Rep. Joe Wilson is apologizing for blurting out "You lie!" during President Obama's nationally televised address Wednesday night — but he's not backing down one bit about Obama being wrong in saying healthcare reform won't subsidize insurance for illegals.
"This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the President's remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the healthcare bill," the South Carolina Republican said in a statement issued shortly after the president's speech to a joint session of Congress ended. "While I disagree with the President's statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility."
Reaction to Wilson's outburst came fast and furious. Republicans distanced themselves from the breach of protocol — Sen. John McCain of Arizona decried it as "totally disrespectful" adding, "there is no place for it in that setting — and House Democrats actually called for Wilson to be censored.
Efforts by Democrats to pillory Wilson for doing the same thing Town Hall protesters did around the nation during the August recess — speaking the truth as they see it to those in power — may backfire. Already, the nation's attention is turning to the actual issue Wilson raised — an accusation that billions of taxpayers' dollars will go to pay for health insurance coverage for undocumented workers, if the current reform proposals go through.
Supporters of so-called "Obamacare" point out that the measures being drafted all specifically forbid illegal aliens from gaining coverage. But conservatives say those stipulations are useless without the normal enforcement procedures which Democrats omitted.
"Obama is correct," Steven Camarota, director of research for the Center for Immigration Studies, tells Newsmax. "The legislation states illegals won't get the affordability credits [to pay for their healthcare]. But Wilson's comment is correct in that the normal enforcement mechanism was excluded from the bill. I think that's the fundamental question."
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16 comments:
A Republican with The Guts to speak up, what a novel concept!
Joe Wilson 2010
kdn
These actions continue to make the President look like the adult in the room.
anonymous 8:14, Is that what's important here, who's more the adult? Come on, wait till my post later today because IMHO the bigger adult is the person who's NOT a LIAR.
I agree 8:14. Another example of an attempt to score cheap points. The bill specifically prohibits illegals. The problem we have is with overall enforcement of immigration law; this is not unique to health care legislation and the Pres. is not out there trying to cover illegals
Disrespectful my foot. I agree with Wilson - YOU LIE and that's all he has done and continues to do daily. I have to say this now because pretty soon freedom of speech will be taken from us too.
This is no about Republican or Democrat. Mr. Wilson's actions were simply unacceptable. He will be unseated in 2010.
Anon 8:00, it's not guts, but mere stupidity. At least he was smart enough to apologize immediately.
The fact is the bill has no specific language prohibiting illegals from getting health care. Loopholes were left that may allow it. we know the democrats are liars. The republicans offered a specific ammendment prohibiting this from happening amd the democrats voted the ammenment down.
"freedom of speech will be taken from us too"
Are you stupid or just the real liar in the room?
Joe Wilson is the best friend that a Democrat could have. Don't be fooled into thinking that the guy's doing republicans any favors. Keep up this behavior and the republican party will have only about twenty people left in it. I know several people that have already migrated to the (I) or (D) column.
MD_Progressive
Alex, Joe Wilson was pressured by other "Bed Wetting Republicans" to apologize, Let's wait until 2010 to see who gets that Seat, HUH?
kdn
This may come as a shock to you libs, but even the media is reporting that Wilsons seat is safe.
God bless Wilson and South Carolina! hopefully this may be the start of the second time South Carolina has had the balls to stand up and take the first step in leading the Country by saying enough is enough when the federal govt. is burying us in crap!
Right or wrong the look on Nancy's face was PRICELESS. That's the first thing I noticed.
Joe Wilson for President. At least he had the courage to confront the Liar (oops meant Obama).
Alex I think you will be surprised to find out his seat is probably safer than it ever has been. As most Americans would agree with Wilson. But you liberals just keep your head in the sand when it comes to Obama.
We already donated to Wilson's
campaign chest and can't wait to support Mikulski's opponent.
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