Not Double Standards, When Having the Power!

The American public is often told about the importance of “civility,” yet it seems that civility isn’t always applied equally. When Congressman Joe Wilson dramatically shouted, “You lie!” at President Barack Obama during a joint session of Congress, it broke the decorum expected in one of the most revered political spaces in the country. This was a bold accusation of dishonesty directed at a sitting President right there on national television. Despite this breach, the consequences were surprisingly lenient, a symbolic rebuke, a quick apology, and then everything moved on. Fundraising efforts increased, and his political career stayed strong. Instead of standing up for the truth, the political community seemed more focused on protecting its own. The nation often overlooked the racial undertones when a white man told a man of color in power that he was lying. Fast-forward to today, and if any member of Congress told this President that he was lying, it would typically be handled privately. Otherwise, there might be swift personal repercussions and a warning not to run for public office again. This highlights how much has changed over time. 

Think about the auto worker who called President Donald Trump a “pedophile protector.” The comment was reckless, crude, and inflammatory, but so was Wilson’s. The key difference wasn’t how serious the accusation was, but the power behind it. The auto worker had no institutional backing, no congressional shield, no donor support, no committee chair to hide behind. He was seen as disposable. As a result, he was dismissed, publicly shamed, and stripped of his position without the usual process afforded to elites. No apology tour or formal disapproval could save him. His punishment was swift, real, and lasting.

This highlights the uncomfortable truth about America’s understanding of free speech. Speech isn't given equal treatment; it's influenced by people's class and social status. When powerful individuals step out of line, they’re seen as controversial, but when workers do the same, they're labeled as liabilities. Politicians who insult presidents are often seen as expressing passion, whereas citizens who do the same risk economic exile. Naturally, the media responded differently to these incidents. Wilson’s outburst was discussed publicly and debated like a piece of theater. Meanwhile, the auto worker's words were regarded as morally wrong and as needing to be removed to protect corporate and political interests. One person was corrected; the other was simply erased. 

The lesson here is straightforward: while the First Amendment might shield you from the government, it doesn’t necessarily protect you from what the system can do. That includes challenges from employers, public outrage fueled by selective enforcement, or the unwritten rule where some people can speak freely while others remain silent if they want to get by. This isn’t about defending bad speech; it’s about exposing a double standard that’s so obvious it can’t hide behind empty words about respect or unity. If civility were truly the rule, both men would have faced similar consequences. But they didn’t, because in the end, equality is often limited by those in power. It's no surprise that people in power will do whatever is necessary to keep it. Watch your six and vote wisely.