Almost a week ago, President Obama once again interrupted our lives with a prime time speech, this time to back his new health care plan and admonish anyone who dares question him. During his speech, the typical signs of American partisanship were present, with the majority of Congress standing and clapping after every sentence while a few protesting GOP remained seated and fiddled with their Blackberrys. This is pretty normal; and let's be honest, it makes it far easier for us to pretend we actually recognize the different politicians and their political ideologies.
"No, no, This doesn't sit well with me at all."
"I clearly hang on to the President's every word, and only hope I some day have the privilege of sacrificing my firstborn on the alter of Obama."
What is not normal or accepted is shouting down the leader of the free world during his address to Congress. Apparently South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson never got this memo. In response to President Obama's comment that his new health care plan would not assist illegal immigrants, Wilson shouted out "You Lie!" Apparently Wilson also never got the memo declaring Obama divine, and thus, incapable of deception.
If you haven't caught on that I'm being sarcastic, well then, I'm sorry, but no one can help you.
Anyway, one can picture my internal conflict over Rep. Wilson's outburst. I don't think winning an election or taking an oath guarantees the all-encompassing wisdom, thick pockets, or even trustworthiness that the American populace attributes to Obama without question. However, at the same time, I believe the office of president deserves a certain level of respect, and if the tables were turned I would be outraged by Wilson's blatant disrespect.
I think its fitting that this incident occurred around the 8th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It just goes to show that no matter how "enlightened" we
dare think of ourselves as Americans, we've really learned nothing.
I mean, does it really take a national tragedy for us to get along? We're so splintered as a society. There's hundreds of issues and a party to promise what you want to hear concerning each one. These problems and divisions aren't new. But right after 9/11, none of them seemed to matter.
One of the most powerful images of this unity was President Bush throwing out the first pitch in the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
This may seem like an odd choice, but it was the ultimate representation of American strength and unity. It told the world, amidst the thousands of cheers, that our way of life: our freedom, our unity, and yes, our game, would continue no matter what.
By no means should this unity be achieved through the sacrifice of personal opinions and beliefs; I simply ask that we at least assume the other side of the political aisle also has the best interests of their country at heart. This may not always be the case, but really, Rep. Wilson, change can be achieved in more civil ways than shouting matches. Just look at the President.
And to the President, GOP attacks aren't just fear-mongering. Perhaps we really do feel that a public option represents too much government control over our lives. Does that make us worse Americans? Keep that in mind the next time you try to dismiss us.
Wow, this whole civility thing is more difficult than I thought. Oh well, I guess if children can do it the rest of us will figure it out eventually. Rep. Wilson, go to your corner and stay there until you can learn to play nicely with the liberals.
