Editorial: Wilson's uncivil disobedience is another blow to tarnished image

“The shout heard around the nation.” It’s funny how headlines can put a comedic spin on topics that are serious and are major news stories.

The national firestorm that followed Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., for his rude interruption during President Barack Obama’s health insurance reform speech to a joint session of Congress is a blow to the state’s image. About a week ago, during a nationally televised speech, Wilson shouted, “You lie,” to the Commander-in-Chief. The backlash was immediate and another humiliating moment for many

South Carolina residents, already reeling from Gov. Mark Sanford’s apology tour. Sanford is seeking to earn back the public’s trust for his infidelity and possible misuse of state resources.

If you watch the news, you should know that Wilson accused President Obama of lying when he said illegal residents in the U.S. would not be covered by the health insurance reform he supported.

However, there is no record that the President made such a proposal, a fact verified by political fact checkers PoliticFact.com and FactCheck.org.

It is foolish to have a meltdown in front of a nationwide audience when you’re supposed to be a poised and intelligent lawmaker representing an entire state. And it’s a shameful display of partisan politics and poor judgment to heckle the President of the United States over a health care debate that has drawn contentious debates and been riddled with misinformation.

“I should not have disrespected the President during his speech,” Wilson said in an apology. “While I disagree with the president’s statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend since apologies to the president for this lack of civility.”

However, Wilson appears to using the publicity to his advantage, and followed his apology with another snipe, calling the president’s vision of health insurance reform as a “government takeover.”

According to Newsweek blog The Gaggle, Wilson and four of his sons receive free military medical coverage. Obviously, he takes advantage of the affordable Tricare that covers “9.5 million active-duty servicemen and women, military retirees, and their dependents.” On Sunday morning’s Fox News television show with Chris Wallace, Wilson said he won’t apologize to House of Representative members and will likely face official reprimand for his actions.

"I’m not going to apologize again,” Wilson said. “I believe the American people know I’m a civil person. I respect the institution of the House. I have apologized to the president. I believe that should be enough.”

Problem is, until that embarrassing outburst, many Americans didn’t know who Wilson was. His shout was how he introduced himself to them.

“The American people are fed up with the political games in Washington,” he added. From the moment he opened his mouth Wednesday night, it sounded as if he was already in the game, involving himself in partisan posturing instead of healthy and honest debates.

This is not the first time, South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District representative has had to beg pardon for his lack of judgement. In December 2003, when Essie Mae Washington-Williams announced the stunning news that she was the illegitimate daughter of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond, Wilson, a former page of Thurmond’s told The State newspaper that he didn't believe Williams.

If this is the representation South Carolina recieves in Washington, D.C., the political image of the state will continue to be marred in bad publicity.

Many South Carolina residents have sounded off on the issue.

“Wilson’s behavior was dishonorable, shameful, and pathetic,” Military veteran Jamika Stubbs said.

Kenyatta Hyman said Wilson’s outburst was uncalled for and makes not only the state but the people look bad.

“Whether you are a Dem or Rep, you still need to have respect for the president. Wilson said his emotions got the best of him, but I think otherwise ... I appreciate how Obama reacted by just simply saying that it wasn't a lie and moving along. This showed him to be a true leader and how much respect he has for his fellow man and their senseless opinions,” Christina Reaves said.

Margaret Lewis Bowens called Wilson’s actions disgraceful.

“How loathsome has political discourse become? Wilson crossed an invisible line during the president's address … There is a time and a place for everything. Should not decorum rule?” Bowens said.