Joe Wilson Presidential Heckler

Why are we surprised at the outburst from South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson during Presidents Obama’s address to Congress Wednesday night? The conservative talk show heads have been urging, no demanding that people disrupt town hall meetings in exactly the same fashion for months now and boy have they. The Limbaughs, Hannitys, Becks and the likes have made it clear that they do not want the American public to hear a word spoken by our president or his administration and it’s clear that Joe Wilson agrees with them. Had that been an African-American Congressman interrupting George Bush by calling him a liar he would have received a swift political lynching and within a day his political career would have been over. I hate to repeat myself but this is just another example of the disrespect for our President and another blatant display of the racism and hatred alive and well in this country.

So what did Mr. Wilson do to redeem himself? He was forced to issue a stock apology and immediately booked an appearance on Sean Hannity’s conservative talk show where he stated that he stands by his comments. STANDS BY HIS COMMENTS? I’m sorry but why isn’t disrupting the President of the United States during his speech to Congress and calling him a liar not an act of treason? The man should be removed from office immediately or at the least receive some serious form of censure. When has an elected official been allowed to shout out during a Presidential address to congress? Hannity agreed with Wilson that the President is indeed a liar and Wilson thanked Hannity and talk radio for pushing the issue and educating the public. WHAT? Educating the public? How about using scare tactics and untruths to mobilize an army of already resentful and hateful bigots and whack jobs to come out of hiding and angrily voice their loathing for the first African-American President.

It is one thing to disagree with the President and his policies but it is another thing entirely to let the halls of congress devolve into a venue like Jerry Springer. And do you really believe Joe Wilson when he says he’s received less than 50 disapproving calls for his disruption? If so this exhibition of presidential heckling is a direct reflection of the district he represents. Which doesn’t make it okay but at least explains his actions.