Community | September 10, 2009 | 204 comments

Joe Wilson wasn't the only disrespectful Republican

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WakeUpPeople
Whoever came up with House Republicans' strategy for a real-time response to President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress Wednesday night should probably have given the whole thing just a little more thought.

The original Republican plan, which was to carry in copies of various GOP-sponsored healthcare bills with the words "What bill?" written on the back in case Obama accused the opposition of not having proposed its own solutions, might not have been so bad on its own. It would have looked petty, sure, maybe a little childish -- certainly it wouldn't have been the most dignified thing to do while sitting in the House chamber as the president speaks. But it might not have gotten much attention, save a few puzzled questions, were it not for Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., who interrupted the president's speech with a shout of "You lie!"

Wilson has already put out a statement apologizing for his outburst, and even called the White House to offer his apologies to Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. (After the speech, Emanuel reportedly approached two Republican leaders and demanded that apology, saying, "No president has ever been treated like that.")

But the damage has already been done. The story now -- and, most likely, on Thursday -- is congressional Republicans looking like a bunch of townhall protesters during the speech, being generally disrespectful to the president. And there's more fodder for that story still percolating out there. There's video of Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., the Minority Whip, on his BlackBerry during the speech, for instance. And then there's this, from an article by the Washington Post's Dana Milbank:

When Obama addressed the charge that he plans "panels of bureaucrats with the power to kill off senior citizens," someone on the GOP side shouted out "shame!" The president went on: "Such a charge would be laughable if it weren't so cynical." "Read the bill!" someone shouted back. Obama mentioned those who accuse him of a government takeover of health care. "It's true," someone shouted back .... Even as Obama delivered a tribute to the late senator Ted Kennedy, Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga), a leader of House conservatives, perused his BlackBerry. Shortly before the speech ended, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) walked out to beat the rush.

All of this is a gift to the White House. All of it will serve to reinforce the impression, which reform supporters have been working hard to create and spread, that Republicans have gone around the bend, that they're more interested in attacking Obama than in reaching across the aisle to work on reform. And it makes Obama look calm, bipartisan and presidential.

There's some damage to Wilson himself, too. As of this post, his Democratic opponent for 2010, Rob Miller, had raised about $50,000 since the speech.
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204 comments // Joe Wilson wasn't the only disrespectful Republican

  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • Katrina needs money? HELL NO.....

      ....but he didn't do that against any congressman or woman or even the President. He just did it against the Citizens of a great city of America. That's ok.

      Just as long as he doesn't do it against congresspeople that's cool.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • krag2112:

      Awww...don't be mad.

      Just try to come up with better excuse. You're throwing so much shit at this, who knows...maybe something will stick. But you're going to have try harder than Kanye West. That's just weak.

      Of course all this flailing about for something, anything to excuse Wilson doesn't help your credibility. But let's be honest, everybody here knows you're a hack...so I guess you don't really need to worry about pesky things like credibility.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • krag2112:

      Oh I don't know J_J...I think my opinions of your lame posts are pretty clear. Of course I don't blame you for wanting to wish them away, but your self delusion is well documented here.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • krag2112:

      Yes, because opinions about me are more important than opinions on congress or the President.

      Your opinions on those are not well document...not even a little bit.

      You're just someone that follows people around and attacks their opinions without having any of your own.

      Watch...you'll attack me again. Ooh so predictable you are. You have as much brain power as coma patient that drools. You don't offer much more brain activity to be recognized as more.

      Go on and attack me again. I'm use to you proving me right.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • krag2112:

      So if I respond to this, I'm proving you right? OMG...I've been caught in your clever little trap. Lmao. Seriously? How old are you?

      I understand it frustrates you to have your lame arguments knocked down time and time again. Some people might try to come up with better arguments, and clearly some don't.

      Keep trying Slugger.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • krag2112:

      You're the part that doesn't.

      Like right here...your reply to mine----zero valid point.

      Stating someone is wrong doesn't really hold up in a court of law let alone debate.

      Thank you, Republican, but that isn't good enough.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • krag2112:

      My point was that Kanye West isn't a member of congress and that he didn't interrupt the President of the United States. And therefore your argument was lame and irrelevant. I didn't just state that you were wrong, I demonstrated how you were wrong. Not that that was difficult to do or represents any kind of accomplishment, but it sort of refutes your assertion that I didn't make a point. Given that I did.

      Failed again J_J. Keep 'em coming.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • He was rude.

      Just like Kayne West with, "OMG like Bush hates black people, dur...."

      Hope none of you laughed or nodded your head in agreement with Mr. West....because you'd be guilty of being rude just like this here Senator.

      Dur.

    • 2 years ago
  • jubal
  • wayseeker
    • 0
      wayseeker  
    • The Democrat's booing during Bushe's speech was disrespectful and they should have been criticized for it. They probably were by some people. Wilson and the others were also disrespectful and they should also be criticized for it and that's what is happening. Just because it was done to Bush doesn't mean it's OK to do it too Obama. The "Now It's my turn to get you" is a child's perspective. Or to use an old worn out phrase. Two wrongs don't make a right.

    • 2 years ago
  • clayjj05
  • krag2112
  • My_America
    • 0
      My_America  
    • KRAG2112

      Your welcome for the laugh. We all need it sometimes. Somebody was getting on my nerves but I'll won't say who.

      I think you are 1/2 right about Obama's electability. I think it was more Clinton supporters that were shocked. Republicans I think knew down deep inside we would never win the election no matter whom it was with John McCain.

    • 2 years ago
  • maof4brats
  • My_America
    • 0
      My_America  
    • JAMMER

      Now back to reality. I really hope that the STUPID, IGNORANT, WORTHLESS PrezBO is only in office forfour years or less (Impeach Him).

      Our Country can not take it anymore or the next thing we will hear is the State Police knocking on door to gas us or forcing abortions if the woman is carrying a strong male to work for the government.

      I am actually just kidding on the last paragraph but making a point to others.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
  • My_America
    • 0
      My_America  
    • KRAG2112

      I just ask nicely and said please. It is a free country (for now) and ELDAMON can respond what he wants when he wants.

      By the way. All you have to do is click on someone's name and choose block.

      I just think some people were so happy to get Bush out of office but they still focus in on him in responses. These people need to move on.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • My_America:

      Um...clicking block doesn't prevent them from posting responses. Just sending you messages.

      See, the whole point is when you post a comment, you're responsible for it, and anyone has the right to comment on what you posted. That's why some of us care about what we post...sadly, that's not the case for everyone.

    • 2 years ago
  • samthesixth
    • 0
      samthesixth  
    • SCV is not KKK. Byrd, the Dem Senator, is the only current politician known to have been a Klansman. He was a State Leader who helped found the Klan in WV. It's in his autobiography.

    • 2 years ago
  • maof4brats
  • wayseeker
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • wayseeker:

      Obama's not being civil either.

      These are really baseless comments. They could go for democrats as well. And it also doesn't fix anything. All you're doing, which you seem to be good at, is pointing and blaming.

      Just like that republican with the "YOU LIE!" That doesn't solve anything. Neither does booing.

      Blame, blame, blame fixes nadda.

      Maybe if you do it enough a magic fairy will pop out of someone's nose and fix everything. Just like Beetlejuice.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • wayseeker:

      @J_J

      That is an incredibly lame argument.

      By that logic we should just throw any kind of accountability out the window. You can say or do anything because some Democrats once booed Bush. I thought you guys were big on personal accountability...or is that just for other people?

      Do you really expect anyone to buy that BS. Or are you just going through the motions because it's what's expected?

      Once again...weak.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • wayseeker:

      It's the poor craftsman who blames his tools.

      But you are right...you're are working with a lot of bull shit. No wonder you can't make much of it.

      Keep trying slugger.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • wayseeker:

      I'm sorry I should of said stupidly defending Obama.

      Go on and tell us what he's done wrong that is ok to discuss. Give us the list person that has to control everything to make sure your right is circling the globe.

      Make sure you make it a good list. Don't leave anything out.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • wayseeker:

      You stated it was about my comment and I stated there is something wrong with Obama. You stated that my comment was lame.

      Now I'm asking you to provide a list of what one could discuss about Obama that he has done wrong that you'd be ok with.

      FUNNY is that I've asked this several times by a lot of people who make stupid childish comments like and they avoid the question like the plague...just like you.

      Oh...defending Obama blindly and then not having what is ok to complain about Obama list is pretty stupid.

      Do you need to stop inhaling to allow healing in the head of yours? Because if you can't follow what you said I can't follow....then maybe it's time for you to shut the hell up.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • wayseeker:

      Now I have more proof that those that mock or call others racists for speaking about how Obama is screwing up have nothing to offer other than name calling and lies. If they (you) could answer what is ok to criticize Obama on...not only would that be unique but different than those that defend Bush.

      But more and more it seems that those that voted for Obama are no different.

      Not even a little bit.

      Obama is even continuing many of the things Bush had but now Democrats are ok with it. Funny how that works.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • wayseeker:

      You can't defend your argument, so now you're trying to deflect.

      Sorry J_J, it's not my responsibility to provide you a list things criticize Obama on. That's asinine. As far as I'm concerned you can criticize him on anything you want as long as you develop a creditable argument. But based on your posts here, I don't have much confidence that you'd be able to do that.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • wayseeker:

      I defended myself by stating you are just blindly defending Obama. The only way to prove you don't is by giving me a list of what is ok to criticize him on.

      No list? Then your initial reply to me is null and void. You have no bases to decide what is and isn't ok to hit Obama with. Therefore what I said about him not being civil is correct assessment.

      You just don't like that it can logically be shifted to you. Because you can't be in the spotlight for opinions that are has full of holes as the ones you have. You're trying to out maneuver me...but can't.

      This is a great exercise and a great reveal of how you're a blind follower.

      What would be a creditable argument? Because you can't give one. You can only blame, blame and blame but never do anything else that would require thinking. Typical.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • wayseeker:

      Not only do I have better insults and more witty post I also have backing for what I posted and shared it. You ignored it. When asked a simple question you couldn't even answer it.

      You're like the little boy that wines and whines about how someone isn't doing something and when someone turns and asks why aren't you doing your job you whine more about how someone isn't doing their job more.

      hahaha....you complain but you can't even live up to your own standards.

      Wow....that avatar works for you. Never change it.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
  • Incredulous
  • J_Jammer
  • jubal
  • J_Jammer
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • J_Jammer:

      Nope. Not buying it J_J. What else you got?

      Are you trying to convince us...or yourself. This is such a weak effort, it's like your hearts not really in it. Maybe Rush hasn't come up with a good excuse for you to start spreading around yet.

      I'd say nice try...but it really wasn't.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • J_Jammer:

      You just got finish being mad that people are justifying a dull bulbs YOU LIE comment....and now you're justifying booing that does the SAME EXACT THING you say is omg bad.

      Typical of you...double standard.

      Do it again....act like a drone defending the exact behavior except by a gaggle of idiots instead of just one.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • J_Jammer:

      So which is it J_J? Is it okay because you could "barely" hear him, or is it okay because some people once booed Bush at some point in the past? I'm just trying to understand what your defense is. The fact that it looks like you're groping around for an excuse really doesn't help your argument. You realize that, don't you?

      And your lame attempt to catch me in a double standard would only work if one, booing was the same as interrupting the President's speech by calling him a liar. Which it is not. And two, if I had defended the people who booed Bush. Which I did not do.

      So I ask again. Is this really all you've got?

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • J_Jammer:

      hahahaha...

      the only way you can win an argument is if you make up the rules.

      And look at you making up the rules.

      Can't be a cheater if you do it and no one notices.....Oops just like Obama.

      They were not listening when they were booing. Cows to the slaughter....water molecules in a waterfall...whatever will help you understand that one started and then they all followed. Totally ignoring what was being said but only booing because they were being crass, rude and insecure.

      All three the same resaons why he screamed YOU LIE.

      Aww no difference....no shocker.

      But do continue to make up the rules. It's so obvious.

      If one is to respect the office then booing is not respecting. Listening is.

      Go ahead and justify that double standard again...this time hide the rule changes.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • J_Jammer:

      Not making up any rules, simply applying logic. Clearly you're struggling with that.

      Saying the same thing over and over again doesn't make it true. And it's dead boring. Got anything new or are you going to keep beating the same dead horse?

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • J_Jammer:

      Maybe I need to use simpler language to help you understand.

      Booing is not the same as shouting that someone is a liar. They are different. As in not the same.

      Hope that helps.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • J_Jammer:

      Maybe your synapses are misfiring because of too much pot.

      Booing is rude.

      YOU LIE is rude.

      Your dislike of Bush over Obama doesn't qualify as one being less deserving of respect. Nor does it give you a balance view of this.

      So you're bias.

      If a bunch of white guys booed Obama you'd state they were wrong. Don't BS me with your trite attempts at justifying rude behavior because you agree with it.

      No better than any republican that defends the You Lie remarks.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • J_Jammer:

      Except a bunch of white guys DIDN'T boo Obama. One white guy yelled out that he is a liar, interrupting his speech. And I never defended the people who booed Bush.

      See...that's why your excuse is lame.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • J_Jammer:

      Really? Not condemning something that happened four years ago is the same as defending it?

      Who do you expect is buying this garbage J_J? You're stacking weak on top of weak at this point.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • J_Jammer:

      Four years ago should be that much easier for you to state, "Yes they were wrong."

      Why is it so much harder for you as a single normal person to state that when republicans are stating, left and right, that he was wrong for saying, "YOU LIE!"?

      You're looking a bit weak for not having the fortitude to admit a wrong.

      Do it again...don't say they were wrong--ignore it. Because as I see it now you couldn't even admit they were wrong when they did it and yet you're condemning not only the senator for saying YOU LIE but others for defending him when you did the EXACT same thing for the Democrats who booed.

      I should be shocked because liberals are suppose to be different, but evidence dictates that republicans and democrats are so much the same mindset that what they fight for in totality isn't good for citizens as a whole.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • J_Jammer:

      At least I'm right.

      You can't take the heat you put on to other people and you cower in the corner.

      Right where you belong.

      Your addition to this conversation is too much like an officer putting someone under a spotlight in hopes to make them admit to a wrong they did not and have not committed.

      But when the light shifts you are a cockroach. You run and whine as you leave.

      Four years ago (not a broken record because I did not mention that prior....so you lie a lot as well as cower) you didn't say they were wrong. Why is that right because if you did state that it was wrong not only would that have been easy for you to do again....you'd have said you did.

      You reveal more when you avoid talking about something than when you actually talk about the topic itself.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • J_Jammer:

      More desperate spin.

      I can't dumb it down anymore for you J_J. Your argument only makes sense if I were to agree that they are the same. I don't because they are not. And you have NO idea what I did or didn't condemn four years ago by the way. But as it's irrelevant...

      And as much as I enjoy watching you get all twisted in knots...you are simply repeating your already discredited arguments at this point. I know it frustrates you when people don't take your bait, sorry about that.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • J_Jammer:

      You can't smarten up enough.

      And you keep repeating the same insults while being hypocritical about me repeating myself when one can see I am not and only you are.

      But I guess you have to convince yourself that you are in the right so you repeat yourself about how wrong I am. It's funny you don't even believe yourself.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
  • J_Jammer
  • Incredulous
  • J_Jammer
  • jubal
  • J_Jammer
  • maof4brats
  • My_America
  • WakeUpPeople
    • 0
      WakeUpPeople  
    • My_America:

      The clip you provided starts at an awkward spot, but if I recall, that is where he was trying to make a case for privatizing social security. Good thing he did not get that idea off the ground, otherwise Wall Street Exec's would be bathing in what was left of the SS money, and the rest would be flushed away with the rest of the tanked economy. There is a difference between the hub-bub of disagreement (happens quite a bit in these events), and an individual rep screaming "You lie!" at the president. The major booing did not occur until after Wilson's outburst. I think they were actually booing Wilson, not Obama. What do you think?

    • 2 years ago
  • pakazak
  • My_America
    • 0
      My_America  
    • My_America:

      In my oppinion Rep Wilson was a heat of the moment outburst. Just like yelling at the TV during a football game or scary movie.

      We have a problem in this country where our Congress is not allowed to question the President (dem or Rep) without being torn to pieces afterward.

      The President only takes questions from the press. This should change where "town halls" are held by the President and takes questions from Congress.

      This will allow for some venting.

    • 2 years ago
  • eldamon
    • 0
      eldamon  
    • My_America:

      I would have paid real money to see Mr Bush face an actual town hall style setting that wasn't seeded with friendly plants. I'm sure it would have sounded something like Porky Pig complete with the Loony Tunes theme song playing in the background.

    • 2 years ago
  • krag2112
  • eldamon
    • 0
      eldamon  
    • My_America:

      No you don't and it's going to be a very long 8 years and hateful life for "My America" if he thinks he can dictate who responds and what is said. In typical wing-nut fashion or should I say fascism. He wants the freedom to do as he pleases but restrict the actions of others. He will be seriously hating life if he thinks that's going to be the case. It's not our fault you have trouble holding up your end of the conversation. Here's and idea - if you don't want opposing responses DON'T post.

      It's just like when you don't want THOSE people living in your neighborhood YOU get to move. You don't get to harass them or try to make them leave. If you don't like your current president find a new country - perhaps your country of origin will suffice assuming you're not a Native American, which I feel pretty good about assuming.

      In any case you get to lighten up and show some tolerance, as we all do with you or hate life. It's all good either way.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
  • eldamon
  • J_Jammer
    • 0
      J_Jammer [removed]  
    • My_America:

      I never made a comment on that.

      Anyone could see he was made of Teflon.

      Even now he is because of people like you letting him get away with anything. He might as well have shot the senator and you'd cheer for him.

    • 2 years ago
  • My_America
    • 0
      My_America  
    • My_America:

      ELDAMON

      THIS WISDOM OF YOUR WORDS MAKE ME FEAL REBORN AGAIN. IT'S ALMOST LIKE MEETING JESUS EVERYTIME I READ YOUR POSTS. I AM GOING TO PRINTTHEM OUT AND MAKE WALLPAPER SO I REMEMBER YOUR WISDOM ON A DAILY BASIS.

      I HOPE OUR PATHS CROSS AGAIN SO I CAN LEARN MORE TO MAKE ME A BETTER AMERICAN AND BETTER HUMAN BEING.

      LOVE ALWAYS - MY_AMERICA

      THANKS AGAIN FORTHE GREAT COMMENTS.

    • 2 years ago
  • J_Jammer
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • My_America:

      Mine too.

      I love to see someone make such a clear and unassailable point (like the one eldamon made) that it leaves you guys no other place to turn but sarcasm. But props to My_America. Very funny, if pointless, post. Well played.

      I mean, you guys were completely wrong about Obama's electability. There's no denying that, right? 100% dead wrong.

      Anyway...funny post. Thanks for the laugh.

    • 2 years ago
  • eldamon
    • 0
      eldamon  
    • My_America:

      "my america" That was hardly wisdom so much as common sense and decency. But there is plenty more where that came from so feel free to come on back anytime you need a little guidance.

    • 2 years ago
  • wayseeker
    • 0
      wayseeker  
    • Wilson's membership in The Sons of the Confederate Army just might give away his intentions towards Obama. I'm tired of hearing the Right defending Wilson's crude behavior. He has no excuse and they know it.

    • 2 years ago
  • nobamayomama
  • krag2112
    • 0
      krag2112  
    • wayseeker:

      Yes. That's it. Keep defending Wilson. Keep it in the news. That's exactly what you should do. Please. If we're lucky we can keep it on the front page going into the weekend.

      You guys are such drones you can't even clue into the fact that the VAST majority of Americans were completely disgusted by Wilson's bone headed gaff. No wonder the right wing has been reduced to blind impotency.

      Hilarious.

    • 2 years ago
  • eldamon
    • 0
      eldamon  
    • Image
    • wayseeker:

      This is one of the rare situations where the truth is easily attainable. The premise is either President Obama lied before Congress and the entire nation or Joe Wilson is a rude, misinformed fool that spoke out of turn embarrassing himself and his party in the process. All one needs to do is read that section of the bill to find out which is true. No argument of debate necessary.

    • 2 years ago
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