I watched President Obama's Healthcare speech last night. The rights - or wrongs - of that speech
are subject for others to debate. My concern today is with Senator Joe Wilson of South Carolina. Senator Wilson is the person who did the 'shout out' to the President last night, saying, "You Lie". Here is the email I sent to Senator Wilson today:
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Dear Senator Wilson,
Respect should not be partisan.
You crossed a line that a simple apology does not erase. I understand that your politics are different from the of the president. And I may even agree with you to some degree, politically. But this is not about politics. This is about civility and respect. You may have been right - his words may be a 'lie'. I don't know. But I do know that I teared up when I heard the collective breath that the audience took, with your remark.
My dad wasn't always right. But I always showed him respect. Always. Would you have spoken so harshly, so publically, to any single one of your SC constituents? I doubt it. Because it is the wrong thing to do...to be disrespectful...ever. Even when you think the other person is wrong. Even if they have wronged you. You don't try to one-up them in disrespect. You show them who is the better person, by being the better person. Take the high road. In your position, there is no need to be a bully. You hold a position of respect and honor. You need to behave honorably.
How did you personally feel when you heard about the 'shoe throwing' incident with President Bush? Did it please you? Did you think the offender was justified? I did not. I was sad, shameful, that that had happened to the President of the United States. And in that case, it was not even one of our own who did it. In your case, you brought shame on us, the US, the collective body that is and represents the US. Others did also, but you did most vocally, most disrespectfully. Maybe because you are in the public eye with this incident, you can use it to bring about positive change.
I hope that you learn from this Senator Wilson. I hope that you can use this unfortunate incident to make something good come about. I really think at this point, you could use the good Karma. I wish you all the best as you reflect on your actions, and what you can do differently in the days to come. I think lots of us will be watching.