Lawmaker's 'You lie' outburst draws House rebuke

The Democrats have turned a little known congressman into a hero.  The original outburst was inappropriate, but it came off as an mistake, where Wilson maybe didn't mean to say that so loudly.  He admitted that it was rude and apologized.  Perhaps, having the truth on his side made the offense seem less severe.  Now the Democrats have turned the incident into an historic insult that will be remembered for years to come.  Let's erect a memorial plaque!

I think the public is getting tired of hearing the racism charge against anyone who disagrees with the President about any political matter.  They act as if no one knew the color of his skin when they voted for him.  Only now, after so many prime time speeches, they're noticing that he might be black and are turning against him.  The alternative explanation is they don't like his policies, which is supposedly too outrageous to consider.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090915/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_heckling

"This is not a partisan stunt," said Clyburn, whose district in South Carolina adjoins Wilson's. "I do not participate in partisan stunts, and I think every member here knows that. This is about the proper decorum that should take place on the floor of the United States House of Representatives."

A leading member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Clyburn perceived it as a snub that Wilson held a town hall meeting on health care this summer at a school in Clyburn's district — where Clyburn's children attended — without telling him.

There have been suggestions that recent harsh criticism of Obama has been at least partly motivated by race. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., current head of the Congressional Black Caucus, said that "today is about the civility and decorum of the House." But she added that we "can't sweep race under the rug — racism is still a factor and must be addressed."

Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., one of seven Republicans speaking in Wilson's behalf, argued that "I think what he have here today is a teachable moment, and it has nothing to do with race."

The dispute did draw a spotlight to the issue of benefits for illegal immigrants. Senators trying to negotiate a bipartisan deal, with the endorsement of the White House, are moving to craft a compromise bill that strengthens verification requirements. That could please some Republicans but also antagonize Hispanic lawmakers sensitive to rules making it harder for people to obtain health care.

"I feel like progress has been really made in regard to citizenship verification," Wilson said after the vote. But he added that "I truly feel like political games were played today."

A House Rules Committee summary of guidelines for members states that while it is permissible to challenge the president on matters of policy during debate, personal attacks are off limits. House rules note that a member could refer to a presidential message as a "disgrace to the nation" but it would be impermissible to call the president a "liar," a "hypocrite" or say he was "giving aid and comfort to the enemy."

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