Posted by
VBushmills on Sunday, September 13, 2009 10:26:26 AM
Portland, Sunday, Sept 13
I don't want to put words in Joe Wilson's mouth, or express how his colleagues in the Republican Party should behave, either toward him, or in his behalf. But let's be clear. Joe Wilson's loud shout of "Liar" during President Obama's speech top Congress was an act of extraordinary bad manners, and unparliamentary behavior.
He apologized to the White House forthwith, which was correct in being offered, and correct in being accepted.
But he apologized for bad manners, not for saying aloud that a man who spoke untruth after untruth for the most part of 48 minutes was indeed lying. The press, even the Obama press, has said as much since, although "misspoke", "disingenuous", etc were the preferred descriptive terms.
And they could be right, for indeed, instead of lying, Obama could have simply been misinformed, or been incredibly stupid (the other two alternate theories for stating untruths). And quite frankly, the jury is still out of that broader issue.
That said, Joe Wilson owes the Democrat Party and the Congressional Black caucus nothing, especially an apology. If they want to issue some statement of condemnation, let them. If any GOP member votes "Aye", fire him...or her.
I don't think Joe Wilson can be compelled to stand in the well, a la Gerry Studds, but should he desire to anyway, (I'd admire him all the more) I think he should say just what I have written. That Obama lied, and he was only apologizing for bad manners. Moreover, as a parting gesture, I suggest he be scratching his eye while saying this.
You see, I have a 90 year old friend, who still understands the protocols of good manners when in the company of dishonorable people. But he also possesses this unusually long and angular middle finger. It almost looks like ET's. And he can always find the most appropriate time to reach up and deftly scratch his eye.
This is a not a barroom you have to back out of, Congressman. Say your piece and walk out like a Jethro Gibbs, and not like a Lindsay Graham. The days of slinking and skulking Republicans are over.
Well, nearly.
Bernard Chumm