Congressman Joe Wilson- A Role Model for My Son?

There is a bully in my son's class who apparently thinks my kid is something of an easy mark. And why wouldn't he be? My son is responsible, respectful and well-behaved. He is a model citizen at school.

In group activities, my boy doesn't fight to be the autocratic leader like many of his classmates. His approach is thoughtful and though, like many, he might be partial to his own ideas, he would like everyone in the group to weigh in with their opinions in order to develop the best plan. Needless to say he often gets shouted down.

I wonder if my husband and I have placed too much emphasis on respect and following rules. Lately, I've been talking about the need my son to toughen up, to make himself heard and not stand for bullying. And now I can point him toward a new role model: Congressman Joe Wilson, (R-SC) the man who heckled the President of the United States of America during his health care talk.

Interrupting the POTUS to call him a liar? Is this man's mother still alive or is she spinning in her grave right now?

I just sent the Congressman this letter asking how I explain his actions to my boys. I encourage you to send him your thoughts, as well.

Here's what I wrote:
"You should feel ashamed of yourself for tonight's behavior. I am now in a position to explain to my 9 and 11 year-old boys why someone heckled our President during his important health care talk.

'Is he going to be impeached?' The 9 year-old wants to know.
'Well, he's not going to get elected again after that, is he?' The 11-year-old says.

I work hard to teach my boys about right and wrong and to model appropriate behavior myself. It's too bad our elected officials can't do the same.

Original Post to Chicago Moms Blog.

Kim blogs at Hormone-colored Days.