"You lie" Outburst

There is no doubt that the action, by Senator Wilson on the floor of the Senate during President Obama's presentation was completely inappropriate and embarrassed not only the Republican Party and the institution, but also our country. Senator Wilson has formally apologized and shown distress over his outburst. He admits that he could have dealt with the issue with much more tact and grace. I personally believe the outburst was more on account of a difference of believe and of the controversy of the issue than of racism. Former President Jimmy Carter lived in an age where racism was still very much an issue. He witnessed animosities at their highest during the Montgomery Bus Boycotts and the sit-ins during the 1950s. Times have changed since then. People have changed since then. Jimmy Carter is acting on his knowledge of what life was like then, and what people would have acted upon at those times. Senator Wilson is of a different generation than President Carter. He has grown up with a more modern ideology. It is reasonable to consider racism prevalent because there is still some animosity; however there is evidence that levels of racism have actually dropped since Obama has taken office. His success during and after his presidency could lead to more respect and appreciation of the African American race. In any case, the public’s active response to this outburst has been reassuring as to the levels of racism in the country. Because everyone was so quick to condemn Senator Wilson, and come to the President’s defense, it is safe to assume the public realizes an injustice was served, and no one, especially the President of the United States, regardless of his race, deserves that kind of disrespect. I truly believe more respect toward the government overall is necessary. Obama in particular is the head of our country and represents all of us to the international community. Just like the teacher of a class of students once we begin to publically show our disrespect it permits others to do the same. Vice-President Joe Biden was quoted saying "I was embarrassed for the chamber and a Congress I love. It demeaned the institution." The people have the responsibility to ensure the government is the best representation of the populations by questioning motives and methods of dealing with issues. However, we must all take into account that with the position these people have assumed they take on a great deal of responsibility. They must account for information and factors the public may not have access to or be aware of. The public must trust to a certain degree that politicians make decisions based on what is right and what will benefit the people the most, not just on public opinion. We must all trust that President Obama truly has the good of the people in mind as he attempts to provide all citizens with healthcare.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32767813/ns/politics-health_care_reform/
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112714470
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Racism-Dropped-Since-Obama-Took-Office-104464.shtml