Yesterday afternoon, amid all the hubbub over Rep. Joe Wilson's (R-SC) outburst, the Tribune's Marc Silva pointed out that Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) had actually walked out of the House chambers during President Obama's Wednesday speech to a joint session of Congress.
Family emergency? Bathroom break? Nope. He just didn't want to listen anymore:
"Congressman Shimkus was frustrated that the president was not offering any new ground and left with just minutes remaining in the speech,'' spokesman Steven Tomaszewski said.
Yesterday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Jamie Riley wrote in response: "Wilson offered an apology to President Barack Obama today. Now it’s Shimkus’ turn to apologize." Sounds right to us. It's fine to disagree with the president. But at least have the decency to hear him out in full.
The incident also caught the attention of MSNBC's Keith Olbermann, who briefly discussed the matter with Lawrence O'Donnell last night. Watch it:
Meanwhile, Philosophe Forum -- a blog based in Shimkus' 19th District -- notes that the congressman has a Democratic challenger in 2010, Tim Bagwell.
Comments
Philosophe Forum on Fri, 09/11/2009 - 11:21
The SJ-R has the online article posted. RE: Steve 2.
You can always tell an officer who wore the uniform honorably.
Nuf said.
ALISON, MPA
Philosophe Forum
Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/12/2009 - 12:12
It always cracks me up when the political pundits say things like.... "Shimkus's disdain and disrespect toward the President will not generate any real blowback or challenges to his seat, because his district, is in a real Republican stronghold"......really?... these political pundits, sitting in their little make-believe studios, declaring that every thing is just fine..that America is still a right of center, conservative Nation....are completely oblivious to whats happeneing in this country, (just as oblivious as the politicians in Washington D.C. are) most of the country is swinging towards the left (the "left" is what the Nazis named Communists..but this is not Germany, and the "left" in this country, the U.S.A., are not communists or socialists)...why do they think the crazies are reaching a "fever pitch"...? getting crazier and more violent every day..they can feel the change and they are scared....like trapped animals caught in the middle of a forest fire....they smell the smoke and they are scared sh*tless...that "Old White Rich Man" ruling class, are afraid they are losing their stranglehold on the Nations purse strings
-The Right (not verified) on Sun, 09/13/2009 - 06:54
Shimkus had the Right to walk out. Its part of protocol to protest in that fashion instead of shouting out. So Wilson had to apologize or he would have been forcefully taken out of office by Congress. Shimkus was doing what was in the "Rule Book". If you don't agree, Leave.
He doesn't need to apologize, he didn't do anything wrong.
You know the President is bad when one of his own State's Men walk out on Him!
I would walk out too, I live in Illinois. President Obama is Lying and Decieving the United States of America. Don't call me a Right Wing Nut. Read the Dang Bill and tell me he isn't! Stop blowing Hot Air! Most of you haven't even read the Bill!
-The Right
usaright.blogspot.com
Philosophe Forum on Sun, 09/13/2009 - 08:09
Nothing justifies the acting of walking out (unless you're obviously ill). Shimkus was not. His agenda was all too obvious.
LTC John Shimkus (RET) is obligated to respect the office of the President (i.e., conduct unbecoming). He turned his back on his Commander in Chief. In doing so, Rep. Shimkus turned his back on the people of Central and So. IL.
LTC Shimkus will have to answer to the UCMJ regarding his infractions as he is an Army officer subject to recall to Active Duty status at any time. Congressman Shimkus will face the 2010 Election and the people of IL-19 for his egregious behavior on the congressional floor. His act gives all the appearances of a pre-planned performance for a corporate constituency and anyone else in his CD believing in his illusion of principled leadership smothered in grandiose aplomb.
ALISON, MPA
Philosophe Forum
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