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Respect is Non-Partisan

I think we all learned as kids to be respectful. Although I’m beginning to wonder if anyone cares anymore.

Yesterday the House of Representatives voted on a “resolution of disapproval” against Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) for yelling “You Lie” during Obama’s joint session speech. It was passed by 263 Dems and only 7 Reps. Only 7 Repubs found it to be inappropriate. I don’t care what your take on health care reform is. I refuse to believe over 170 republicans felt his outburst was OK.

art.joe.wilson.heckling.giOur belief systems are not justification for shitty behavior. I recall when George W. was president there was an outcry for what the Repubs called lack of support for the President during war time. It is amazing how quickly the worm turns. There was absolutely no excuse for his outburst. It was disrespectful, rude, unnecessary, AND against the rules. To vote against the resolution is putting party over decency and Repubs should be embarrassed. This isn’t about health-care reform, it’s not about Obama, it’s not about illegal immigration, it’s not about socialism. Simply put its about respect for the system, varying opinions and the rules. Somewhere along the line we have begun to lose site of that. More and more we justify our inappropriate behaviors as being OK, rather than take accountability for them. There is no justification here. It was just plain wrong. There is no excuse for bad behavior.

Respect is non-partisan.

When I was kid, if I were to yell out like that in the middle of class, I would have been sent to the principle. If I were to do that during a company function, I would be fired. I find it hard to believe that 170 republicans and 7 democrats see it different. Respect is a value you have or you don’t. It’s not conditional.

Don’t sell out your values for your beliefs. Your beliefs rely too heavily on them.

  • http://www.aaronklein.com aaronklein

    You are dead right that respect is non-partisan and the President is owed more respect than he received from Mr. Wilson.

    However, I'd disagree with your take on the vote. 170 Republicans and 7 Democrats thought his prompt first apology to the President and his second apology to the President's Chief of Staff were enough.

    It was only playing politics that the remaining members of Congress thought a third apology was needed.

  • http://asalesguy.com Keenan

    That is a fair statement. Good point.

    Sometimes when you step in it that bad, you have to pay more than the
    price of admission.

  • http://www.aaronklein.com aaronklein

    Agreed. I would have taken the five minutes on the House floor, apologized again and spent the other four and a half getting my points across. :)

    To me, this is just Washington DC doing the same old thing.

  • James

    The guy showed his character when he interrupted the pres. He then apologized. That should have been the end. These bozos are going to sit there and make a big stink out of this? Yea, its a big deal but the whole health care thing is a much bigger deal that is far more important than squabbling over this. Maybe they can start shooting off fireworks in the chamber so they an forget all about doing anything constructive on health care or otherwise!

  • http://katandtonic.blogspot.com/ KatJaib

    Okay. You got me with the Brogan post. And won me with this one. Couldn't agree more. You said it perfectly. I'm now a fan. (Not in a “Misery” kind of way, though.)

  • http://asalesguy.com Keenan

    I like fans :) Thanks Kat-

  • http://playitforward.posterous.com/ KatJaib

    Okay. You got me with the Brogan post. And won me with this one. Couldn't agree more. You said it perfectly. I'm now a fan. (Not in a “Misery” kind of way, though.)

  • http://asalesguy.com Keenan

    I like fans :) Thanks Kat-