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EDHS Contemporary World Affairs -> Discussion Topics, Week A -> Does Congress Need More Heckling?!
Post Info TOPIC: Does Congress Need More Heckling?!
MrsCavalluzzi


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Does Congress Need More Heckling?!
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Lots of news attention last night and this morning has been devoted to Congressman Joe Wilson's outburst during President Obama's  health care address.  Congress traditionally is a very decorum-full body, which made the event rather shocking- Congressman Wilson was denounced by colleagues from both parties (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/US-lawmakers-denounce-You-lie-apf-3739612866.html?x=0).  He has since apologized, and President Obama accepted his apology  (http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/wilson-calls-his-outburst-spontaneous/).

However, in other parts of the world, such events are commonplace- the British Parliament is known for the noise of their "backbenchers," who routinely boo and call out comments during Prime Minister's Question Time.

In the Britishgovernment, the Prime Minister appears before the House of Commons every week to answer questions from the MPs about current governmental activity. According to Parliament's website:

Prime Minister's question time usually starts with a routine question from an MP about the Prime Minister's engagements. Following the answer, the MP then raises a particular issue, often one of current political significance....Exchanges may become heated, and this is often the spectacle presented on television (on C-SPAN in the US).

Typical British understatement. A typical "heated exchange" is a vicious verbal-sparring match that goes something like this:

MP: {snotty question about British politics incomprehensible to outsiders}
Members of the Opposition: AAAAAAAARRRRR! BAWWWWWHAWWHAWWHAWW! Heah, heah, heah!
PM: {snide, equally incomprehensible reply}
Members of the PM's Party: AH-HAAAAAA! Heah, heah, heah!


Does heckling keep leaders more accountable?  Should we have more of it?  Or, is it inappropriate and a distraction from genuine message and debate?

-- Edited by MrsCavalluzzi on Thursday 10th of September 2009 06:07:12 PM

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meganorr


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It may not have been the most polite or appropriate way to voice his opinion and concern about what Obama was saying, but I believe he said two words that a lot of americans(or at least republicans) are thinking. I know many many people are scared that Obama's health care plan will aid illegal immigrants and are extremely upset about that. Wilson shouted "you lie" at the president when Obama said that the care will not go to illegal immigrants. Obama was eventually going to hear it from somebody and its putting needed pressure on Obama to address that issue. Also, I don't think Wilson said it with malicious intent, but rather out of concern and care for our Country and the peoples hard earned money, regardless of political group, nobody wants to see their money go to illegal immigrants I'm sure especially now when money is not something people can waste.
Heckling can become extremely inappropriate and childish but it does help bring up issues at that very second, which is never a bad thing. The only problem is when persons step out of line and say overly rude comments.


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Brenna


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yes i actually do believe they need more heckling. it keeps congress accountable for what they say and do. if people do not agree with what the president has to say they should say so. what congressman wilson said might not have been polite but in some ways i think it was good that someone told the president what the american people were thinking and feeling. i do not believe that political debates should be required to always be polite.

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ashleyhebert8


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Heckling is completely disrespectful and an innapropriate way to express your opinion. But I also feel that if you feel strongly about something sometimes it can be next to impossible to not shout what you are thinking. He should address his issue ( illegal immigrants getting health care) by voting against universal health care. I am for universal health care but am just being realistic.

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KingsFanAshley


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While this "outburst" may not have happened at the most appropriate time or place, like previously stated, Joe Wilson spoke the opinion of many other people, not just himself. With the controversy that Obama's health care propostion is stirring up, all American citizens are entitled to their own opinion on the matter. It's all about the presentation, which is what made this one particular event inappropriate.

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kanderson


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i think it makes it harder to consentrate on the task at hand. for example, instead of focusing on the actual topic that Obama was talking about, everyone has only been talking about the congressman's heckling.

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veronica_veracious


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When someone is giving a speech it is completely rude to yell out that you disagree with them. This is an issue of respect. Even if Congressman Joe Wilson strongly believes that Obama is a liar he should have some decency to address it after the speech. Also it really bothered me that some GOP congressmen and senators heckled, interrupted and texted during the speech. These actions show students that it is okay to be rude and text during something important, like school. So thank you GOP for another lesson in how to improve our nations schools.

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DerChancellorJake


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YES! more heckling is needed. It allows the voice of people to be heard. Plus, the democrats boo-ed bush during some of his speeches. They probably did this a lot back in the 1800s so i don't see why they cant do it anymore.

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Kommandant_Karl


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YES TO HECKLING! It seems like that is the only way things get done around here. And yes the chancellor is correct. People boo-ed bush and to no surprise the media supported it like its no one's bizness.

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