech on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUC2rGj2VqE&NR=1&feature=fvwp
which was recorded by CNN, I noticed that the president’s defense was sandwiched in between defenses pertaining to senior citizens and funding abortions.
The latter part about abortion funding will happen according to information given on the website of The Washington Times
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/24/your-taxes-to-pay-for-abortions/
and it includes an excerpt from Section 4B of the the Capps Amendment HR 3200 which reads "Abortions for Which Public Funding Is Allowed.”
I am sure there can be other valid information out there that makes me question the truth to the president’s statement on September 9th of last week.
In spite of the inappropriate manner in which Republican Wilson later apologized, I think it may have gotten the attention of the American people to reconsider passing the health-care plan. Since Congress has a lot of weight and the ball basically rests in their court, it is up to the American people to put in their say to their senators and congressmen.
We as a nation need to fervently pray to God for the welfare of the American people of the United States.
Kelsey Behrens POLS 2301
ReplyDeleteI agree with several of the comments above. Rep. Wilson was definitely disrespectful by making his outburst. He has a right to his opinion and can make it known that he does not agree with President Obama, but he should not interrupt his speech in front of the whole congress. Obviously there are many people who disapprove of Obama's healthcare plan but there are better ways to express that discontentment. We should all have respect for President Obama for the office that he holds and the efforts that he is making to solve problems, even if we don't agree with the plans he has come up with.
Cherie Bullock - DBU POLS 2301
ReplyDeleteAs I tell my son...there is a time and place for everything. The President's speech was not the place for Rep. Wilson to make his opinion known. He has his own venues.
Many of the comments above discussed how Rep. Wilson will probably pay the price by losing the 2010 election with his constituents. I don't know...Fox News reported tonight that he has raised over a million dollars in campaign funds since Wed. of this week. Additionally, it was reported that a verification step has been added to the health care bill. This step is to make sure illegal immigrants are not mistakenly allowed coverage under the new plans. Not to have a "Polly Anna" attitude, but I can't help to think that maybe this outburst will constructively effect the ratification process. One can hope...
Rebecca Barge
ReplyDeleteRep. Wilson's outburst was unprofessional and disrespectful. Regardless of whether or not he felt President Obama was lying, he needed to keep his comments to himself.
A person in his position is held to a higher standard and should behave himself accordingly. I hope he is embarrassed by his actions and will use this as a learning experience moving forward.
I like Dr. Mitchell's question. I do believe that culture dictates what is considered correct or incorrect in any situation. In this culture we might tend to think that man of such clout as the President is deserving of enough civility and respect to be able to give a speech without being interrupted. I for one believe that a man, in part, earns his respect by what he says and what he does, not always who he is. I believer there should be some means for open discussion and debate as the is in England. People like Rep. Wilson would soon lose their respect for not having their facts straight. Open debate is a two edged sword, and would force people out of their ignorant 'opinions'. Of course, there is a balance. There must be some order. So ultimately, I do not know what that would look like, but I believe Rep. Wilson greatest mistake was to show his ignorance.
ReplyDeleteF. Benjamin Larzabal
Meredith Morris
ReplyDeleteIn a sense of political etiquette, I think Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst was certainly unethical. While it is true that the Democrats' did participate in "booing" at the President during the State of the Union, I don't think that justifies the right of Rep. Wilson to lose control by letting his opinions fly unchecked. I agree with Cherie Bullock in one of the posts above in that there is most definitely a time and place for everything, and his thoughts and opinions could have been used towards actually making a difference in joining the opposing party without making that side of the argument look foolish through all eyes of the media. Without a doubt, certain measures of respect should be held for the President regardless of any difference in opinion, and this was violated through this interruption of his speech.
However, now that this event has transpired, I am hopeful that Rep. Wilson's statement will create a new awareness on the part of lawmakers to take second glances at a bill and make sure that everything the President says matches up.
Rep. Wilson was wrong in the way he expressed his disagreement. Everyone should have freedom of speech as long as it is done in a way that is respectful. Then again, he is human and apparently let his emotions get the best of him. Officials in government are not exempt from their emotions but should be more self controlled due to the positions they hold in government and the fact that everyone is watching.
ReplyDelete