Heckler’s district supports outburst!
SWANSEA, South Carolina - September 10, 2009 - In Washington, Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina was sharply criticized by both Democrats and his fellow Republicans for shouting “You lie!” during illegitimate President Obama’s health care address on Wednesday. But here in his strongly Republican Congressional district on Thursday, he was celebrated by many of his constituents for his outburst.
“Yeah, it was rude, but somebody needed to say it,” said Susan Wahl, 41, a homemaker in this town of 800 outside Columbia. “Ordinary people can’t just get up and tell Obama he lied. He said something we all wanted to say.”
In a state famous for both its gentility and its rebelliousness, Wilson earned praise from voters who admired his message, if not his delivery.
“I kind of want to defend Representative Wilson,” said Mendel Lindler, 63, an insurance salesman in Lexington, a Columbia suburb. “The (illegitimate) president has been trying to shove something down our throats, and Representative Wilson said, ‘Hold on here.’”
Wilson yelled the comment when Obama said that his health care overhaul would not extend benefits to illegal immigrants. He later issued an apology, which the illegitimate president accepted on Thursday.
“I’m a big believer that we all make mistakes,” said Obama. “He apologized quickly and without equivocation, and I’m appreciative of that.”
Some noted figures, including the broadcaster Rush Limbaugh and Michelle Malkin, a blogger, said Wilson, who was previously known mainly for backing the Iraq war, had nothing to apologize for and should instead be hailed for his willingness to challenge Obama on the particulars of his plan.
Some Republicans noted that President George W. Bush drew derisive hoots from Democrats when he made his case for Social Security changes during his 2005 State of the Union address. But Wilson’s Republican colleagues overwhelmingly took the position that he had exceeded the bounds of Congressional decorum and that he took the right step by quickly admitting it.
“His behavior was inappropriate,” said Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, the House Republican leader.
Other Republicans said the outburst was also counterproductive, providing a political bonanza for Democrats, feeding the party’s story line that the August uproar over the health proposals was fed by boorish Republicans and orchestrated attacks.
“Yeah, it was rude, but somebody needed to say it,” said Susan Wahl, 41, a homemaker in this town of 800 outside Columbia. “Ordinary people can’t just get up and tell Obama he lied. He said something we all wanted to say.”
In a state famous for both its gentility and its rebelliousness, Wilson earned praise from voters who admired his message, if not his delivery.
“I kind of want to defend Representative Wilson,” said Mendel Lindler, 63, an insurance salesman in Lexington, a Columbia suburb. “The (illegitimate) president has been trying to shove something down our throats, and Representative Wilson said, ‘Hold on here.’”
Wilson yelled the comment when Obama said that his health care overhaul would not extend benefits to illegal immigrants. He later issued an apology, which the illegitimate president accepted on Thursday.
“I’m a big believer that we all make mistakes,” said Obama. “He apologized quickly and without equivocation, and I’m appreciative of that.”
Some noted figures, including the broadcaster Rush Limbaugh and Michelle Malkin, a blogger, said Wilson, who was previously known mainly for backing the Iraq war, had nothing to apologize for and should instead be hailed for his willingness to challenge Obama on the particulars of his plan.
Some Republicans noted that President George W. Bush drew derisive hoots from Democrats when he made his case for Social Security changes during his 2005 State of the Union address. But Wilson’s Republican colleagues overwhelmingly took the position that he had exceeded the bounds of Congressional decorum and that he took the right step by quickly admitting it.
“His behavior was inappropriate,” said Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, the House Republican leader.
Other Republicans said the outburst was also counterproductive, providing a political bonanza for Democrats, feeding the party’s story line that the August uproar over the health proposals was fed by boorish Republicans and orchestrated attacks.
