A hundred fifty years ago dedicated men and women who were concerned about the moral health of American society formed the Republican Party in order to halt the expansion of slavery. Their actions aroused such intense hatred in the South that a prominent Republican senator was clubbed by a Southern senator while seated at the Senate. Yesterday, another southern congressman, Joe Wilson of South Carolina, proved that when it comes to hate and disrespect for American traditions, the Republican Party will seek to be number one in boorish remarks. As the president of the United States spoke, Joe Wilson shouted out, “you lie” to a shocked audience of fellow congressmen. Republican leader John McCain expressed his shock that anyone would behave in such a disrespectful manner when the president was speaking as a guest of Congress.
I am certain Rush and Glenn Beck and Bill O’Reilly will hail the South Carolina mouth that roared hate as a great American who is willing to tell the truth. The only truth emerging from his outburst is the extent to which the great Republican party has sunk when its members dwell in the sewers of garbage and hatred.
The essence of the American political tradition is respect for other parties even when you are furious at their actions. The essence of the American political tradition is when the president speaks to Congress he is offered respect as due to the office of the president.
Senator McCain, you selected a hating loudmouth as your running mate, you help unleash the fury of the ignorant, why are you surprised when what you help create displays their true selves!
