When in 2009 Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) interrupted a speech about the Affordable Care Act being delivered by then-President Obama before a joint session of Congress to shout out “you lie!” in an unprecedented breach of congressional protocol, he faced a slap on the wrist from his fellow legislators and proceeded to raise over $2.5 million for his campaign coffers for his stunningly disrespectful act.
Wilson still serves in the House of Representatives and is now the Assistant Whip for the Republican party in his chamber.
When Fred Guttenberg — the father of 14-year-old Jaime Guttenberg who was one of the 17 students killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida two years ago and who has since become a major activist against gun violence in America — shouted out a much less accusatory comment out of irrepressible frustration during Donald Trump’s State of the Union monologue last week, he faced a much different reaction.
Guttenberg was viscerally and instinctively reacting to Trump’s teleprompter-read fodder for his right-wing extremist base, the president’s promise that “So long as I am president, I will always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.”
While most people viewing the State of the Union couldn’t hear the comment the Florida gun law reform activist shouted at Trump over the applause of sycophantic Republican legislators, Guttenberg’s shouted question of “What about victims of gun violence like my daughter?” reverberated on social media after the president’s speech and after he was hurriedly removed from the audience gallery, a punishment not meted out to Congressman Wilson for a much more insolent interruption.
A man shouts from the gallery about "victims of gun violence like my daughter."
He shouted it while Republicans were applauding, so most people didn't really hear it, but Capitol Police have removed the man from the chamber.
— Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) February 5, 2020
(2,2) That said, I should not have yelled out. I am thankful for the overwhelming support that I am receiving. However, I do owe my family and friends an apology. I have tried to conduct myself with dignity throughout this process and I will do better as I pursue gun safety.
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) February 5, 2020
If the grieving activist father thought that his ejection from the State of the Union was the only punishment he would receive for his daring to interrupt Trump as he was genuflecting to his NRA benefactors, he was sorely mistaken.
Guttenberg revealed on Twitter today that he was pointedly not invited to take part in a White House meeting with other families of victims of the Parkland shootings to discuss initiatives that the victims’ group has been proposing to prevent school shootings.
For those wondering, White House schedule today says:
3:30PM THE PRESIDENT greets Parkland Families
Oval Office
Closed Press
I guess it is not all of the families as I only learned of this today through a reporter. My family and I were NOT invited.
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) February 10, 2020
He later clarified that his consternation over the snub was not with the other Parkland families who did receive an invitation, but with how the White House characterized the meeting.
(2,2) I wish the families well today and I hope that they have a great meeting. My issue with the public schedule remains however as it is not accurate and considering this week is two years since this happened, this should have been handled differently by the White House.
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) February 10, 2020
With Trump now officially, if not morally, found not guilty of the impeachment charges against him, his post-acquittal rampage of vengeance is now in full swing.
With Trump unceremoniously firing those who truthfully testified against him during the impeachment hearings and calling for the ouster of the one Republican Senator who dared to follow the evidence and his conscience to vote to remove the president from office for his offenses, it’s not surprising that he would strike back at a mere citizen and gun safety activist in any way he could to punish him for questioning the supreme wisdom of his presidential propaganda.
Guttenberg would be wise to heed the advice contained in one of the responses to his tweet about the White House snub.
Fred, honestly you don’t want an invite. This man is no friend of the victims of #gunviolence in America. He is a petty, vindictive, and uncompassionate thug. I am sorry you were snubbed. I am not surprised. You keep doing what you do. You don’t need Trump or his invite! https://t.co/pKy0HJuYO8
— Sophia A. Nelson (@IAmSophiaNelson) February 10, 2020
In truth, it’s an invite that no one needs and that Trump should be in no position to offer any longer.
Readers can support the brave activist Fred Guttenberg by patronizing the web site he set up in honor of his slain daughter at OrangeRibbonsForJaime.org.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
