From the Brits ...
'You lie': Republican Joe Wilson's outburst at Obama health speech
A Republican congressman is under fire for shouting "You lie" during Barack Obama's speech to Congress on healthcare reform.
In an extraordinary breach of political protocol, Joe Wilson, a Republican representative for South Carolina, shouted at Obama as the president told the joint sitting that his plan for a universal healthcare system would not cover illegal immigrants.
Obama looked in the direction of the shout, said "It's not true" and went on with his speech. But the outburst stunned both Democrats and Republicans and drew condemnation from the public. Republicans froze, with several looking in Wilson's direction.
Wilson later tried to call Obama to apologise in person but ended up speaking to the White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.
The congressman "expressed his apologies", Wilson's office said.
By that time, Wilson's website had crashed and he had been fiercely criticised on Twitter for breaching protocol and good manners.
"This evening I let my emotions get the best of me," Wilson said. "While I disagree with the president's statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility."
Democrats said his outburst showed a lack of respect for the office of the presidency and was reminiscent of Republican activists' heckling at recent public forums to discuss the president's healthcare reforms.
John McCain, Obama's Republican rival for the presidency, said Wilson's behaviour was "totally disrespectful". The Arizona senator told CNN: "There is no place for it in that setting, or any other, and he should apologise for it immediately."
The House majority leader, Steny Hoyer, said Wilson's outburst was "a shameful act" and he would work with Republicans in deciding whether to punish him.
"I have never in my 29 years heard an outburst of that nature with reference to a president of the United States speaking as a guest of the House and Senate."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/10/you-lie-joe-wilson-obama-speech
The shout heard round the world .. correctly identifies republicans as the crazies they truly are.
Could the hapless Republican Party sink any lower?