Joe Wilson and the 9/12 March: The Week That Decency Died?

In the age of expansive punditry, we tend to over-analyze events as they happen. Everything is historic, everything is a game-changer, and our rhetoric reflects that.

The truth is, none of us can say for sure how something will figure into American history because none of us can predict the future. So two events that occurred in the last few days could either read as speed bumps or roadblocks in our history books. They are Joe Wilson interrupting a presidential address before a joint session of Congress and the '9/12 March on Washington.'

All Americans should mourn on 9/11. In the New York area, TV stations still broadcast the memorial reciting the names of those who died. It's a reminder of the solemnity, the togetherness and the pride we feel in our country, and the heroism of that dark day.

This is why these 9/12 protests are so repugnant and disrespectful. There's no other way to describe them. They are re-appropriating a national tragedy not to bring Americans together, but to divide. One of the organizers traced the event's roots back to the tea parties of February, which were not so much in opposition to what President Obama was doing as much as they were in opposition to President Obama winning. But in the months and protests since, the media and others in government have lost sight of that. The subsequent protests -- against taxes on April 15, against health care reform in August -- have never been about the policies; these events would go on regardless. They are extensions of the 'sore loser' rallies, and they're one hundred percent partisan. That is why their attempts to wrap themselves in the tragedy of 9/11 is so wrong.

The only kind of 9/12 protest I'd like to see is one promoting the care for rescue workers now suffering from lung illnesses. Of the list that was read in New York yesterday, a new name was added this year: Leon Heyward, who helped evacuate disabled employees from one of the buildings and died last October of lymphoma.

But getting back to the point, take these partisan 9/12 protests and add them to Representative Joe Wilson's disrespect for the office of the President of the United States. Wilson, who was not only rude but factually incorrect in his outburst, refused to give an apology on the House floor even after his caucus leader pleaded with him to do so. It seems Wilson feels no need to show civility toward a person on the other side of the partisan divide. And sadly, there are more than enough people who feel he is justified. This sets an awful precedent.

Which leads to this week's place in American history. Will we one day look back upon this week -- one in which we observed the anniversary of terrorist attacks that united us -- as the week in which all decency left American politics?

Those shouting at the 9/12 March on Washington believe they are making history. They believe today is the day their partisan revolution begins, in which they run Democrats from Congress and the White House. If they fail, they will be no more memorable than those who rallied against the New Deal reforms. But if their shamelessness somehow succeeds, this week may very well be marked in history.

Fortunately, the fact that we cannot predict what will one day fill our history books is accompanied by this simple idea: we can always shape it.

Follow John R. Bohrer on Twitter: www.twitter.com/JRBwrites

Comments

[SonnyRice]

Part 1

Americans are Kept distracted so we never stand together. Between Bias News, and to many Special Interests ( a polite word for Stick It To The People ), how can anyone know how to unite. I thought the voting process was the answer to fair government, to weed out the bad seed, yet people still vote them in. If the distractions not race today, its health care, war, what ever it takes to keep you and I left out of the land our family’s took away from the English. That promise of a better tomorrow. The land of the free, not of the unborn debtors! The home of the brave, not of those too afraid to speak. With justice and liberty for all still being debated.
Spread across a land once respected, and even feared, now used as collateral for debts not of our creation. The respect and dependence on one another, like morals and fairness, lost when I can not say. I too have been distracted and in all honesty not always following what is really going on. Thinking that working to raise my family meant they would not have to share the same burdens. That I, as my father and his before him had accomplished, would see to that. Now I’m helpless, and unable to be that man. Diminished, and distracted, and feeling very alone.

[SonnyRice]

Part 2

Watching my fellow country man lose their jobs, their families home, their hope. People homeless, veterans suffering here and abroad. Women and children, the young and the old, still being victims in this now civilized land.
We fought hard to have a country with citizens the envy of all. No oppressors, led by our own. What happened? Is it all my fault for being distracted all these years. Has my voice been silent for far to long. Can I ask my neighbor, or should I be afraid to speak. I see on the news, and read on line, and in the papers remaining two versions of the truth.
To me Red is Red, White is White, and Blue is Blue. Like the colors of the flag I pledged allegiance to every morning in school as a kid. I placed my hand across my heart, and stood tall as I proudly sang out loud. Under God, was even allowed to be said then. The United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Not just words to me, something to believe in. Fought for with every ounce of strength. Desired. Now distracted.

[SonnyRice]

Part 3

Who to trust if not your own heart and soul. We all know right from wrong when we want to. Distractions have allowed that grey line to become prevalent. Look away from wrong doing or else you may have to be a true American. Doing your part, your share if you will. Sure it is the easy road, safer, after all who will stand with you. You have a family, or a friend, maybe even a pet. Who knows what else may be threatened if you stand up and say STOP. If your life depended on you doing the right thing, could you? Alone as it seems today. Are you ONE OF THE BRAVE? Do we have a right to live with out crime an sin? Will there be another day? Could we survive with LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL? I don’t know, ask me later I’m too distracted.

[savvydad]

We can predict the future somewhat. We can vote out several of the lefty liberals who forgot this nation was founded by men with the belief that Government is the strongest when it acts as a the smallest part of citizen's lives.

[standup4usa]

3 more years and we can wipe the slate clean with a new admin and new president!

Too bad people hate the fact that this rally took place, too bad people are speaking out!

too too too bad!

[wafuu]

Democracy is a messy business. I just wish that the GOP would field some rationale and intelligent leadership.

[stormkite]

They can't. They ran all the rational and intelligent people out of the party back in the early 1990's. The well is dry.

[robbor]

A democracy even lets idiots speak out. So far embarrassment has not settled in on this irrational, emotion driven, il-informed group. Let them rant and blow off steam; eventually they'll get bored and return to their caves.

[Diomedes374]

Agreed. But we also need to be vigilant, and not let falsehoods go unchallenged.

[BlueFloyd]

"hoods" being the key word there.....­..

[Isosoles]

So that's your excuse for speaking out. You can tell when one has lost the argument, they start name calling.

[Isosoles]

I'm glad you are able to take advantage of that fact. haha

[BlueFloyd]

as are you. haha. I, on the other hand, am taking advantage of the fact that our freedoms allow plenty of room for intelligent discourse. haha again to you.

[Tommygun264]

I've read similar things from the 1930's, only they were talking about the brown shirts. A few weeks ago people were laughing about absurdity of Palin's "death panels" remark. If there's anything we've learned, it's that a little fear and ignorance go a long way when you are willing to tell outright lies.

[Ishkibble]

My family and friends have already sent checks out to Sen Wilson.

Although he was in the wrong forum, he effectively said what no one else had the guts to say on either side of the aisle!

What if he or anyone threw a shoe at obama?? Would you find that funny like you all laughed at Bush?

You want to do a counter protest? Sorry but it is a little way too late. You can try to do the same momentum but most americans have heard what obama has said and are taking action.

I am sure any counter protest will prob be filled with those people who think obama walks on water, the ones that want to try to infuse "race" into it and just those who do not know any better.

For us, we are glad that the story obama was telling about healthcare has now been know as the "you lie" speech.

[mlmn08]

You, very sadly, have your priorities mixed up. This man should have been escorted out of the chamber and censured for a complete lack of respect of the office of the President and an utter lack of decorum. He does not deserve to be there. Pres. Obama's speech was excellent and point of fact, Wilson voted for the very health care benefits tha he was yelling about. Absurd, indeed.

[Isosoles]

But the guy that threw the shoe yount honored. Double standard don't you think?

[dancingsarah]

The people who believe Obama walks on water already hacked into Wilsons computer to keep the contributions down so they are scared. am sick of being lectured to about how immoral we all are because we understand how upset Wilson was. Where is the high moral ground on Rangel or on hiring Van Horn or giving our money to ACORN?

[houseofdny]

"The people who believe Obama walks on water already hacked into Wilsons computer to keep the contributions down so they are scared." This is why I can't stand people in my own party so much. All you're good for is your vote, and unfortunately, the internet has given you a voice to share your insanity with the world, and it's a complete embarrassment to us. I'll say it again, ALL YOU'RE GOOD FOR IS YOUR VOTE. Keep the rest to yourself, people like you make Obama look sympathetic and sane. Leave the argument to the true leaders in our party, not the bats--t crazy ones.

[potrerohillman]

glad you support bad manners by someone who HAS voted for healthcare for undocumented people. too bad wilson was not being honest at the point he yelled, obama does not support healthcare extension to undocumented people.

[JustBNice]

Joe Wilson's website says he is "PASSIONATE ABOUT STOPPING GOVERNMENT RUN HEALTH CARE!"

But, apparently, not so passionate that he won't accept the free, top-flight government-run health care he gets as a retired Army National Guard colonel. (quote from Arianna Huffington article)

[BlueFloyd]

the shoe was thrown at bush by an Iraqi journalist­....NOT an American lawmaker/colleague of the president. it was done at a press conference in the offenders home country; NOT in the cong chambers. Can you not see the difference? or is ignorance or ideology blinding you hopelessly? Also, the fact that some liberals find the shoe-throwing funny, is totally irrelevant to the official ramifications of such behavior. need i remind you, slappy, that the shoe thrower went to jail? also, the man was fristrated after 6 years of death and destruction. what's your shabby excuse???

[EdwardoC]

!!! BOYCOTT SOUTH CAROLINA !!!

I refuse to visit anywhere in South Carolina, and I will encourage my friends and family to do the same, until Rep. Joe Wilson unequivocally apologizes on the floor of the House of Representatives for disrespecting the Office of the President of the United States and the American people.

Please consider doing the same to discourage the boorish behavior of Wilson and other Republicans.

We deserve representatives who are capable of having a substantive and civil discussion and work across the aisle for real solutions for the American people. Thank you.

SUPPORT ROB MILLER'S CAMPAIGN: http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19079

!!! BOYCOTT SOUTH CAROLINA !!!

DON'T Buy Products Made In South Carolina: madeinsc.org, SCIway.net

[juhar]

Understanding your feeling, however -

I WAS BORN IN SOUTH CAROLINA - A BOYCOTT OF SOUTH CAROLINA WILL HURT THE MINORITY PARTY - THE DEMS MORE THAN WILSON'S HOOLAGONS.

I PLAN TO MOVE TO RETIRE TO SOUTH CAROLINA AND ADD ONE MORE DEM VOTE.

YOU AND A MILLION MORE SHOULD JOIN ME.

[bowthai]

I hear you. I live in a very red area of a very blue state and try as we might to elect some intelligence into office, sometimes the will of the other people win out. Which is why I also plan on staying put so that I can spread my blue vote in places where it is most needed.

[reelcobra]

This is great.

After shouting conservatives off of every college campus in America, and sending Code Pink type wackos to Bush events everywhere, now that the left is in power, impolite political advocacy is no longer okay.

Progressives rule!

[Stopthekilling]

We are living Bush's third term. Bush and Obama are puppets for the same global banking oligarchy that has funded both sides of every war for 20 years. We haven't had a real Pres. looking out for the best interest of America since Nov. 1963. The false right left paradigm is dead. It was created in the state run media (6 companies own it as of 2009) to Balkenize America. A divided nation is easily defeated. The Patriot act is still in place. The torture continues. We will never leave Iraq. We are bombing Pakistan. Obama raised troop levels in Afghanistanietnam from 22,000 to 118,000 by Jan. of next year. Obama (Dick Cheney's cousin) plays for the same team as Bush so wake up and smell the fascism.

[potrerohillman]

don't you think the situation is a little more complex than that. for years, we have seen that there is little effective difference between dem and rep. ob climbed the institutional ladder of success. i mean harvard is not in the business of producing progressive but of an elite that is devoted to success within the institutionalized confines.

most of us are complicit in maintaining the system. calling it fascistic misses the point. most revolutions lead to crushing systems where progressive ideas are comprised.

[trisha08]

This sentence from your piece is a perfect description of what's happening.

..........­which were not so much in opposition to what President Obama was doing as much as they were in opposition to President Obama winning

[Flavor]

Not suprise at all with him requesting funds, he thought he was justified in doing what he did. Plain and simple they can't stand a black man standing as president and they have to look at him and besides that none thought they would live to ever see it happen. Not looking at or shall I say don't want to look at his intelligence, smartness, willingness to get with both parties and listen to them. When President Bush, was in office he hardly got with his own partie, they actually can remember how many times he did. It blows my mind how they think bullying is going to work ,(It's a new day, It's a new day). Mr. Wilson, will find people who will give to his campaign, like minded people there is nothing wrong with giving to a candidate that you desire to see win but what is wrong is the reason, Mr. Wilson, just wanted attention and he has got his minute of fame, I don't want anyone in an office who disrespects authority you know you here a lot of republicans hollor what god says, but blogger they fail to say jesus also said, respect those in authority, pray for them, you see they that are in leadership positions are looked upon as armour bearers for us, they should be caring out a duty to protect and serve the people and governing. There should always be order, and he was out of order.

[SirReal1]

I wouldn't mourn to heavily John, it's been on life support since 2000.

[ephoenix5]

We need to organize a march on Washington for support of Obama's healthcare policy.

[Mercedes]

The first person to ever shout at the President of the Untied States of America during a joint session of Congress (Joe Wilson) now wants money for his fight to stop Healthcare Reform and to get re-elected.

ANYONE that gives him even a Penny must be lacking in basic human understanding about what Wilson did and what he said to Our President Obama..

I hope he gets shamed in the House on Monday.

[Mark Twaine]

For the security of the country Congress needs to remove all nuclear and conventional weapons from the state of SC.

[Bartolo27]

"ANYONE that gives him even a Penny must be lacking in basic human understanding about what Wilson did and what he said to Our President Obama.."

They are the same people who hate America, who want their states to secede. they want to tear this nation apart if they can't have their way. These lemmings don't even understand what it is they are asking for.

Like John Stewart said " It's suppose to taste like a sh*t taco when you lose. We are real familiar with that taste after the last 8 years. Get over it."

[niccolina]

you know it makes me wonder what kind of chilldren will evolve from these people who think it is okay to disrespect our president. You can't listen to Obama encourage our kids to stay in school but you can shout at him during a congressional speech and call him a liar. I am so glad my kids are grown and have the decency to show respect towards others.