As I'm sure most, if not all, know by now, South Carolina U.S. Rep Joe Wilson made an outburst [article link] of "You lie!" during President Obama's healthcare address on TV last Wednesday. The repercussions for Rep. Wilson were fast and furious. He quickly apologized for the outburst to the White House. However, he stated he would not back down on his belief that the healthcare government option would allow illegal aliens to receive healthcare benefits, paid by every taxpayer in the country. AZ Republican Senator John McCain condemned him, as well as the vast majority of Democrats. I was stunned by the outburst myself. I do recall Democrats openly booing former President George W. Bush during a state of the union address in regard to his Iraq War policy. In my opinion, there is a double standard in DC politics. What was deemed appropriate 2 or 3 years ago, is regarded as heresy now.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is demanding Rep. Wilson apologize on the House floor Monday. Rep. Wilson has refused to apologize again. While I condemn his outburst as well, it appears that Joe Wilson was right about the illegal aliens receiving healthcare benefits. I was not aware verification was not in place to establish citizenship in HR 3200. Now, Senate Finance Committee members [article link] are trying to make sure verification is in place in any final healthcare bill. In essence, if Senate Finance members were positive illegals couldn't receive healthcare benefits, they would not be scrambling to make sure it is not possible. It just goes to show no one really knows what the hell is in each respective bill. It makes me think that despite many Democrats saying a healthcare reform bill will voted upon this year, I don't see it happening until everyone know exactly what is in the final bill. That is going to take time to debate. It is going to take time to convince the American people this is needed. Right now, most people are not convinced this healthcare bill is good for them.