Wilson: Heckle the President All You Want, But Apartheid Apologists Are American Heroes

In addition to the obvious, this quote from Joe Wilson is pretty remarkable:

Wilson said it is unfair to debate rumors about Thurmond when he can no longer defend himself.

The same goes for discussion of an affair Thomas Jefferson is said to have had with a slave.

"Sometimes these things just go on," Wilson said. "These are heroes of mine. I really hope these would be heroes to future generations of Americans. (The stories) are ... a way to diminish their contributions to our country's existence."

Yes, God forbid that there be any criticism of (or uncomfortable truths revealed about) unrepentant segregationists who have long and undistinguished congressional careers. Schoolchildren should learn that they're unblemished heroes! Sitting presidents are another matter, of course, especially if they're the kind that his hero Strom felt compelled to form a new party to try to prevent them from being enfranchised.

[via]