Thread: Rep. Joe Wilson apologized.

Originally Posted by VeeDubb65

Now, My first thought is that it is pointless to compare this to democrats booing Bush, because it was a separate event. It's the old "2 wrongs don't make a right."

That is exactly my point for comparing it to the Dems. They are either both right or both wrong. I am not at all trying to say that 2 wrongs make a right. I just want to know which you think it is.

From an outsider's POV, it's an interesting issue. I have seen vids of punch-ups breaking out between politicians in Asian and South American countries at similar events where their leader is speaking. And over here it would be unthinkable for something similar to happen during the Queen's Speech.

And although parliaments, state of union addresses, and monarchs' speeches are very different vehicles, I think the point is that with every situation, there is a culture that dictates what is and isn't appropriate.

I believe in free speech and in being able to voice dissent when appropriate, but from what I've read it seems, in this particular case, it just isn't the done thing. So I voted yes, he was right to apologise. The fact that it has happened maybe once or twice before does not negate the culture that this is not the time or place for such protests.

Originally Posted by majurey

From an outsider's POV, it's an interesting issue. I have seen vids of punch-ups breaking out between politicians in Asian and South American countries at similar events where their leader is speaking. And over here it would be unthinkable for something similar to happen during the Queen's Speech.

And although parliaments, state of union addresses, and monarchs' speeches are very different vehicles, I think the point is that with every situation, there is a culture that dictates what is and isn't appropriate.

I believe in free speech and in being able to voice dissent when appropriate, but from what I've read it seems, in this particular case, it just isn't the done thing. So I voted yes, he was right to apologise. The fact that it has happened maybe once or twice before does not negate the culture that this is not the time or place for such protests.

Again, I agree whole heartedly. As I said though, if one is going to do such a thing anyways one should do it with all the strength and conviction that one can muster and not apologize just to save ones ass.

Originally Posted by JMS

Again, I agree whole heartedly. As I said though, if one is going to do such a thing anyways one should do it with all the strength and conviction that one can muster and not apologize just to save ones ass.

Ahhh, well that's a different point altogether. We're now entering into the area of 'intent'.

We've all done something wrong and, having seen the error or our way, apologised for it genuinely. That's not covering one's ass or crumbling under peer pressure -- that's simply being true, honest and mature enough to admit fault.

And some people are motivated to say sorry just to save their political ass, cover up, or maintain popularity. In which case, it's wrong to apologise -- as it they're apologising for all the wrong reasons.

If you think Wilson was just covering his ass, then he was wrong to apologise. Or rather, he apologised for a dishonouraable motive (but a common one in political circles!). If you believe he was apologising because he truly wishes to repent for what, on reflection, he realises was wrong, then I think he was right to do so.

Just depends how cynical you are of WIlson's motives, I guess!

Originally Posted by JMS

That is exactly my point for comparing it to the Dems. They are either both right or both wrong. I am not at all trying to say that 2 wrongs make a right. I just want to know which you think it is.

If that's what you want to know, then my direct answer is that this one specific event is clearly wrong, and some but not all of the less than polite things dems did during Bush's time in office were wrong as well.

My personal standards for decorum and manners among politicians are pretty low, so there was a lot of stuff that the Dems did that I just ignored because it was minor. There were however, certainly instances where they crossed the lines just like Wilson did.