It Simply Boggles The Mind

[berni_mccoy]

Pelosi has come out and said NO to Censuring Wilson, even though a majority of house Democrats want it. Censure is simply a disciplinary action that should be applied here for breaking the House Rules in an extremely disrespectful manner. Furthermore, it increases the growing and dangerous rhetoric of disrespect against the President. Democrats need to show strength here and not back down. Yes, the President gracefully accepted Wilson's apology, but this continuing and building open show of disrespect and frightening hatred of the President will only continue to grow unless the Democrats show strength and decisiveness. The way to end the discussion quickly and decisively is indeed to Censure Joe Wilson. And there is strong Precedent for it.

In 1902 Senators Tillman and McLaurin were censured for fighting in the Senate.

In 1864 Rep. Harris was Censured for uttering treasonable utterances.

In 1869 Rep. Holbrook was censured for using unparliamentary language on the House Floor.

There are many more cases of Censure, some more severe than others. Sometimes the Congressman resigned, sometimes not. This case definitely warrants Censure and in doing so will accomplish two very important things:
1. It will put the issue to rest and we can return to talking about Health Care Reform
2. It will show those who would follow in Wilson's footsteps that we aren't going take the disrespect toward our President anymore from the insane right.

You know if the situation were reversed, that if Republicans controlled 2/3 of the House, they would be calling for the expulsion of a Democrat who showed such disrespect toward a Republican President.

[NotThisTime]

1. WTH is she that spineless?

[monmouth]

2. Perhaps POTUS told her to let it go. I agree, like children when they

act out with no repercussions, the behavior will probably continue. Pres. was quick to announce the apology, his acceptance of it and the implication was to move on. I could be wrong on this, but she was rightfully shocked and upset.. This may not be her doing at all. She has a boss too.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. "She has a boss too."

Which "boss" is that? Surely not someone from the Executive branch like the President. We have a tri-cameral form of gov't with separation of powers, and she IS "the boss" of her branch.

If this is allowed to go without at least a reprimand (or equivalent), then it will set a bad precedent. It's not about the "let it go" sentiment that might make sense on the personal level. It has to do with parliamentary procedure and rules. And especially since the asshole is out there today celebrating his idiocy.

[monmouth]

10. I absolutely agree with you. With no repercussions this may continue.

Probably should have left off "she has a boss too" but what I'm sure you know I meant the two of them had a conversation at the least about this. I'd like to see him receive a severe reprimand...

[Raineyb]

3. How often do white people pay the price for disrespecting black people in this country?

There's your answer.

[BumRushDaShow]

6. Bingo.

:applause:

[JANdad]

16. So the implication is:

Pelosi is racist or at the very least an apologist for racists?

[liberal N proud]

4. Not disciplining him only sets a precedent for future abuse of rules

As they fundies like to say, its a slippery slope.

[KittyWampus]

7. I wholeheartedly agree.

[lumberjack_jeff]

8. He makes the opposition party look ludicrous.

That's a good thing.

[TransitJohn]

9. Silly.

Don't you know yet that Republicans don't have to deal with trivial matters like consequences? :sarcasm:
Democrats never make Republicans pay, not from Watergate, through Iran-Contra, through Iraq, to today.

[Gold Metal Flake]

11. Decorum is off the table.

Respect is off the table.

Truth is off the table.

Justice is off the table.

Peace is off the table.

[Richard D]

12. No punishment means it will happen again . . .

. . . and again and again.

[ecstatic]

13. While it may be a smart move politically to keep it off the table,

I am sick and tired of rethugs doing and saying whatever the f*ck they please with no consequences. On the other hand, we have to give Pelosi credit--her calculations of which issues to pursue and which ones not to might be the only reason why we are in power right now. It remains to be seen whether our majority will actually get the things we want done done.

[lunatica]

14. His party should punish him

It would be a political mistake to ratchet up the explosive discourse by demanding more explosive discourse. Someone has to rise above it. Let it be the Democrats.

[berni_mccoy]

15. I wouldn't say Dems are rising above it, they are cowering beneath it.

[berni_mccoy]

17. YES! Maybe Pelosi Heard US! She's Holding a Censure Vote Next WEEK (BREAKING MSNBC)