Letters to the editor
Re “Outburst forgiven but not forgotten,” Sept. 11
At first, I thought Rep. Joe Wilson’s outburst during President Obama’s speech before Congress was the one of the most shocking, bizarre and disrespectful breaches of protocol that I had ever witnessed in American politics.
On further reflection, however, it is clear that his action was a natural development from a loyal opposition that demonstrated its contempt for the president and disregard for appropriate behavior by holding up placards, booing and texting during his speech. In fact, we should give Wilson credit -- instead of playing with his BlackBerry, at least he was paying enough attention to pitch his fit at a suitable moment.
Stephanie Roche
Claremont
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So this is what the new Republican Party thinks is civil discourse?
Someone forgot to tell Wilson that a joint session of Congress is not the same as a town hall meeting.
As a lifelong Republican (turned independent), I’m disgusted.
Trudy Sibley
Northridge
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Although Wilson’s comment to Obama was inappropriate, I am glad somebody had the nerve to speak up to Obama.
All those yes-men surround Obama, and the president thinks he’s fooling everyone. Behind Obama’s back is when the truth comes out. Finally, somebody said it to his face.
Thank you, Joe Wilson.
Dave Waterbury
Studio City
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Many people called George W. Bush a liar, but we waited for him to, um, actually lie.
Peter Molnar
Venice
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Although I think Wilson was out of order and his conduct regrettable, he was also quite correct.
The House health reform legislation has loopholes, which I think Democrats are probably aware of.
I checked the legislation in the Congressional Research Service myself. Given that this information is available to members of Congress and the media, it seems highly likely that there is some cynicism operating here in favor of illegal immigrants.
Jiro Tomiyama
Los Angeles
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It is sad that Wilson could not control his “civility” at one of the most important joint sessions of Congress we will televise this century.
Has hate brought our great democracy to the level where there can be shouts and jeers from the “peanut gallery” to the face of America?
Is this what our congressmen are teaching our children -- how to be rude, insulting and barbarous?
Is Wilson stupid or just downright hateful?
I humbly apologize, President Obama, to you, your family and all the people who believe in your integrity, honesty and leadership.
Regina Ming
Walnut
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I hope the people of South Carolina -- who are known for Southern gentility and graciousness -- are incensed and stunned that one of their elected officials would represent them in such an ungentlemanly, vulgar and tasteless manner.
His action was cause for local and national embarrassment.
Reiss J. DuPlessis
Laguna Woods
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For eight years, Democratic representatives sat through the whoppers told by President Bush and his cronies, and never once did they shout out in the disgraceful way Wilson did.
Shame on him.
Cherie Rodgers
Santa Monica
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Although he has a right to disagree, Wilson has actually done more for the passage of this legislation than he would ever imagine.
He will become a symbol of what those Americans who have real compassion and a true sense of fairness for all will use to point out the lunatics who are hellbent on damaging this president at any cost.
Jay Slater
Los Angeles
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During Obama’s speech to Congress, some GOP congressmen and senators heckled, interrupted and texted indifferently on their BlackBerrys.
These are the same immature, disruptive tactics some students use in the classroom to make it impossible for teachers to teach.
Thanks, GOP, for another lesson in how to improve our nation’s schools.
Dennis Clausen
Escondido