By Rattus Scribus©
11 Sept 2009
Who the heck was that, I wondered, who spat out "You lie" as President Obama gave his speech on health care reform? Behind Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi grimaced in a mixed emotion of surprise and disgust. The President stopped for a moment, then continued. He never lost his composure.
I thought President Obama's speech that night was among the most statesman-like I have seen in my adult life by a U.S. President, especially given the divisive nature of the topic. Of course, many will not agree with me: basically everyone who didn't vote for him, didn't like him then and can't like him now: "I cannot, I will not recant."
However, even if you don't agree with everything President Obama says, you have to give him this: his statesmanship is undeniable. His September 9th televised speech was like watching an episode of The West Wing, a program I used to watch and think: I wish we had a President with this kind of intelligence and desire for fair play and looking out for the other bloke.
As an American, I have been washed and rinsed repeatedly for so long by political foolery about "the real America" versus "Eastern liberal elites," or government health care "death panels" and the like, that I forgot what other-oriented statesmanship might be like. I suspect I'm not alone.
On that Wednesday night, Rep. Joe Wilson (R - SC) appeared as the polar opposite of all that. His outburst was like vomit on the clean stage of civility. A drunk pan-caking a Humvee in a wilderness preserve. Joe Wilson displayed blatant disrespect for the office of the President, he was unprofessional, even childish, certainly mean. He obviously thought he could turn an esteemed chamber of our government into a town hall shouting match (a verbal rendition of Brooks caning Sumner on the Senate floor) ironically, the very thing Obama was calling an end to.
In comparison with President Obama's call for cooperation across party lines and civility in discourse, modeled by his own calm and rational demeanor, Joe Wilson looked liked a common rabble rouser, a rustic villager in a Frankenstein movie carrying a torch and a pitchfork: "Arrrgh! You lie! Kill the monster!"
Maybe our government could get more done in the way of meaningful change if there were fewer rabble rousers and more statesmen.
11 comments:
I love your photos! They definitely make a statement! Well written,as usual! Anita
You're too, too kind. But enough talk about me. What do you think of me?
Rattus
I totally agree with you about the President speech! I am not side at all times with Mr. Obama, but what an excellent speech! I was actually clapping!*smiles* I told my husband that Mr. Obama should have been a preacher!
Perhaps the un-esteemed representative from SC was in need of some HUSH PUPPIES! At least he wasn't whistling Dixie.
Things I like about this post: I have been washed and rinsed repeatedly; vomit on the clean stage of civility; a Humvee in a wilderness preserve
Bonnice of San Diegus
All I have to say is that this kind of outburst does mimic our earliest government models, when frequently our representatives would end their arguments with a brawl on the house floor. Definitely bad form.
Hugs!
Nancy
Good post!
Jane - Jacksonville
Love it and I'm right there with you. Keep it coming!
Marie
RS-
Love your blog btw! Also, I couldn't agree with you more! Rep. Wilson basically sullied the President with venomous slurs, and it was heard around the world. No matter how he feels about President Obama, he shouldn't have aired his sentiments on a live broadcast. He gave more fodder to terrorist groups who try to sway people to hate our country. Love him or hate him, President Obama represents the USA. Mock him, and you mock America. Now, he gave permission for foreigners to follow his example. Living abroad and having foreigners think it's ok to insult OUR president is not right in MY book. WHAT AN IDIOT!
Ahem. Alright, I'm stepping off my soap box now. Thank you for letting me vent. Your writing invoked my passions. Keep inspiring!
Gina
Rattus -
President Obama's speech was very good. He's a very smooth & composed speaker. Rep Wilson's outburst was unprofessional but what will people remember for all time in that speech? The "YOU LIE" comment, planting a seed of doubt in the minds of the American people. Perhaps his crudeness will make the "people" pay more attention to the health bill & what it will & wont do for them. Sometimes good comes forth from bad or in this case poor taste.
Just a thought...
A la prochaine, Sherry
Stopping in to see your new place! Your wife is one of the sweetest bloggers in the glittery wide world and I am glad to know of her! Blessings on your writings and your year!
Just found your site and I totally agree with you. There is an element out there that just does not want this president to succeed and will do everything they can to make that happen.
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