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Congressman Wilson's Regrettable Place in History
Charleston, SC
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Congressman Joe Wilson has earned his place in American history, but what a horrible place it is. He will forever carry the designation as one of the most disrespectful congressmen who has ever served. The 179 congressmen who voted not to reprimand him are also on record as approving of his deplorable conduct.
Congressman Wilson's outburst during the Joint Session of Congress has nothing to do with his political disagreement with President Obama. As a congressman and as a citizen he has more than ample opportunities to express those concerns. His outburst shows a tremendous lack of respect for himself, for the president of the United States, for the people of his district in South Carolina and for the Congress.
His apology was insincere. "The Republican leadership asked me to apologize" He has used his poor behavior to raise over a million dollars in campaign contributions. What a terrible example he has set for the democratic process. His comment added no light to the debate, but rather focused attention on himself and reflected badly on the people who voted for him.
Many concerned citizens and organizations have mounted a campaign to return civility to our public discourse through the Say Something Nice Day movement. Joe Wilson has become the poster person to remind us how badly such a campaign is needed. How are we to teach the next generation the importance of respect when our national leaders show such an alarming disregard? Honest debate is essential in a democracy, but disrespect for the opponent is counterproductive.
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Congressman Wilson's outburst during the Joint Session of Congress has nothing to do with his political disagreement with President Obama. As a congressman and as a citizen he has more than ample opportunities to express those concerns. His outburst shows a tremendous lack of respect for himself, for the president of the United States, for the people of his district in South Carolina and for the Congress.
His apology was insincere. "The Republican leadership asked me to apologize" He has used his poor behavior to raise over a million dollars in campaign contributions. What a terrible example he has set for the democratic process. His comment added no light to the debate, but rather focused attention on himself and reflected badly on the people who voted for him.
Many concerned citizens and organizations have mounted a campaign to return civility to our public discourse through the Say Something Nice Day movement. Joe Wilson has become the poster person to remind us how badly such a campaign is needed. How are we to teach the next generation the importance of respect when our national leaders show such an alarming disregard? Honest debate is essential in a democracy, but disrespect for the opponent is counterproductive.
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Mitch Carnell Ph.D.
Charleston, SC
843-556-2310
