Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina
Wilson's Outburst Pales Against Two Historical Southerners
Sep 21, 2009
Joe Wilson, Representative from South Carolina, was chided by Democrats for yelling “you lie” at President Barak Obama while the President spoke about healthcare on September 9th, 2009. Los Angeles Times writer, Richard Simon, noted that the House Democrats censured Wilson because his outburst was a breach of decorum and that “it made the institution look bad.” Wilson had privately apologized to President Obama, but that was not enough for the Democrats.
To some, this outburst may seem like a big deal, but in light of America’s Congressional history, this was very tame. Looking at two examples in American History, Representative Joe Wilson was hit pretty hard with his censure in respect to these two men.
Henry Stuart Foote
Henry Foote was a Senator from Mississippi who was involved in the Compromise of 1850. The Compromise was over the issue of slavery expanding to the newly formed territories in the West. Foote was for the institution of slavery spreading West, while Thomas Benton, Senator from Missouri, vehemently opposed the expansion of slavery for the sake preserving the Union. Benton had made remarks about Foote, and Foote followed suit.
On April 17th, 1850, the debate came to an exciting pinnacle as the two Democratic Senators battle with their words. According to transcripts, Benton became enraged during a speech of Foote’s and rushed toward Foote, throwing his chair to the side. It was at this point; Foote took out his pistol and pointed it at Benton, in the name of self defense. Foote was then wrestled the ground and his pistol locked away. A little more drastic than “you lie!” What would Nancy Pelosi do in this instance?
Preston Brooks
Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts gave a speech in 1856 titled “Crime against Kansas.” In this speech, Sumner attacked Senator Andrew Butler and the institution of slavery, describing Butler being in an adulterous relationship with the “harlot” Slavery. Butler was not there to defend himself, but a kinsman of his, Preston Brooks, was. Preston Brooks, Representative of South Carolina, vowed to avenge Butler.
Two days later, after the Senate dismissed for recess, Brooks found Sumner and beat him until he was unconscious with his cane. This obviously continued to further the rift between North and South. It took three years for Sumner to re-coop while many Southerners sent canes and congratulations to Brooks, saying that it was a shame he did not do more.
Conclusion
American politics seems to have become less exciting, where Congress gives speeches more than end up in fist fights. Representative Joe Wilson was voicing his opposition and opinion on what has become a public matter, even though the manner may not have been in the best of taste. A censure of Wilson seems harsh when considering there are more pressing matters.
Clarence Carson, A Basic History of the United States, Volume3 (Phenix City, AL: American Textbook Committee, 2001)
Isaac Bassett, “A Senate Memoir,”
Coleman, James P. "Two Irascible Antebellum Senators: George Poindexter and Henry S. Foote." Journal of Mississippi History 46 (February 1984)
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