Reid doubles down on slavery analogy
- 12/08/09 02:51 PM ET
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Tuesday defended his remarks from Monday comparing congressional Republican opposition to healthcare to the 19th-century debate over slavery, accusing his GOP critics of "distorting" his intent.
"At pivotal points in American history, the tactics of distortion and delay have certainly been present," Reid said. "They've certainly been used to stop progress. That's what we're talking about here. That's what's happening here. It's very clear. That's the point I made — no more, no less. Anyone who willingly distorts my comments is only proving my point."
"If you think you've heard these same excuses before, you're right," Reid said. "When this country belatedly recognized the wrongs of slavery, there were those who dug in their heels and said, 'Slow down, it's too early, things aren't bad enough.' "
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele suggested Democrats should strip Reid of his leadership position if he does not apologize for the comments, but Senate Democrats on Tuesday defended him. Democratic Conference Secretary Patty Murray (Wash.) said there was no discussion of the topic within the caucus and no talk of a Reid apology.
I doubt anyone really ever expected an apology from Mad King Harry, who thinks taking freedom of choice away from people through government control is progress and that the only thing that was wrong about slavery was that individuals owned people and not the state.BY on 12/08/2009 at 15:41
harry reid is to us what sonny bono was to cher - HARRY YOU'RE HOLDING US BACK BOY - JUST QUIT!!!BY on 12/08/2009 at 15:50
Uh, which party got rid of slavery, and which party has a member who used to belong to the KKK?BY on 12/08/2009 at 15:50
cheers for Harry.BY on 12/08/2009 at 16:00
Willow has it a bit wrong. Under the present system - private only - my daughter has total freedom of choice. She can be, and has been, turned down by every and all private insurance companies. Why - well because, 15 years ago she had a health issue. Now, although in excellent health, she cannot buy insurance. That is what our system does to us today. If Willow's worst nightmare - a public option - came true, the horrible result would be —- my daughter could buy insurance.Willow, and all who are afraid of the public option, should listen just a bit less to the insurance companies' propaganda.BY on 12/08/2009 at 16:02
Mr. Reid, I am an african american and I understood exactly what you were saying. GOPrs don't realize that we pulled the wool from our eyes about them a long time ago. No apology necessary.BY on 12/08/2009 at 16:05
Willow demonstrates Reid's point - exactly when did Reid say the only thing wrong with slavery was the government didn't own the slaves? NEVER SAID IT. NOTHING in the health care reform bill takes away my freedom of choice regarding health insurance. I can still buy any plan I want.Two more falsehoods by those who will stoop to any level to stop this bill.BY on 12/08/2009 at 16:08
DEMO HYPE - As I stated before "the wool is gone" the only reason you fought to free slaves is because you were not actually fighting for them - but fighting for a piece of the pie - don't get it twisted.BY on 12/08/2009 at 16:08
How much longer must we suffer fools??? How in the world did we allow these non-Christian, non-patriots into office?We are heading to h*ll in a handbasket and we continue to allow these *ssh*les to "govern" us?When will out military leaders rescue us from this abomination in Congress? We cannot rid the congress of them by voting sine they have enslaved millions to the Government dole who will obediently vote them back into office.It's a lose-lose proposition. it's time for action, no matter how unpleasant.BY on 12/08/2009 at 16:09
Beyond the pale…BY on 12/08/2009 at 16:09
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