International political decorum

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International political decorum

By The World ⋅ September 10, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

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Download MP3 wilson-heckling150 Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) has apologized for his outburst during President Obama’s speech last night. Wilson shouted “You lie!” after the President said illegal immigrants would not benefit from his health care plans. Both Democrats and Republicans swiftly denounced Wilson’s behavior. The World’s Alex Gallafent looks at questions of political decorum thrown up by the incident.

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Discussion

2 comments for “International political decorum”

Dorothy Knable

It sounded as though you advocated practically coming to blows in our legislature.

BOOOOO!
PatF

Alex,
The difference between Parliament & the Prime Minister and Congress & the President is that the Prime Minister is a member of Parliament whereas the President is an invited guest when he addresses Congress. When speaking before the Legislature, the Prime Minister is akin to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The President has NO role in Congress, unless he is invited there. The “office” he has in the Capitol is a courtesy office, frequently used for other purposes. As an invited guest, who asked for the invitation, it is expected that he would be accorded the courtesies normally given to a guest.

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