Op-Ed: South Carolina Congressman Should Be Censured

The ugliness of disrespect and racism in America was on full display from the Republican side of the House chamber last night as President Obama delivered a speech on health care reform to a joint session of Congress.

While it is customary for the minority party to sit in silence when in disagreement with aspects of a speech of a President of the opposing party, what occurred yesterday evening was a shameful display of the ugliness that has gripped our nation since the election of Barack Obama. To see signs held aloft and worn around the necks by our lawmakers in opposition was a disgrace. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) could be seen wearing a homemade sign - similar to the ones seen at town hall protests — around his neck, which read, “What bill?” To hear a Member of Congress shout out “you lie” in interrupting Mr. Obama's address, was an affront to the office of the President. What would drive a Member of Congress, Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, to shout disrespectfully at the President in the middle of his speech? It was a rare breach of the protocol that governs ritualistic events in the Capitol and it stunned members of both parties in the House chamber. When have we witnessed Members of Congress waving papers while the President is speaking? Critical body language and murmurs of disapproval are typical at presidential addresses and part of the political theater. But members of both parties were trying to recollect such a pointed attack from an individual lawmaker at a presidential address and noted that a similar remark could draw a formal reprimand if delivered at a routine session of the House. Democrats sat through years of false statements made by George W. Bush and never reacted in such a manner. Members of both parties expressed incredulity and distress by Wison's actions. Rep. Mike Pence, of Indiana, told the Gannett Washington Bureau, "I do not appreciate" Wilson's outburst. Rep. David Dreier, of California, the top-ranking Republican on the House Rules Committee, had a similar reaction. "I cringed," he said. "I think it's just unfortunate." Republican reaction from the media offered both criticism and praise of Mr. Wilson's outburst. MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough wrote, “Whoever shouted out that the president was lying is a dumb ass who should show the President respect.” Yet, on Fox Business News, Karl Rove and host Neil Cavuto thought Wilson shouting at the President was hilarious. "Joe Wilson, good guy," said Rove. "Lovely," agreed Cavuto. Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter said, "But there ought to be some rebuke, reprimand, censure -- something that will discourage that kind of conduct in the future. If you do that to the President, it's open season." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California has apparently ruled out that option stating, "It's time for us to talk about healthcare, not Joe Wilson." It is clear, beyond a reasonable doubt, that there are elements in our nation, many with allegiances to the Republican party, who are beside themselves over the presence of a Black President. What else would drive protesters to show up at events bearing firearms where the President is appearing? What else would drive the anger of a professed minister to wish death upon the President? These self-professed “patriots” are bigots, plain and simple. If there was ever a time to stand up and fight, the time is now. This is clearly no longer about health care. This is about the future of America and whether enlightened Americans will allow relics of our nation’s ugly past to set the agenda for its future. It was known all along that the election of the first Black President would generate a wave of hatred. However, many were hopeful, that our nation had progressed to the point where people of reason would not allow hate mongers to rule the day. That now seems a very naive hope. Sadly, the worst of our nation, the hateful and deceitful demagogues have skewed the public debate with hyperbole and outright lies. It would be one thing if the two sides were engaged in a tough, but honest, debate over policy differences however, what we are witnessing now is the resentment of those whose only interest is to obstruct the potential success of the 44th President of the United States. President Obama’s needs to be admired and commended for his commitment to breach the partisan divide. Yet, there comes a time when a response is necessary to those who are intent on dividing the American public with fear tactics and appealing to racial animus. It is not the responsibility of the President to do so, it is the responsibility of the America’s citizenry. The “calling out” that President Obama promised toward those who deceive the public is the American citizens cross to bear, not his. While he serves as our President, the task of changing this nation is not his alone. We must take it upon ourselves to confront the racists who are trying to sow seeds of chaos. How you ask? Write a letter. Make a phone call. Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Picket the office of Members of Congress who make outlandish and inaccurate claims. Americans should also support organizations that are working toward progressive reforms, not just in health care but also in all aspects of public policy. Change can only take place when American citizens engage as active participants in the democratic process. This should include calls and letters to your local congressman and Senator calling for the censure of Representative Wilson, if only to preserve the respect of the Office of the President for Mr. Obama and the American people.