Obama Accused of Lying by Congressman During Speech on the Hill

In an unusual move yesterday, Representative Joe Wilson, R-South Carolina, burst out during a speech being given by Barack Obama on Capital Hill. Wilson, during a part of Obama’s speech assuring Congress that his plan to extend health care to all Americans would not include illegal immigrants, shouted out "You lie!" and drew criticism almost immediately thereafter. Vice President Joe Biden said after the speech, "I was embarrassed for the chamber and a Congress I love. It demeaned the institution." While it’s undoubtedly a bit late to have demeaned an institution staffed by liars, thieves and charlatans, the outburst was considered a breach of etiquette in Congress, where bills to steal money from American taxpayers, pad the legers of big companies and send young Americans off to die for "freedom" is acceptable, but voicing an opinion during a speech is not.

Wilson apologized almost immediately after his outburst, but other Republicans sought to distance themselves nonetheless. Said House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, "Obviously, the President of the United States is always welcome on Capital Hill. He deserves respect and decorum. I know that Congressman Wilson has issued an apology and made his thoughts known to the White House, which was the appropriate thing to do."

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, noted, "There’ll be time enough to consider whether or not we ought to make it clear that that action is unacceptable in the House of Representatives. Let’s see what he does. Then there’s time enough to consider further action." While you’re at it Steny, how about tackling government spending and waste, exorbitant budget deficits, crooked campaign finance laws and politicians getting into bed with big corporations. Let’s just save the etiquette lessons until last, if you please.