House Democrats, in a typical hypocritical, political games manner, are moving ahead with a resolution aimed at SC Representative Joe Wilson for shouting out “lie” during Obama’s address to Congress and the American people. Joe Wilson has already apologized to Obama.
Now read and listen to Joe Wilson’s wife:
“Dear friends and family,
The night of the President’s speech I called Joe and asked him who had made the “You lie!” comment. When he told me it was him – I couldn’t believe it.
But as we talked about the issue and how it would affect our family, I realized that Joe was speaking from the heart. After holding some of the largest town halls in the nation he returned to Washington encouraged to stand up for those Americans who needed a voice. Without a doubt, he chose the wrong time and place to express this emotion.
He made a mistake. He has apologized. The President has graciously accepted his apology.
And while our family is trying to move on from this episode the Democrats in Washington continue to drag him through the mud.
It is clear to me that they would rather attack him and the cause he stood up for that night than work with him and his colleagues to find a real solution to health care reform.
But as you’d expect from a veteran and a father of four boys who served in our military — two in Iraq — Joe isn’t backing down or playing their political games. He is standing up for the cause and is not stooping to their level of making personal attacks.
I’m proud of my husband. Our family is proud of their father. Our nation is proud of Congressman Joe Wilson.
We have put together a video telling the story of the Joe Wilson we know and love. I hope you’ll watch it and share it with your friends and family.
Thank you for everything you are doing and have done for Joe and our family. It warms our heart to know that so many Americans support him.
I was in Vermont over the extended Labor Day weekend. Before I left I contacted Senator Patrick Leahy via email. Here is what I sent:
“You apparently do not conduct town hall meetings.
However, I would like to take part in any discussions with constituents
or interview you if you will be anywhere near Burlington over the Labor Day weekend.
Thanks.
Mr. Wells”
I received no response.
When I was in Burlington, VT, I called both senator’s offices and they were closed. However I discovered that Senator Bernie Sanders was going to speak at a Labor Day celebration. Here is part of the announcement:
“Burlington Labor Day Celebration & Benefit Concert
September 7, 2009 – 12:00pm – 3:00pm
WHEN: 12 noon – 3pm, Monday, September 7
WHERE: Battery Park, Burlington
WHAT: Senator Bernie Sanders will join hundreds of working families for the 8th Annual Burlington Labor Day Celebration sharing in a community potluck, music, street theater and ice cream. This year’s celebration is being sponsored by the Vermont Workers’ Center, a community-based workers’ rights organization who has been building a statewide grassroots organizing campaign called the “Healthcare Is A Human Right Campaign””
Senator Sanders, considered by many to be an open socialist, has been regularly featured on CNN and other MSM outlets. The video below has some exerpts from his speech, obviously crafted to appeal to a radical, “government owes me”, agenda. I was able to quickly ask Senator Sanders a question about tort reform before he departed.
The next day, as luck or whatever forces, would have it, I was in the Capitol building in Montpelier when State Auditor Tom Salmon, switched from the Democrat to Republican party. Tom Salmon’s father was a former Vermont governor. I present on video part of Salmon’s announcement as well as a question about his thoughts on healthcare reform.
I was also fortunate to obtain an interview with Vermont Republican Chairman, Rob Roper, regarding healthcare reform. Roper provided an opinion about Senator Patrick Leahy which may explain one of the reasons he was unavailable.
I was treated with courtesy, for the most part, at the Sander’s speech. However, I had the distinct impression that they were surprised that I was there and would be recording the speech. Senator Sanders has embarked on a new video campaign for Youtube and other outlets. Gee, I hope that I did not spoil any plans to control presentation or quoting of this speech.
The complete Senator Bernie Sanders speech can be viewed here:
If you are planning on censuring SC Representative Joe Wilson for telling the truth, you had better reconsider. The American people are watching you like never before. You are already strongly in jeopardy of losing your job in 2010. Do this to the great American patriot, Wilson, and you will witness a backlash never witnessed in American politics. The Citizen Wells blog will be in the thick of this.
From the CRS Report for Congress
Censure
“The term “censure,” unlike the term “expel,” does not appear in the
Constitution, although the authority is derived from the same clause – Article I,
Section 5, clause 2, concerning the authority of each House of Congress to “punish
its Members for disorderly Behaviour.” Censure, reprimand, or admonition are
traditional ways in which parliamentary bodies have disciplined their members and
maintained order and dignity in their proceedings.48 In the House of Representatives,
a “censure” is a formal vote by the majority of Members present and voting on a
resolution disapproving a Member’s conduct, with generally the additional
requirement that the Member stand at the “well” of the House chamber to receive a
verbal rebuke and reading of the censure resolution by the Speaker of the House.”
“Eight House Members have been “reprimanded” by the full House for a variety
of misconduct, including failure to disclose certain personal interests in official
matters and using one’s office to further personal financial interests;
misrepresentations to investigating committees; failure to report campaign
contributions; conversion of campaign contributions to personal use and false
statements before the investigating committee; false statements on financial
disclosure forms; ghost voting and maintaining persons on the official payroll not
performing official duties commensurate with pay; the misuse of one’s political
influence in administrative matters to help a personal associate; and the failure to
insure that a Member-affiliated tax-exempt organization was not improperly involved
in partisan politics, and for providing inaccurate, incomplete and unreliable
information to the investigating committee.”
So, Joe Wilson spoke the truth, in good faith representing the American public, apologized for speaking out, and you are going to censure him. Those of you participating in this debacle had better start packing your offices and making plans for other employment. Your days of hiding behind the biased MSM are over. We will identify you, write about you and let every citizen know of your misdeeds.
It is a proven fact that Barack Obama was indeed lying and that SC Representative Joe Wilson was telling the truth. If the Democrats policed their own party, Obama would not be in office and subject to being called out on a pattern of lies and deception.
Representative Joe Wilson, the American public is behind you.
Members of Congress, you are already despised.
Hands off American hero Representative Joe Wilson.
Patriot Dreamer, a real American patriot from this blog, attended the Tea Party Express, big government protest in Washington, DC on September 12, 2009. First of all, I would like to thank Patriot Dreamer and all of the concerned Americans that voiced their displeasure with big government. Here is a YouTube video I assembled from photos taken by Patriot Dreamer. The photos are high quality and present well with the Youtube full screen option.
From commenter prairie
9.12
The Calvary has gathered,
To face the raging storm.
On the Eve of Revolution,
The enemy is warned.
Thunder echoes through the mountains,
The shore beats back the sea.
Above the cannon’s roar…
A call for Liberty.
The Calvary has mounted,
Red, White, and Blue they wave.
The wind rips at her seams,
As they cross the burning plains.
Her stars and stripes are bold,
In contrast to the sky.
Against a cloud of smoke…
Defiantly, she flies.
The Calvary advances,
Upon the Perfect Storm.
Embattled but not broken…
Patriots reborn.
A colorful horizon,
Beckons from the East.
The light of dawn is breaking…
Tyranny retreats.
Prairie
“Inspired by Beck- who used the phrase Saturday “The Calvary is gathering.” I loved it and could not get it out of my head.”
“The organization of our press has truly been a success. Our law concerning the press is such that divergencies of opinion between members of the government are no longer an occasion for public exhibitions, which are not the newspapers’ business. We’ve eliminated that conception of political freedom which holds that everybody has the right to say whatever comes into his head.”…. Adolf Hitler
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the
Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and
domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation
or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge
the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.” Congressional oath of office
Decorum is not mentioned in the oath of office.
This is a warning to Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Congress and any Republicans that do not get it. We are sick of decorum and status quo. We want you to work for us and not each other. If you need to call the president a liar, and he is, or another member of Congress a liar, to protect the American public, do it. That is your job.
SC Representative Joe Wilson was interviewed on Fox News this morning, September 13, 2009.
“Wilson Defends Outburst, Says He Will Not Apologize on House Floor
Rep. Joe Wilson says he will not apologize again for his outburst during President Obama’s health care address.”
“Rep. Joe Wilson said Sunday that he will not apologize on the House floor for his outburst during President Obama’s health care address, even though Democratic leaders have threatened to formally discipline him if he does not.
Wilson noted that he already apologized directly to the White House after shouting, “You lie,” to the president during his Wednesday address to a joint session of Congress. The outburst triggered a political firestorm, but Wilson told “FOX News Sunday” that Democrats are just “playing politics” by trying to drag out the issue and force another apology.
“I’ve apologized one time. The apology was accepted by the president, the vice president. … I am not apologizing again,” he told “FOX News Sunday.” “I believe that is sufficient.”
Wilson said he would “never do something like that again,” but continued to defend himself.
The South Carolina Republican on Wednesday accused the president of lying for claiming his health care reform plan would not cover illegal immigrants.
“I believe in the truth. What I heard was not true,” Wilson explained Sunday. “I believe (Obama) was misstating the facts.”
Wilson said he felt “provoked” and attributed the outburst to a “town hall moment,” referring to the town hall meetings where constituents frequently shouted out their frustrations over health care reform.”
“Aside from his apology to the White House, Wilson also issued a written statement apologizing for his outburst on Wednesday.
But while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated immediately afterward that Wilson had done enough, Democratic leadership has since decided to seek a public apology from Wilson to his colleagues on the House floor.
If he does not, a resolution to punish him could come as early as Tuesday.”
American patriot commenter, Patriot Dreamer, attended the Washington, DC Tea Party rally on Saturday, September 12, 2009. This is one of many photos supplied by Patriot Dreamer. Thanks for a job well done.
Representative Joe Wilson, as you can see from the photo you have inspired millions of American to speak out. You spoke the truth before the president, Congress and the American people.
Don’t back down.
God bless Representative Joe Wilson for looking out for the American people. We are behind you 100%.
Representative Wilson, the Citizen Wells blog is behind you and will stand beside you, whatever it takes.
Here are some webcam images from Washington, DC at Pennsylvania Ave NW and 9th St N W. Thousands of Americans are present from the Tea Party Express and just concerned Americans. These images were just captured around 11:30 AM. God bless these American patriots and God bless America.
From the Media Research Center, September 10, 2009:
“Bozell Challenges Media on Obama’s Health Care Reform Speech
September 10, 2009 10:35 ET
“Media must expose Obama’s calculated lying, scare tactics”
Alexandria, VA – Media Research Center President Brent Bozell issued the following statement this morning demanding the media report President Obama’s lies, distortions and exaggerations delivered in his speech on health care reform last night:
“Barack Obama will not stop committing serial dishonesty with the American people until the media expose his false figures and bogus exaggerations for what they are: fraudulent scare tactics.
“Last night Obama told a litany of lies. He said the total cost of his health reform would be $900 billion over ten years, but even the government-run Congressional Budget Office found it would cost $1.6 trillion. He claimed his reform would not cover illegal immigrants or abortions, but nothing in any of the Democrat bills requires citizen verification and several organizations including the National Right to Life Committee have shown exactly how federal funds would be used to pay for abortion-on-demand. He knows these are lies and he tells them because he is confident the left wing ‘news’ media will let him get away with it.
“Worst still, Obama used these lies to play on Americans greatest fears and vulnerabilities. He warned that more people would die unless we passed his sweeping plan and threatened that our country’s economic pulse would weaken with American businesses closing. And still, the media let him get away with it.
“This must stop. The media must expose Obama’s calculated scare tactics and lying on ‘reform.’ Failing to do so gives him a green light to lie and cry wolf about whatever he wants, whenever he wants. And it will aid in the most radical government takeover ever attempted in America.””
Protocol, following societal norms, or marching lock step, prevented Adolf Hitler and the Japanese military from being stopped leading up to World War II. Just think, if there had been more people like SC representative Joe Wilson that had stood up and called Adolf Hitler a liar soon enough. One person for the good or evil can make a difference.
Last night, during Obama’s speech to Congress and the nation on health care reform, representative Joe Wilson called Obama a liar. Obama is a liar. That along with his Acorn thugs and other deception from the Obama camp allowed him to steal the election. More people should speak up and expose Obama for what he is.
Once again, I go back to the example of pre war Nazi Germany and compare it to the 2008 election cycle. Many Americans begged their state election officials and congressmen to speak up.
Protocol
Just imagine if one state election official, one elector, one congressman had spoken up. We would not have an illegal president trying to ramrod an unpopular health care bill down our throats. We would not have a multitude of radical, socialist, communist Czars guiding policy.
It is bad enough that our elected officials want to follow protocol, not make waves and be courteous to the opposing party. However, to criticize one for being patriotic and looking out for their constituents, that is cowardly and un American.
Apparently John McCain did not learn his lesson during the election campaign. He was more interested in following protocol and not questioning his opponent, Obama, than serving the American people.
John McCain said the following regarding Representative Wilson calling Obama a liar.
“totally disrespectful”
“no place for it in that setting or any other.”
“should apologize for it immediately.”
I want to be crystal clear about my reaction to McCain’s comments.
John McCain, your comments are cowardly, un American and show a great deal of disrespect to the American people!
Representative Joe Wilson, your comment last night deserves our respect and praise. Don’t let the protocol conscious jackasses make you back down.
Don’t back down!
I urge everyone to contact representative Joe Wilson and show your support. Urge him to continue to fight the lies from the Obama camp. Also, let John McCain and others that insulted Joe Wilson and pressured him to apologize, know what you think.
Representative Joe Wilson, God bless you.
Don’t back down!
DC Address:
The Honorable Joe Wilson
United States House of Representatives
212 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-4002
Obama, in his speech to Congress last night, September 9, 2009, attempted to portray the many concerns about his health care plan as lies and misrepresentations. He spoke of bogus claims by talk radio hosts and by politicians that the health care plan would set up panels of bureucrats to kill off senior citizens. At one point in the speech, SC representative Joe Wilson yelled out and called Obama a liar. Wilson apologized.
“While I disagree with the president’s statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable,” ” I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility.”
Representative Wilson, there is no need to apologize. Obama is and always has been a liar. We applaud you for standing up. Stick to your principles. Joe Wilson was pressured to apologize by Republicans and Democrats. Let’s inform these jackasses that they work for us and not an illegal president.
Watch this Youtube video.
“An audience member yells “liar” at Obama during his speech to Congress.
Obama also took a personal swipe at Sarah Palin during his speech.”
The Charlotte Observer, a liberal newspaper that gave Obama a free ride during the election, has finally produced a snippet of journalism, and though not comprehensive, is a start:
“Fact Check”
From AP
Obama: “I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits either now or in the future. Period.”
THE FACTS: “House Democrats offered abill that the Congressional Budget Office said would add $ 220 billion to the deficit over 10 years.”
(Citizen Wells: This is a huge Obama lie!!!)
Obama: “Nothing in this plan will require you or your employer to change the coverage or doctor you have.”
THE FACTS: “Employers sponsor coverage for most families, and they’d be free to change their health plans in ways that workers may not like, or drop insurance altogether.”
(Citizen Wells: Another Orwellian lie by Obama. Employers will begin dropping health plans and let employees sign up for government plans, thus achieving Obama’s goal of government run health care.)
Obama: “Don’t pay attention to these scary stories about how your benefits will be cut … That will never happen on my watch. I will protect Medicare.”
THE FACTS: “Obama and congressional Democrats want to pay for their health care plans in part by reducing medicare payments to providers by more than $ 500 billion over 10 years.”
(Citizen Wells: Straight out of Nazi Germany and “1984” by George Orwell. Tell a big lie and repeat it often.)
With the liberal Charlotte Observer reporting this much, you can bet that lies about the Obama Health care plan are much worse than this.
Thanks to commenter Army D.A.V. for the video info.
I was fortunate to be at the Vermont State Capitol in Montpelier, VT, today, Tuesday, September 8, 2009, when State Auditor, Tom Salmon announced that he was switching from the Democrat to Republican party. The Citizen Wells blog has posted a longer video coverage of the event and here is an article from Vermontbiz.com that provides more background information on Tom Salmon.
“Vermont Auditor Tom Salmon switches to Republican Party”
“Vermont Auditor of Accounts Tom Salmon, who was rebuffed by the Democratic leadership last spring, announced today that he was switching parties and will join the Republican Party. Salmon won the position of state auditor as a Democrat in 2006 when he beat one-term incumbent Republican Randy Brock. That race saw Brock apparently win re-election in a very tight race, before a re-count gave the race to Salmon by 102 votes. Salmon cited the lack of fiscal responsibility among legislative leaders during the debate over the state budget. Salmon had offered to mediate discussions between Republican Governor James Douglas and the Democratically controlled Legislature, but was turned down by Speaker of the House Shap Smith. He said the Republicans are better able to manage the fiscal matters of the state, as represented by Governor Douglas.
Salmon further said he will likely run for re-election for Auditor, but there is “a 10 percent chance,” he will run for governor or lieutenant governor instead. Several Republicans are deferring their decisions on 2010 until Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie decides what, if any, position he will run for. Dubie has indicated he is considering a run for governor. Douglas has already stated he will not seek re-election and will not run for any office in 2010. Salmon made his announcement at the State House shortly after 11 am on Tuesday September 8, 2009.
Salmon, 46, has served in Iraq for long tours of duty in the US Navy Reserve while also holding the post of auditor. Thomas M Salmon is the son of the former Vermont Governor Thomas P Salmon, who served from 1973-1977 as a Democrat. The elder Salmon served as a surrogate during his son’s re-election campaign because serving military cannot also campaign for office. Salmon met little resistance in being re-elected last year.
“Vermont Business Magazine conducted a Q&A with Tom Salmon December 2007 with Robert Smith. In that interview he explained why he ran for auditor:
“I ran for state auditor, because as a Rockingham Selectman, I had moved from a simmer to a boil about how fiscal management was occurring in the state. I really didn’t think that anyone was taking responsibility for the fiscal management of the parts of the state. Prior to being a selectman, I go back to December 2005. I’m a Navy Reservist, a Seabee, construction battalion, dirt sailors – we’re never on a ship, so when people see us in our greens they say, ‘Look mommy, it’s an Army man!’ I was in Gulfport, Mississippi, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. That situation moved me to want to commit to public service. I decided when I came home that I was going to run for the select board in Rockingham. The finances were a mess, the morale was not good, the divisive situation over buying the dam – you were here so you know.””
Here is a copy of the letter Salmon sent to his supporters:
“September 5, 2009
Dear Friend,
It is an honor to serve as Auditor for the State of Vermont. In 2006, I was elected as a Democrat. In 2008, I was re-elected on the Democratic/Republican ticket. 2010 will be different.
I am changing my political affiliation to align myself with the party closest to my core beliefs. It is my belief that the VT Republican party is closest to accepting the realities of our times; and is therefore the party best equipped to manage the very real and troubling economic and social conditions which confront us not only today, but in the coming decade.
As many of you know, in the face of the enormous fiscal crisis, I have sounded the alarm for new thinking, responsible budgeting, meaningful long-term planning and painful prioritization.
When I returned home from Iraq, I witnessed first-hand a budget process rife with deficiencies and dysfunction. There was little balance in the debate.
As a Certified Public Accountant, I recently completed my required Ethics course for re-licensing. The Professional Code of Conduct demands that I act with integrity, objectivity and independence. As Auditor, I have preached that Vermont is on an unsustainable track we cannot tax ourselves out of.
I believe the majority of Vermonters do not want to see tax increases as a consequence of poor planning. However, without major restructuring of human services, corrections management and public education (which together account for some 75% of our expenditures) we are going to find that situation unavoidable. Removing even greater sums of capital out of our job-creating private sector and the budgets of Vermont families will only hasten the ill effects of the current crisis.
We all watch a healthcare reform movement focused on increased access rather than A) addressing the root causes of the problem B) fixing Medicaid and Medicare or C) promoting incentives and personal responsibility. The big losers are our young people, the vulnerable elderly population and the viability of Vermont’s 1778 motto of “Freedom and Unity.”
I am a believer in the America of hard work and “get oneself upstream” with a combination of personal commitment and external support.
I’m not a believer that all of our future tax dollars should go to interest on debt or “education, medication and incarceration.” In the current form of these primarily government-controlled expenditures, this is a path leading to a dangerous imbalance of our “Freedom and Unity.” Economic freedom is an essential component in achieving and maintaining political freedom. Over the more than 200 years of our nation’s founding, too many of our fine soldiers have died for the protection of these freedoms.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you with full commitment and transparency. I promise to do my best to perform the job Vermonters have elected me to do.
Citizen WElls 