Two long years -- and a Saturday Night Live spoof -- have passed since Joe Wilson was widely scorned as a jerk for interrupting President Obama's health care address to Congress with two little words: "You lie!" Everyone from Jimmy Carter to John McCain condemned the outburst, and Wilson immediately apologized to the president. But now, Wilson is claiming he was right all along.
In 2009, the South Carolina congressman wrote, "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." But that humility is like so two years ago.
Wilson's original complaint, as The Hill's Justin Sink explains, was that Obama was wrongly assuring Americans that money from his health care overhaul would not go to illegal immigrants.
Wilson said Wednesday that a recent award of $28.8 million to 67 community healthcare centers around the country would inevitably end up benefiting illegal immigrants, contrary to Obama's pledge.Of that $28.8 million, $8.5 million is earmarked to target migrant and seasonal farm workers -- a group that Wilson claims is comprised of illegal immigrants.
The congressman boasted of his vindication on Fox News on Wednesday. He also posted a told-ya-so on his campaign website, in a post titled "I Was Right":
The media and Obama's liberal allies attacked me for only pointing out the truth that ObamaCare would cover illegal immigrants. Yesterday, my point was vindicated when the Department of Health and Human Services announced its newest ObamaCare grant.
What a difference two years makes.
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Elspeth Reeve
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