Hecklers in the House

Last night, as most have heard by now, South Carolina representative Joe Wilson spoke up against part of President Obama's speech on his health care plan and what he wants Congress to attack and address in the coming months. It is one thing for an ordinary individual at a town hall or at a rally to shout out and speak their opposing views. However, if you are a member of Congress there is a certain decorum and respect you are supposed to carry. Past presidents have not always gotten rave reviews during a speech to Congress, but yelling out crosses the line. I agree that presidents of both parties have gotten rude responses over the years. President Bush hear occasional jeers, but never did someone cross the line during a speech he gave in the House of Representatives. To me, that is the highest pulpit for the president. It is the room that speaks on behalf of the people, where the president gives the most important addresses (usually the State of the Union), and where respect should be given no matter how much you disagree with an individual. We all know that Joe Wilson and several other don't agree with the President and his health care plan. Handle that is private. Definitely don't do that on television during a national address. Only you look bad. More importantly, though, your party looks even worse. And possibly, the biggest loser is Congress, whom most Americans already view unfavorably.

I am not trying to discredit Congressman Wilson in any way, but sir you went a little too far by yelling in the House. If our elected officials can't show decorum during speeches, how do we expect every day Americans to act in public settings. It sets a bad examples to adults and children equally. I prefer my politicians to act reversed when in the spotlight and during business that is important to everyone. What they do in their office or at home is their business and they could yell all they want (to a limit of course). Society and its knack for rude behavior has reached the highest levels and Congressman Joe Wilson is currently the poster child for that. A little respect goes a long way. I don't like everyone, but I try to show them a little respect when necessary. Something our politicians fail at a little too much.