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Non-ApologiesThursday, Sept. 10, 2009 3:49 AMIn the midst of President Obama's address before a joint session of Congress, as he emphasized that his healthcare reform package would not include healthcare for illegal immigrants, a voice on the Republican side of the room shouted, "You lie!" That turned out to be Rep. Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina), who later offered this non-apology: "This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the President�s remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the health care bill. 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. No, Congressman, what's lacking is a basic command of the facts. If you think the President isn't telling the truth, you must present facts that show he is lying, not hide behind the illusion of civil discourse. Meanwhile, California State Assemblyman Michael Duvall (R-Yorba Linda) had landed in hot water for describing his sexual escapades to a colleague. Unfortunately, as Duvall was bragging about how many times he boffed his mistress, what kind of panties she wears, and that he was into spanking, he was within earshot of a live microphone. Duvall's response was another non-apology where he asked that the privacy of the individuals involved be respected. Duvall was bragging about his sexual exploits in a room wired for sound as part of providing a public record of government. It wasn't because someone leaked an e-mail, recorded his phone calls, or overheard him at the local pub. I think it's fair to say there's a reduced expectation of privacy when you're in a hearing room, recess or not.
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