As I write this, the resolution expressing disapproval of Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst is being put up for a vote on the House floor. The voting is still going on, but the resolution has enough votes to pass. Before the resolution was put up for a vote, the Republicans all came to the defense of Wilson.
One of the defenses given is that, in 2005, Democrats booed President George W. Bush during the State of the Union. Here is the video of that:
I don't doubt that the Democrats booed Bush there. But one of the things that was overlooked with Congressman Wilson's "You Lie" shout was the fact that is was the Republicans who booed Obama:
I know I am young, but I have watched every State of the Union that I can remember from the Clinton years to now. Booing is not new to the State of the Union. I have heard both parties boo and I have heard both parties cheer.
Wilson could have solved this issue himself. All he had to do was apologize to the House - the institution he is in - for his actions. He chose not to. That is why this resolution is necessary.
After today, we can move on. I was not a fan of dwelling on Wilson's conduct, but this is where we are at. No one forced Wilson to say what he said. And no one prevented him from making an apology to the House.
