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Wilson's outburst an example decorum, civility fading
South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's shout of "you lie" at President Obama shocked some people. The House of Representatives voted to officially rebuke Wilson for the outburst which occurred during Obama's health care speech.
In case you are wondering, according to Web site politico.com, the prohibition on attacking the president's integrity dates back to Thomas Jefferson's "Manual of Parliamentary Practice for the Use of the Senate of the United States," which he wrote in 1801.
Over time, the House made his thoughts the explicit rules of decorum, and has put abridgements of his manual in a pamphlet titled, "Constitution, Jefferson's Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives."
Nowadays the manual stipulates that: "Personal abuse, innuendo, or ridicule of the president, is not permitted. Under this standard it is not in order to call the president, or a presumptive major-party nominee for president, a 'liar' or accuse him of 'lying.' Indeed, any suggestion of mendacity is out of order."
Try this one from the state of Kansas regarding conduct by county commissioners:
"Principal 2. A county commissioner should model decorum, respect for others and civility in all public relationships. The honor of public office requires a commissioner to behave with courtesy and respect for the dignity of others in all public relationships with other elected officials, employees, citizens, media and representatives of other units of government." - From the Kansas County Commissioners Association Code of Ethical Conduct for County Commissioners.
Is it asking too much or expecting too much for those in positions of leadership to not maintain a higher degree of civility? Is it too much to expect their actions meet a higher standard than what might be said in the men's room at the local bar?
In Wilson's case, he at least recognized he stepped over the boundary of propriety and later apologized publicly.
But in many ways civility has been slipping through the slats of society's floor for quite some time.
We would suggest a society that no longer recognizes "decorum" and prefers the "up yours" attitude so prevalent today is a society that can no longer be called civilized.
In case you are wondering, according to Web site politico.com, the prohibition on attacking the president's integrity dates back to Thomas Jefferson's "Manual of Parliamentary Practice for the Use of the Senate of the United States," which he wrote in 1801.
Over time, the House made his thoughts the explicit rules of decorum, and has put abridgements of his manual in a pamphlet titled, "Constitution, Jefferson's Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives."
Nowadays the manual stipulates that: "Personal abuse, innuendo, or ridicule of the president, is not permitted. Under this standard it is not in order to call the president, or a presumptive major-party nominee for president, a 'liar' or accuse him of 'lying.' Indeed, any suggestion of mendacity is out of order."
Try this one from the state of Kansas regarding conduct by county commissioners:
"Principal 2. A county commissioner should model decorum, respect for others and civility in all public relationships. The honor of public office requires a commissioner to behave with courtesy and respect for the dignity of others in all public relationships with other elected officials, employees, citizens, media and representatives of other units of government." - From the Kansas County Commissioners Association Code of Ethical Conduct for County Commissioners.
Is it asking too much or expecting too much for those in positions of leadership to not maintain a higher degree of civility? Is it too much to expect their actions meet a higher standard than what might be said in the men's room at the local bar?
In Wilson's case, he at least recognized he stepped over the boundary of propriety and later apologized publicly.
But in many ways civility has been slipping through the slats of society's floor for quite some time.
We would suggest a society that no longer recognizes "decorum" and prefers the "up yours" attitude so prevalent today is a society that can no longer be called civilized.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
you go Joe wrote on Sep 24, 2009 12:19 PM:
" Are you saying that it is proper decorum and civility to lie but not proper to call Obama on it?
Bravo Joe Wilson. "
Bravo Joe Wilson. "
Vigilante1 wrote on Sep 26, 2009 12:08 PM:
" Wilson's out burst is just the example of what the rest of us think everyday about politicians and their BS. Technically Wilson was incorrect in his statement. First Hussein Obama will give all the illegals amnesty, then put them on government healthcarefare. So yeah BO is right illegal aliens won't get healthcare benetfits under his plan because they'll BE CITIZENS! "
Tabloid Journalism..... wrote on Sep 23, 2009 1:02 PM: