GOP defined by its extremists, like Dems in the ’70s
The Democratic Party struggled at the national level throughout the 1970s and ’80s — all but shut out of the White House — because it was defined by its most extreme elements: war protestors, loony peaceniks, angry black activists, crime apologists, etc. It took years of concerted effort by the Democratic Leadership Council, Bill Clinton and others to reclaim the Democrats’ reputation as reasonable and pragmatic.
The Republican Party of today is stuck in the same place, defined by Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, birthers, tea partiers and Joe Wilson. John McCain fell into the trap of being defined by the extremists when he chose former Gov. Palin to run on his ticket. She energized the base, but she scared off moderates and intellectually honest Republicans
.
Today’s big rally in Washington holds the potential for aggravating that reputation. Because TV cameras always focus on the loonies, it won’t take many handheld signs denouncing Obama as a Socialist/Muslim/Nazi or questioning his citizenship to exacerbate the GOP’s reputation as, to quote Politico, the “party of cranks.”
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© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
90 comments Add your comment
jt
September 12th, 2009
3:52 pm
Believe what you want, but the freedom-loving people gathered in Washington today have just as much disdain for many incumbent Republicans as they have for Charlie Rangel or Barney Frank.
CALL the 100,000+ citizens in Washington any derogatory term you and Keith Olbermann can think up,
but,
you will not be able to CALL President Obama a TWO TERMER.
Free your mind Ms. Tucker. Let the Ronald show you the way. Leave behind the Chicago crew. You will feel cleaner.
Joel Edge
September 12th, 2009
4:34 pm
“war protestors, loony peaceniks, angry black activists, crime apologists, etc.” You’ve pretty much described the Democratic party of today. With some truthers thrown in the mix.
mike
September 12th, 2009
4:40 pm
What a load of crap.
Yes, Cynthia, you and the rest of the hyper-partisans in the media want to define your opponents by their most extreme members. This slimy tactic is used by mindless pundits from Limbaugh to Bookman.
You are all the same.
Charlie
September 12th, 2009
4:41 pm
Well, If mainstream is throwing billions in support to orginizations that specialize in voter fraud and offer free tax advice on pimpin’ then I guess you can call me a radical.
mike
September 12th, 2009
4:44 pm
Remeber folks, dissent is patriotic…unless you are a conservative. Then the same mindless partisans who cheered liberal protesters will demonize you.
Charlie
September 12th, 2009
4:44 pm
Actually, Cynthia, how about an article on Acorn offering free pimpin’ advice. I noticed the AJC decided to complety skip this story, so I guess you just hope it goes away. But I would like to see how you spin this one.
El Jefe
September 12th, 2009
4:52 pm
Ms. Tucker,
I must disagree with you. Since you are so far left that Ted Kennedy seems conservative compared to you, anyone right of center would fall into YOUR definition of extremist.
On the contrary, we do not want to transform America as the President has said, we do not want to erase capitalism as the President has said, we just want our country back.
To borrow from one of my unpublished letters to the editor.
Here is the deal -
For all the politicians – listen to the people, not the organized SEIU/ACORN/astroturf/phony/pre-paid protesters, and maybe get re-elected or don’t and be sure to be replaced.
Since you are now in the D.C area, in the middle of leftieville, I don’t think you can grasp this concept.
Pete
September 12th, 2009
6:23 pm
I don’t know about the comparison of today’s right-wing extremists with the Democrats of the 1970s, but I do have a comment on these teapartiers who talk about taking back the country. Sorry, the country isn’t theirs, it’s mine, and I want the healthcare problem solved. I want the economy back on track. I want these things done responsibly. If these folks want to suggest detailed, positive solutions, I’m all for it. But the hatred they are spewing is not welcome in my country.
I Report/ Vast White Wing Conspirator (-: You Whine )-:
September 12th, 2009
6:48 pm
because it was defined by its most extreme elements: war protestors, loony peaceniks, angry black activists, crime apologists, etc.
Aahhh, yes, a veritable Queen Pinko self assessment.
Aaaannnnnndddddd, she thinks these things are bad??
It must be nice to be able to spin up a new reality each and every day.
chris
September 12th, 2009
7:20 pm
The Party of Extremeists? Correct me if I’m wrong, but Van Jones was a Communist and believed that white people were trying to poisin him. This idiot was appointed Czar by sombody who is friends with unrepentant terrorists. Obama sat in a racist church for 20 years. My God, you are an ignorant woman!
Tank
September 12th, 2009
8:08 pm
Hmmm….. Let me see. The Republicans are defined by extremist groups like Birthers.
So we can say that Democrats are defined by extremist groups. Like Deathers. Or maybe better yet, Murderers.
Tank
September 12th, 2009
8:10 pm
Birthers. Haters. Just sayin’.
I absolutely love the lexicon of today’s progressives.
Tank
September 12th, 2009
8:11 pm
Hey Sinthia. Buh Bye!
Bernard
September 12th, 2009
8:46 pm
I just wonder where all these anti gov people were during the last 8 years in particular. waking up now when the “other guy” has the controls is way too late. Obama is just using the “tools” as his predecessor did. the groundwork Bushco laid out is now being “abused” now on you, i hear.
Gosh, the door to the barn was opened a long time before “O” got there. i was wondering when i would hear someone says something. I guess now it matters and before it was “okay”. i never ever thought it was “ever” okay.
“What goes around,” is the phrase that comes to mind.
Chris Salzmann
September 12th, 2009
8:51 pm
I’m sure most of these folks in Washington DC will return home just in time to collect their social security checks and medicare benefits. You have to hand it to some of these seniors complaining about “socialism” and government healthcare while making full use of exactly the same. Lets take these programs away from these protesting folks and their next march on Washington DC will be with begging bowls in hand.
Cynthia, I hope these folks take their marching orders from the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity. Like the last election, this will again lead them to electoral defeat. The Republican Party is growing smaller every year. In 30 years, this will be a MINORITY-MAJORITY country with WHITES being the minority. Even right now, any Republican strategist will tell you that no Republican can win the Presidency with anything less than 30%-35% of the Latino vote. With the way these folks are acting, they’ll be lucky to get 10%.
Yeah, lets see how the Grand Old WHITE Party fares in the future. As a liberal, I think that Sarah Palin was the BEST candidate they put up in a long time for VP. I’m hoping they pick Michelle Bachman from Minnesota next time.
I Report/ Vast White Wing Conspirator (-: You Whine )-:
September 12th, 2009
9:39 pm
But the magnitude of the rally took the authorities by surprise, with throngs of people streaming from the White House to Capitol Hill for more than three hours.-WaPo
Tank
September 12th, 2009
9:44 pm
Chis,
Your racism and bigotry is coming through. At least those folks returning home to pick up their social security and medicare checks worked and contributed to the kitty. Better than just cranking out babies, blaming everything on “whitey” and collecting a handout.
Oops. My racism and bigotry are coming through.
Carter is a Fool
September 12th, 2009
10:04 pm
The democrats of the 70’s and 80’s were defined by extremists. They still are. The extremists are now in charge. Nancy Pelosi is no moderate, but hard core leftist hippy hack. Harry Reid is not quite as kooky, but just as much a political hack.
Obama is no moderate like Clinton. Clinton was womanizer and a proven liar, but he did very little harm as President to our economy. He did not make radical changes to the everyday lives of Americans and this is to be praised. He did make the US a laughing stock with his skirt chasing antics and the affair with a barely adult intern. It was right that he was impeached and also right that he was not removed from office, but disbarred after he left the White House.
it was defined by its most extreme elements: war protestors, loony peaceniks, angry black activists, crime apologists, etc. Look in the mirror. You are the sum of all of these characteristics.
Chris Salzmann
September 12th, 2009
10:08 pm
Tank September 12th, 2009 9:44 pm SAID: Chis, Your racism and bigotry is coming through. At least those folks returning home to pick up their social security and medicare checks worked and contributed to the kitty. Better than just cranking out babies, blaming everything on “whitey” and collecting a handout.
CHRIS SAYS: So, you assume because they’re WHITE, they all contributed into the kitty??? LOL, you’re right about your racism and bigotry. BTW, where is the Michelle Obama “Whitey” tape? We’re still waiting……………….
Now that we put that aside, lets all do away with Medicare, the biggest example of government provided health care, (”socialized medicine”). Yeah, we certainly need less government and that seems to me an example of it. Lets hear the GOP walk the walk…………
Chris Salzmann
September 12th, 2009
10:13 pm
Carter is a Fool September 12th, 2009 10:04 pm SAID: Obama is no moderate like Clinton. Clinton was womanizer and a proven liar, but he did very little harm as President to our economy.
CHRIS SAID: Hah! That’s an understatement if I ever heard one! Under Clinton, we had the fastest growing economy in decades. Record low unemployment and true wealth creation. He left Bush with a surplus and what happened??? According to economists, the current recession we’re in, started in December 2007, a full year before Obama took office. It took Reagan 3 years to recover from the Carter recession and Clinton took 2 years to recover from the Bush Sr. recession. This recession is the worst on record since the Great Depression….and under who did this recession start? We already know that, right?
The REAL GodHatesTrash, Superstar
September 12th, 2009
11:16 pm
Big crowd in DC today?
Gotta hand it to Glenn Beck. He’s like the Pied Piper of trash.
The REAL GodHatesTrash, Superstar
September 12th, 2009
11:18 pm
Beck is like the opposite of a garbage man. Everywhere he goes, trash shows up.
He’s another Pigpen.
Joe Matarotz
September 13th, 2009
12:25 am
It’s easy to pick out the slackers who don’t actually work for a living. They’re the dumba$$e$ who think the government just gives away social security. How could you expect them to know that every retiree who collects paid into their own fund every year that they worked. Better to be a retiree collecting social security than a useless piece of shirt who expects the government to provide for their lazy slack a$$.
And, Cynthis, dear girl, you have the intellect of a raisin, which is nothing more than a dried up grape.
Carter is a Fool
September 13th, 2009
7:47 am
Chris Salzmann said Under Clinton, we had the fastest growing economy in decades. Record low unemployment and true wealth creation. This was thanks to a Republican Congress and the groundwork laid by Reagan. Clinton did nothing to mess up this progress. He did nothing to contribute to it either. Clinton was too busy with other blue dress items.
Our current economic problems stem from Barney Frank (worthless Communist) who continually blocked reform for Freddie and Fannie. You cannot loan money to people who have no ability to pay it back and expect things to be fine. Bush has a part in this because of the spending on the war. However, the root of this goes to the Democratic Congress and the blind idea that everyone should own a house regardless if they can afford a house. This policy began under Clinton and spiraled out of control.
It is easy to see that the majority of our current mess is traced back to the Democratic Socialist Party who has such wonderful representatives as Barney and Charles Rangel (tax cheat) and Queen Hippy Nancy.
Beretverde
September 13th, 2009
7:49 am
I guess I’m an “Extremist” as well because I want lower taxes, a smaller more efficient government, and protection from radical Muslims who preach “Death to America?” I also LOVE my Health Insurance. With my insurance and my wife’s insurance we are extremely happy with our two plans. By the way we both work and EARNED our insurance benefits. No luck involved, just hard work. Wow!
Thanks for the information and profiling Cynthia. I always thought of myself being part of mainstream America and at times a part of the “silent majority.” Oh yeah… I’m a veteran of our Armed Services so I am now a “Disgruntled Veteran” who must be watched by Homeland Security as a threat to our country.
The labeling by the liberal media elite is sickening. Yes, if you can call me an “extremist” I will call you what you are- MISGUIDED!
Carter is a Fool
September 13th, 2009
7:51 am
Beretverde at 7:49 — Good post.
Rand
September 13th, 2009
8:20 am
The Democratic Party CONTINUES TO BE defined by its COMMON elements, POLICIES, AND POLITICS: war protestors, loony peaceniks, angry black activists, crime apologists, TAX EVADERS, STRIVE TO PENALIZE SUCESS AND REWARD FAILURE, MASTERS OF RED-DEFINING TERMS, US APOLOGISTS, (AND DID WE MENTION ANGRY BLACK, ACTIVISTS), ETC…
REMEMBER THE DEFINITION OF A DEMOCRAT – One who believes in social equality or discounts distinctions in rank.
rightwing troll
September 13th, 2009
8:26 am
Trolls are angry today… Too bad none of them actually DO anything to better our country. Unless you consider endlessly trolling, and ranting about liberals, DOing something…
Question
September 13th, 2009
8:33 am
Ms. Tucker – I remain curious why neither you nor Mr. Bookman have posted your positions and an Oped piece on your extreme elements (though they appear to be more common elements), e.g., Charles Rangel, Van Jones, the Atlanta black agenda memo, ACORN, the Black Panther voter event, Reid calling Bush a liar, etc…
(My apologies in advance if you have in fact raised these subject and I’ve missed them)
Rev Al Sharptongue
September 13th, 2009
8:44 am
I think we have nothing to fear from the tea party types. they lost the last election less than a year ago, most Americans do not beleive that foolishness.
These are the same people who called Obama a muslim and that he went to a madrassa before the election. these are the birthers. These people are in the minority.
Their little protest in Washington drew about 60,000 people most of the White conservative looking types.
They cannot accept the fact that America has changed an it is multi cultural. This burns them up, they yearn for the days of old. Hence their preoccupation with the constitution which at one point considered Blacks 3/5’s human. It did not allow minorities or women to vote. It was a racist document.
As the demographics of this country change the tea parties become more and more fringe.
They want their country back, but from whom?
Bush gave us the patriot act and unwarranted phone tapping, and an illegal war. Yet the tea baggers supported this.
They are some the most unamerican people around. As Thomas Jefferson said “Patriotism is the last refuge for scoundrels”. These people hide behind their love for america to spew hatred and lies. they are bitter,angry and insecure.
They are a dying breed of crankpots, racists, and uneducated bigots.
Real
September 13th, 2009
8:46 am
You all continue to attack and criticize the messenger(s) while ignoring the messages — stop the spending and skyrocketing deficit, why the constant rush of ill-prepared, defined, and understood legislation through Congress, how will we cover the inevitable costs of your health care reform plan (what are the details of the plan?), STRONG concerns about this Adminstration’s continued quest for UNBRIDLED POWER, etc…
Rev Al Sharptongue
September 13th, 2009
8:54 am
real..
If you read or listen Obama and others have stated how they plan to pay for it. they also state what is in and is not in the plan.
yet you tea baggers will say its a lie or continue to say the same things over and over like death panels, and covering illegals that are not true.
It’s a shame when a person has to lie to make their case. makes me wonder if their point is really valid. and one thing I kow is that rightwingers usually distort and lie they have no morals or character
WWJD….yeah right
Joan
September 13th, 2009
9:40 am
I for one am glad that the “silent majority” is silent no more. You can try to divert attention from the message by denigrating the messenger, but that simply reveals your fear to confront good argument with rebuttal. This Healthcare plan makes no economic sense for anyone who pays taxes, and has their own insurance. Why are we destroying a system for 10% of the population? Why can’t the government allow cross border insurance sales–better for competition than any “public” option (which I end up paying for). And tell me why people won’t be forced to the public option when their employers give up paying $12-13K per employee for healthcare, and resort to paying the $8K “penalty” instead? It only makes economic sense to do that.
Bob
September 13th, 2009
11:00 am
Bernard, why do you think so many left the repubs and John McCain ? The repubs and Gingrich started well but after a couple cycles turned into what they replaced. Most I know did not like no child left behind or the drug plan. Ted Stevens and Thad Cochran led the pork. And you mention the past 8 years ? George was handed a 6 trillion debt so I think you should look further back in history.
Laurs1
September 13th, 2009
11:01 am
What a strange opinion piece. Today’s dissenters are nothing like the Democrat dissenters of earlier and current times. The people we saw yesterday and at gatherings for the past six months threw no bombs, were not violent, were not drugged out, nor are they the fringes of society.
Today’s dissenters are, for the most part, everyday people. Of course there are always nutballs who follow any crowd for the attention it might give them, but they are few and not really part of the whole. THEY are the fringe, not the body of the dissent group.
It is rather amusing that Tucker calls Limbaugh and others part of the “fringe” group of society. The number of listeners should give any mathematically- and linguistically-challenged writer a clue about what “fringe” means.
If anyone is on the fringe, it’s Chris Matthews, with his very small number of leg-ticklers. And, of course, Tucker herself.
Alice in Wonderland
September 13th, 2009
11:14 am
Beretverde, put a fork in it, it’s done. Welcome to Wonderland.
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
11:23 am
Joan September 13th, 2009 9:40 am SAID: And tell me why people won’t be forced to the public option when their employers give up paying $12-13K per employee for healthcare, and resort to paying the $8K “penalty” instead? It only makes economic sense to do that.
CHRIS SAYS: Because your employers get to write off the medical insurance they provide to employees as an expense which helps their bottom line. So do the math, what’s more profitable: The $12K-$13K they get to write off or the $8K? BTW, under current conditions, medical insurance costs are projected to rise 119% over the next 8-10 years.
Rick H
September 13th, 2009
11:24 am
Electing the most extreme leftist senator of the extreme left party wouldn’t define the dems at all, would it?
For these evil tea partiers to be so extreme there sure do seem to be a lot of them. Does “extreme” also imply “relatively rare”? Hoiw can more than half the population be “extreme”? Since the election libs have been in love with majority rule, after eking out a 52% win with the largest media support campaign in the history of politics. I guess shortly we’ll start hearing how important it is for the minority to be heard.
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
11:27 am
Joan September 13th, 2009 9:40 am SAID: Why can’t the government allow cross border insurance sales–better for competition than any “public” option (which I end up paying for).
CHRIS SAYS: Your logic is that more participants will lower costs. Well, it doesn’t work. Take the two states of CA and ND. These states have vastly different population numbers yet insurance costs between the two are the same. The same goes for TORT reform. TX already has it and it hasn’t made a dent.
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
11:34 am
Real September 13th, 2009 8:46 am SAID: You all continue to attack and criticize the messenger(s) while ignoring the messages — stop the spending and skyrocketing deficit, why the constant rush of ill-prepared, defined, and understood legislation through Congress, how will we cover the inevitable costs of your health care reform plan (what are the details of the plan?), STRONG concerns about this Adminstration’s continued quest for UNBRIDLED POWER, etc…
CHRIS SAYS: So where your voices during the 8 years of the Bush administration? Unbridled government power? The Bush administration operated under the strictest code of secrecy in many decades. Spending and skyrocketing deficits? Ditto. Lets see: tax cuts to the rich that have lost us $2.1 Trillion in lost revenue, a prescription drug plan for seniors that cost another $ 1 Trillion. The Iraq war that ultimately will cost over $1 Trillion. So, where were you all then? In fact, anyone protesting Bush policies was called unpatriotic by the same fools crying for attention today. The drug reform plan, at least the initial draft, is available online. Did the Bush administration do the same with the Patriot Act or the Prescription Drug Plan?
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
11:39 am
Beretverde September 13th, 2009 7:49 am SAID: I also LOVE my Health Insurance. With my insurance and my wife’s insurance we are extremely happy with our two plans. By the way we both work and EARNED our insurance benefits. No luck involved, just hard work. Wow!
CHRIS SAYS: So whats going to change for you under the Health Reform Bill? Nothing. BTW, hope you and your wife don’t lose your jobs and fall sick. Once your 18 months of COBRA are up, you’re out of luck and hope. There are millions of people in this country who are in that boat and who want to work. And don’t even try buying private health insurance for your family if you have pre-existing conditions.
jconservative
September 13th, 2009
12:19 pm
Chris Salzmann –
I have read his all posts this AM. You Republicans need to heed a lot of what he says. I expect the Republicans will pick up seats in congress in the 2010 elections, they usually do. But 2012? Keep you money on Obama for re-election.
Consider: 2008 presidential election. Obama 365 electoral votes – McCain 173 electoral votes. 269 electoral votes needed for the White House. The Republican base is 28 electoral votes; states McCain carried by at least 60% of the vote. The Democratic base is 146 electoral votes; states Obama carried by at least 60% of the vote. The Republicans need to create 241 electoral votes to win in 2012. The Democrats need to create 123 electoral votes to keep the WH in 2012.
Where are the Republicans going to get the needed 241 electoral votes?
And it is electoral votes that matter. If you do not believe me, ask Al Gore.
The traditional, since 1968, Republican base is decreasing. It is now whites from the south & west. And whites from the south & west are dying of old age. They are being replaced by Latinos, Asians, Africans,
etc, etc, etc.
judi
September 13th, 2009
12:39 pm
So true Chris, I have been there…I SUPPORT THE PUBLIC OPTION!
mike
September 13th, 2009
12:51 pm
Chris Salzmann –
Why do you hate white people so much?
judi
September 13th, 2009
12:55 pm
Mike don’t shoot the messenger…Chris is telling the truth..I have been there..I had breast cancer, lost my insurance and no insurance company would insure me…It has been 5 years. Next year I will receive medicare…hurrah for socialized medicine!!
El Jefe
September 13th, 2009
1:56 pm
judi,
So you had no problem getting access to live saving medical treatments, you’re just upset you had to pay for it?
I think I understand.
Bob from Dahlonega
September 13th, 2009
2:10 pm
If healthcare was being provided for tax paying “real” Americans only I would not have a problem with it.
But as it stands a bunch of undesirables may get something they dont deserve
Healthcare is a Christian White right
Bob from Dahlonega
September 13th, 2009
2:14 pm
I just got back from D.C. I had a blast hanging with true Patriots. we are the majority and will not stand around and let bama ruin what our forefathers intended this country to be.
Semper Fi
NRA
Freedomworks
Glenn Beck
Michael H. Smith
September 13th, 2009
2:28 pm
Where forth art thou Comrade Cynthia? Your magic moment may have arrived and you fail to seize the moment?
Unfortunately the 9 -12 Tea Party gang has made a major goof. Yep, that’s right, they really blew it by choosing to use the emblem of the “clinched fist”.
They should have stuck to the Gadsden flag and the motto of Don’t tread on me, instead of using a traditional symbol of Marxists, Socialists and Communists.
Not very smart there freedom and liberty loving people. Did someone spike the Tea or what?
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
2:49 pm
Bob from Dahlonega September 13th, 2009 2:10 pm SAID: If healthcare was being provided for tax paying “real” Americans only I would not have a problem with it. But as it stands a bunch of undesirables may get something they dont deserve. Healthcare is a Christian White right
Bob from Dahlonega September 13th, 2009 2:14 pm SAID: I just got back from D.C. I had a blast hanging with true Patriots. we are the majority and will not stand around and let bama ruin what our forefathers intended this country to be.
Semper Fi
NRA
Freedomworks
Glenn Beck
CHRIS SAYS: “Healthcare is a Christian White right” pretty much sums up the Glenn Beck crowd in Washington DC. Patriots indeed. All headed for the thrash heap of history. With people like this, Democrats have absolutely nothing to fear.
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
2:51 pm
mike September 13th, 2009 12:51 pm SAID: Chris Salzmann –Why do you hate white people so much?
CHRIS SAYS: Huh??? Must be another Glenn Beck supporter like Bob from Dahlonega.
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
3:05 pm
judi September 13th, 2009 12:39 pm SAID: So true Chris, I have been there…I SUPPORT THE PUBLIC OPTION!
CHRIS SAYS: Thanks Judi. There are millions of Americans today who are unemployed for no fault of their own who’s COBRA is running out. Many have families to support, with sick spouses or children and who have their COBRA running out or already run out. For those who can even afford it, there is no private option because these money grubbers will not cover pre-existing conditions under any price. These folks in DC have no clue. Most of them, happy with their Medicare, will stand and say that they don’t want “socialized” medicine when they themselves are its biggest beneficiaries (medicare). Or you have people like Bob from Dahlonega here who simply have a race problem, all cloaked in “Christian” ideology. How one can be racist and call oneself Christian is still a mystery to me, but there you have it.
We need a Public Option to keep the industry honest OR in the absence of that, a HEAVILY regulated private insurance industry that is not allowed to profit from basic health insurance policies with subsidies for the poorest of the poor Americans. The industry can profit from added options for higher income customers. This is done in Switzerland and the Netherlands and to an extent, in Germany, all which offer not only Universal Coverage but have a thriving private insurance market. So much for the “Socialized” label.
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
3:46 pm
judi September 13th, 2009 12:55 pm SAID: Mike don’t shoot the messenger…Chris is telling the truth..I have been there..I had breast cancer, lost my insurance and no insurance company would insure me…It has been 5 years. Next year I will receive medicare…hurrah for socialized medicine!!
El Jefe September 13th, 2009 1:56 pm SAID: judi, So you had no problem getting access to live saving medical treatments, you’re just upset you had to pay for it? I think I understand.
CHRIS SAYS: El Jefe, Isn’t that the whole point of Health Care Insurance? You pay into a system and if you get sick or require medical attention for an extended illness, you have the means to pay for it? No one wants free treatment. They are just looking for a way to pay for it. I have group insurance through my employer. Who pays when I go to my physician???
Right now, over half of all personal bankruptcies in this country are due to medical expenses. You think those people wouldn’t rather have health insurance that they could have paid for rather than pursue bankruptcy?
You obviously don’t have a clue when you assume someone wants medical treatment for free when all they want is access to decent health insurance. Hope you don’t lose your job and fall sick or have your spouse or kids fall sick while watching that COBRA clock run down. Come back and tell me about it when you end up in that boat. Your unemployment is just a layoff away and don’t ever forget about that.
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
3:57 pm
Here’s an interesting little fact I found about Joe “You Lie” Wilson. As you know, he interrupted the President because he believed Obama lied about the reform bill providing tax funds for illegal immigrants. However, in 2003, Wilson voted to provide federal funds for illegal immigrants’ healthcare. The vote came on the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which contained Sec. 1011 authorizing $250,000 annually between 2003 and 2008 for government reimbursements to hospitals who provide treatment for uninsured illegal immigrants. The program has been extended through 2009 and there is currently a bipartisan bill in Congress to make it permanent.
So, old Joe voted in 2003 to provide tax payer funds for illegal immigrants. The double-standard is interesting to say the least. But then he’s from the state that gave us Strom Thurmond, Stanford and now Joe
Michael H. Smith
September 13th, 2009
3:57 pm
Oh but for the evils of profit the nation would be healed, empty bellies would be filled, the war machine would be stilled and no one would ever be billed.
Kombya, it’s Kool Aid Time!
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
4:02 pm
Michael H. Smith September 13th, 2009 3:57 pm SAID: Oh but for the evils of profit the nation would be healed, empty bellies would be filled, the war machine would be stilled and no one would ever be billed.
CHRIS SAID: No one has a problem with profit. Its bilking the tax payer that’s the problem here. Right now, the tax payer in subsidizing the health insurance and the big pharma industry with tax dollars in a big way. We spend nearly twice on health care than any other industrialized country. Where’s all that extra money going?
Michael H. Smith
September 13th, 2009
4:13 pm
Chris Salzmann
@
September 13th, 2009
3:05 pm
We need a Public Option to keep the industry honest OR in the absence of that, a HEAVILY regulated private insurance industry that is not allowed to profit from basic health insurance policies with subsidies for the poorest of the poor Americans.
Chris Salzmann
@
September 13th, 2009
4:02 pm
No one has a problem with profit.
Michael H. Smith replies:
“Chris says”, has a big problem being consistent. But that fine, so does our President and Congress.
mike
September 13th, 2009
4:17 pm
Chris Salzmann –
“CHRIS SAYS: Huh??? Must be another Glenn Beck supporter like Bob from Dahlonega.”
You are spewing vile crap at such a pace that you can’t even come up with it.
Your posts at the top shout in caps about those evil WHITE Republicans. I just wanted to know why the race of these folks is so distasteful toi your intolerant and hateful mind.
BTW: Beck is an idiot and I don’t need to be a liberal to see that. On the other hand, I would bet my life that you think that Beck’s peers like Olbermann and Maddow are just peaches as you are a typical mindless partisan hypocrite.
Brenda Jay dunn
September 13th, 2009
4:17 pm
What’s happening with the Tea party and the town hall meetings is not defined by rush Limbaugh or any specific group of people…it is people who don’t want the type of change they see Obama bringing about The “change” Obama promised to bring to America is entirely based in his expert, high level training in communitarian thinking. Which basically seeks to repleace the US constitution with international law….The czars appointed by Obama alll share this philosophy taught by many professors at Harvard in the 1990′ and is the 21 st century version of communism..same buzz words and repackaged idealism…..Some people recognize this and are protesting..they aren’t nuts, they just see what is coming down with Obama rule…
mike
September 13th, 2009
4:19 pm
judi –
“Mike don’t shoot the messenger…Chris is telling the truth..I have been there..I had breast cancer, lost my insurance and no insurance company would insure me…It has been 5 years. Next year I will receive medicare…hurrah for socialized medicine!!”
What does any of that have to do with hateful Chris’s ranting about WHITE Republicans? I am not criticicizing his policy views. I am criticizing his hateful and ignorant partisanship.
mike
September 13th, 2009
4:21 pm
Chris Salzmann –
” “Healthcare is a Christian White right” pretty much sums up the Glenn Beck crowd in Washington DC. Patriots indeed.”
and “I am a hateful bigot who needs to demonize people who don’t share my narrow-minded views” pretty much sums up you.
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
4:52 pm
mike September 13th, 2009 4:17 pm SAID: Chris Salzmann – “CHRIS SAYS: Huh??? Must be another Glenn Beck supporter like Bob from Dahlonega.”
You are spewing vile crap at such a pace that you can’t even come up with it.
Your posts at the top shout in caps about those evil WHITE Republicans. I just wanted to know why the race of these folks is so distasteful toi your intolerant and hateful mind.
CHRIS SAYS: Sorry Mike, but where is the DIVERSE (oops, all caps again) Republican Party? How many minority members of the electorate voted for the Republican Party in the last Presidential election? How well is the Republican Party doing with recruiting those diverse candidates and supporters?
We all know the answer to that, right?
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
4:58 pm
mike September 13th, 2009 4:19 pm SAID: What does any of that have to do with hateful Chris’s ranting about WHITE Republicans? I am not criticicizing his policy views. I am criticizing his hateful and ignorant partisanship.
CHRIS SAYS: Nothing against whites at all, Mike. Just pointing out the fact about what the Republican Party has become (unless you can tell me otherwise). BTW, I’m WHITE, my wife’s WHITE and my daughter is WHITE (oops, all caps again!). Hateful and ignorant partisanship? Dude, I’m not make excuses about my partisanship. After all, we’re all sprouting our opinions here, right?
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
5:03 pm
mike September 13th, 2009 4:17 pm said: Chris Salzmann – You are spewing vile crap at such a pace that you can’t even come up with it.
Your posts at the top shout in caps about those evil WHITE Republicans. I just wanted to know why the race of these folks is so distasteful toi your intolerant and hateful mind.
BTW: Beck is an idiot and I don’t need to be a liberal to see that. On the other hand, I would bet my life that you think that Beck’s peers like Olbermann and Maddow are just peaches as you are a typical mindless partisan hypocrite.
CHRIS SAYS: Sorry but I was replying to Bob from Dahlonega’s post with his opinion about white christians. Also, glad you think Beck’s an idiot. I have the same opinion and share that view of Olbermann and Maddow. For the record, I get most of my news online or from NPR. I don’t listen to the extreme left or right because I don’t like being told what to believe in. For the record, I’m an independent.
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
5:12 pm
Michael H. Smith September 13th, 2009 4:13 pm SAID: Chris Salzmann @ September 13th, 2009 3:05 pm We need a Public Option to keep the industry honest OR in the absence of that, a HEAVILY regulated private insurance industry that is not allowed to profit from basic health insurance policies with subsidies for the poorest of the poor Americans.
Chris Salzmann @ September 13th, 2009 4:02 pm SAID: No one has a problem with profit.
Michael H. Smith replies: “Chris says”, has a big problem being consistent. But that fine, so does our President and Congress.
CHRIS SAYS: Don’t parse my words, Michael. I know that cutting and pasting selectively is tempting. I was replying to your post about where all the money that we spend on health care (twice than any industrialized country) is going. I don’t believe that basic insurance plans that allow for basic health insurance for citizens be based on profit. In fact, that’s what they have, as you pointed out to me once, in Switzerland. They make their money on value added plans for higher income groups. Last I read, Switzerland has a capitalist economy.
Sluggo
September 13th, 2009
5:50 pm
Right Cyn…just like the mainstream Frank, Dodd, Rangel, Van Jones, Peolosi.
You have gone from defending crack to using it.
Bill
September 13th, 2009
5:52 pm
I enjoy reading Cynthia Tucker’s column. It always has such a racist slant to the left. Cynthia, by now everyone should know that the only people supporting Obama are the ones who expect something for nothing. The days of gov’t give me programs are drawing to a close as middle class tax payers have had their pockets drained.
Michael H. Smith
September 13th, 2009
6:22 pm
Chris Salzmann
September 13th, 2009
5:12 pm
No parsing was done. Only evidence was presented not merely copied. Very telling evidence supplied by you not me of your problems with capitalism.
Did I paste you incorrectly?
Beretverde
September 13th, 2009
6:51 pm
I love people (read Salzmann) and government telling me what is better for me. Shoving this down my throat doesn’t help their power trip causes. For all of Salzmann’s concern- I don’t have to worry about losing my job and COBRA. Leave me alone… and STOP YOUR PROFILING! I KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. I guess Homeland Security will now be knocking on my door soon because I am a “disgruntled veteran.” Oh well, the government knows best so I must march in line and not speak out. Hmmm… as a student of history I clearly remember that is what happened in the 1930s in a Teutonic country. Obamaism is not the answer. He is an articulate speaker and so is the used car salesman down the street. Promise everything to close the sale… when the wheels fall off and the warranty is no good, I’m screwed and stuck with the payments for a lemon! Obamism doesn’t pass the smell test. De Oppresso Liber!
Beretverde
September 13th, 2009
6:58 pm
Oh yeah I forgot.. Go Falcons! They covered the spread today against the Dolphins… and then some!
Kevin
September 13th, 2009
7:00 pm
Cynthia, you’re delusional.
Constructive Feedback
September 13th, 2009
7:01 pm
The key question that needs to be forced upon Ms Tucker that goes beyond her present willingness to call out “Democratic Extremists of the Past”.
Ms Tucker – During the 1970’s when you noted these “Democratic Extremists” did YOU do anything in particular to repudiate them? Or were YOU one of them?
Don’t fall for it people.
The only time Ms Tucker criticizes the Democrats is to bludgeon them to move left OR as a conjunction that leads to an attack upon the GOP.
Mr. Independant
September 13th, 2009
7:19 pm
Chris Salzmann,Why repeat everyones comment? We can all scan back and read it. Is it true Chris that Barney Frank, and Chris Dodd and their peers wanted everyone to own a home, never mind that they could not afford one. These citizens couldn’t make the house payments so guess who’s left holding the bag? And don’t bring up G. Bush. He was no conservative. He’s gone, thank GOD. It seems to make no differance, republican or democrat, they all want to do something for their constituency, no matter that it hurts millions of others. And now anytime someone criticizes Mr. Obamas policy they’re racist. If he does’nt like criticism he’s in the wrong business.
Midori
September 13th, 2009
7:44 pm
Cynthia Tucker’s stories are like the bat signal for the wingnut loons.
What I find so amusing is the racist scum of the world all like to pile on here and call her racist.
I suppose that’s the new GOP SOP.
Yell it enough, and hurl it at those who speak the truth enough and *POOF* — suddenly it all becomes true.
Kevin
September 13th, 2009
8:05 pm
Midori, do you actually read what you post before clicking “submit”?
You honestly accuse someone of being racist when those people call someone else racist?
Huh? So it’s ok for you call someone racist, but not ok for other people to use the term?
Oh that’s right. I forgot that word is owned by a select group and cannot be used by anyone else.
Sinthia McKinney
September 13th, 2009
9:14 pm
Chris says – I’m a dumbass. Yes, I am. No really, I AM!
Midori
September 13th, 2009
9:36 pm
Kevin,
can you actually read?
Go brew some tea.
Carter is a Fool
September 13th, 2009
11:39 pm
Midori can always be counted on for some looney tunes type comment from left field. She drank the Kool-Aid a long time ago and is a “TRUE BELIEVER” in Hopeless Change.
Just ignore her and off she will go back out of sight where she came from/
Anyone for some tea, NO make it a cold Coca-Cola.
Carter is a Fool
September 13th, 2009
11:47 pm
Mr. Independent had it correct. Not everyone should have a home. Only those that can be responsible enough to actually PAY FOR IT should have a home. It is not about skin color or anything else except responsibility.
Greg Girtman
September 14th, 2009
1:26 am
And you think that the Dems aren’t full of radicals today? The reglatory czar wants to allow animals to sue people. He does not believe in the 2nd amendment of the costitution, and you want to call those who are sick and tired of carrying those who will not help themselves radical? Give me a break.
When able “I will gladly help those who cannot help themselves, but I refuse to help those who will not help themselves”
Greggman
Dale Duncan
September 14th, 2009
2:55 am
Thank you Cynthia. Every time I look at the television footage of all of the angry white people calling people Nazi’s, it scares me. As a white person myself, it also embarrasses me. The world has changed (for the better…), and these people cannot accept it.
David from WI
September 14th, 2009
6:30 am
The protestors in DC were far from the extreme but MAINSTREAM Americans not extreimests or radicals. Yes, in any crowd there will me kooks and the press does have a obsession with showing them and ignoring the rest.
They, madam, live in reality and they do not speak for the republican nor democrat party. GOP party elected officals have been booed at tea party events as well as democrats.
The far left, it seems, is poised to do serious Damage to the Democrat party and moderate Dems should take note. The far left are self obsessed and self important.
The far left of today are more akin to the 60’s drug damaged social fringe. They are unable to stay focus and grounded, not in reality and history, but an Utopian fantasy of tangerine trees and marmalade skies.
Vickers
September 14th, 2009
7:53 am
Looks like Cynthia really struck a nerve with this column. As an advocate for a third party, I don’t like the democrats or repubs but I find her points to be right on the mark. The republican party is made up extremists and haters who can’t handle it that we elected a black man President. The Bush administration wrecked this country and now republicans only agenda is to obstruct and derail Obama from having any success. With the country in the worst shape since 1930 a logical person would think that everyone would want to work together to pull this country out of the ditch. But not the repubs, their stated goal is to block Obama and distort the truth.
What They Are Saying: 09.14.09 | AnnotatedOpinions.com
September 14th, 2009
8:43 am
[...] GOP defined by its extremists, like Dems in the ’70s [Atlanta Journal-Constitution] [...]
pat
September 14th, 2009
9:11 am
Left is defined by ACORN.
Cheryl
September 14th, 2009
3:17 pm
It is about time someone call the extreme right wings nuts for what they are. They are not the average everyday citizen working and providing for their kids. It is the nuts who can not stand their party has lost. They can not believe they are not in control and refuse to wake up and smell the roses. It does not matter a lot of them can not afford insurance for their families. They rather the rich have money as long as their party is in control.
It is so bad Cynthia a friend of mines neighbor was walking her dog down the street. Knowing I am a dem yell you can not take my money when she saw my friend. Now get this. She has been on welfare and husband is unemployed. She is on the socialized system of welfare to make the point. When my friend asked her what money do you have since you are on welfare she could not answer. She started walking faster and slammed her door. Now if that is not laughable what is.
samiam
September 14th, 2009
9:53 pm
The liberal left is allot more extreme than the right wing nuts.What’s the saying,If you’re not a liberal at twenty you have no heart, if you’re not a conservative at forty you have no brain.The easiest way to fix allot of our problems is to pass the fair tax.If the GOP runs on the fair tax in 2012 it will be a extremely easy win.
Lee
September 15th, 2009
1:26 pm
Gosh, what is wrong with communists? Rupert Murdoch married one and everyone supports them everytime we go buy some cheap Chinese crap. LOL!
Orwell
September 15th, 2009
2:22 pm
It is sad-But I am reading it everywhere-The Elite Old Liberal Media is dying-You don’t own Main Stream Media anymore.Your anger masked in civility is so pitiful!!It is all over.This Country is awakened of Americans that went to sleep while the progressives skated!!Not anymore the tide it is a changin’-youve got to love it!!Paint us as “kooks,gun toting,racist” all falling on deaf ears cuz Americans are waking up to the liberal media and their agenda!!No worries, because when they all wake up it means minorities too!!When they finally realize that the liberal media wants to keep them down in projects, on drugs and tell them that can’t make it without help.When that lightbulb goes off on their heads they will truly see the light. That conservative Americans think they have worth and not just as a vote, like liberals. That their babies,their families have worth!!!Look at ever big city ruled for years by liberals-have you seen the projects be closed,or families with fathers in the home.NO because liberals are an anti-family and racist organzition.Look up Margeret Sanger and what she did to black families,or affirmative action that tells minorities “We don’t believe in you” The Old Liberal Party is an America killer!!
David from WI
September 15th, 2009
9:31 pm
When mainstream black Christian Americans start to realize they have more in common with conservative America than the far left liberal Dems the far left will be left confused and angry once again.
I suppose those black Americans will be racists too huh?
Its fine, its the 21st century era of change. The change that is the start of the far left exposed for their lies and hatred they foment and keep alive. Their own hypocrisy is showing and all Americans are watching and learning.
Not making excuses for the right but the left seem psychotic as of late and the latest is to call Obama critics racist.
What are they thinking?!?!
Off the deep end they go. I hope they enjoy that long strange trip.