Mr. Obama and Mr. Wilson

During last night’s speech before a joint session of Congress — the loftiest, most dignified ritual in our democracy — President Barack Obama laid out a detailed, passionate, and controversial vision of health care reform.

In frank terms, Mr. Obama also accused his conservative opponents of lying about provisions of his plan. And according to most independent observers, his attack on the Republican Party appeared fair and accurate.

The Democratic proposals to reform our nation’s ailing medical system may be flawed, but they certainly do not include provisions that would euthanize the elderly or the disabled.

They do not fund abortions. Nor do they force people to give up their private insurance.

During the speech, Mr. Obama himself was accused of lying by Rep. Joe Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina.

Mr. Wilson shouted, “You lie!” during the President’s address, a breach of decorum for which he has apologized.

Polite or not, was the Republican congressman’s accusation truthful?

No. Sadly, it was a flagrant and bald-faced falsehood.

In claiming that Democrats plan to extend healthcare subsidies to undocumented aliens, the GOP has once again muddied this crucial debate with deception.

For the record, here is the New York Times’ fact-checking treatment of the issue:

The legislation approved by three House committees clearly states that only lawful residents will qualify for new health insurance subsidies.

“Nothing in this subtitle,” it says, “shall allow federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.”

Let me say again: Many provisions of the Democratic healthcare plan are vulnerable to criticism and fair-minded debate.

I am particularly skeptical about Mr. Obama’s plan to pay for the reform package.

But Rep. Wilson’s outburst did conservatives no favors. It served to further discredit their movement — branding them as hotheads, bullies, and yes, liars.

Until Republicans return to honest and civil debate on this issue, Democrats will hold the high ground.

Tags: health