Newt Gingrich: Democrats bear some responsibility for threats, anger over health care
Former peaker of the U.S. House Newt Gingrich answers questions about the federal health bill during a press conference. (Associated Press)
At a press conference in Atlanta on Thursday, former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich said he was happy to condemn the use of personal threats rising out of the health care debate, but added that Democrats must bear some of the responsibility.
Said Gingrich:
“Just as there was no place for the kind of viciousness against Bush and Cheney, there’s no place for viciousness against Democrats.
“I would condemn any kind of activity that involves that kind of personal threat.
“But look, I think there’s something very disingenuous about the Democratic leaders who attacked the tea party movement, who refused to hold town hall meetings, who refused to go back home, who kept the Congress locked up in Washington, and are now shocked that people are angry.
“I think the Democratic leadership has to take some moral responsibility for having behaved with such arrogance, in such a hostile way, that the American people are deeply upset. So let’s be honest with this. This is a game that they’re playing.
“People should not engage in personal threats. I’m happy to condemn any effort to engage in personal threats. But I think the Democratic leadership has to take some real responsibility for having run a machine that used corrupt tactics, that bought votes, that bullied people, and as a result has enraged much of the American people.”
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138 comments Add your comment
lmno
March 25th, 2010
12:59 pm
Stay Classy Newt.
Ben
March 25th, 2010
12:59 pm
Says the guy who was ordered to pay a $300,000 fine for ethical violations (a first for the House of Reps)….
Benton Arsenic
March 25th, 2010
1:00 pm
“People shouldn’t engage in personal threats even though we all know the Democrats deserve it”? Of all the garbage politicians Georgia has produced, Newt is probably one of the lowest.
Nicole Simpson
March 25th, 2010
1:01 pm
I made OJ do it.
Right
March 25th, 2010
1:05 pm
Because Newt is really one who should be attacking people for using corrupt tactics, buying votes, and bullying people.
Junior Samples
March 25th, 2010
1:08 pm
Wait…. Newt talking about Ethics?
beachmom
March 25th, 2010
1:15 pm
Newt, Newt, Newt.
“You keep blaming me for what you did, but that ain’t all
The way you clean up a wreck is enough to give one pause
Well, you seem to forget just how this all started
I’m reacting to you because you left me broken hearted
See, you can’t just take the effect and make it the cause”
– Jack White
Jon
March 25th, 2010
1:19 pm
Newt probably blames domestic abuse victims for their plight, too…
Brian
March 25th, 2010
1:19 pm
Making it illegal to bar individuals with pre-existing conditions from having health insurance and bending the cost curve on healthcare in such as way as to reduce the federal deficit = behaving in an arrogant and hostile way?????? Hostile and arrogant to whom?
Wow. Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2010 Republican Party.
When your party leaders behave in such a manner as to attempt to bar any sort of health reform and theh scare the gun-toting crowd with BS about socialism, totalitarianism, loss of their freedoms, etc, what do you expect in return? Surely not to be taken seriously, right? I guess I can see how when coming from that point of view, any attempt to make serious choices and govern effectively comes across as arrogance or hostility to you.
Your party’s role as Champion of the top 1% of income earners in this country pits you against the other 99% of us, whether or not we have all realized it, and THAT is arrogant and hostile. Convincing working-class Americans that you are on their side is the game YOU are playing.
Shawn
March 25th, 2010
1:19 pm
This man straight said (under all those words…I wanna say something else) it is the Democrats fault that people are threating them??? Give me a BREAK! LIES! LIES! LIES! LIES! LIES! I’m angry at you Newt…but I would NEVER seen you a death threat…why? Because I’m a true Christian and even though we sit on COMPLETE opposite sides of the fence, I would never want anyone to harm you for attempting to do a job. That’s insane! And the fact that you’re blaming those Democrats, especially the ones who were called the N & spat on, for the evil hate & threats they are dealing with… What kind of message are you sending out to the people who are doing this? In his entire message, he didn’t even ask them to stop. We see how you roll Newt…God have mercy on your soul.
Newt 2012
March 25th, 2010
1:24 pm
He’s my guy. He has real free market solutions for this country, supports personal freedom, limited government, and in general just kicks @ss. Not only that, he pisses off the left something fierce. Newt for President in 2012!
The Snark
March 25th, 2010
1:25 pm
This from the guy who sent out a memo to every Republican with a laundry list of insults and generic negative words to use “at every occasion” to describe the other party.
Ryan
March 25th, 2010
1:28 pm
What a scum bag.
Cutty
March 25th, 2010
1:32 pm
What marriage is he on?
Alphar
March 25th, 2010
1:39 pm
Newt,
do you blame your current wife for breaking up with your previous wife?
DannyX
March 25th, 2010
1:39 pm
Tell us. How much crap has Sonny Perdue taken for the state of the state? Things are beyond incompetent at the State level. From made for TV movie sex ethics scandals, to outright hostility to anything Atlanta. To a state budget on the brink of disaster.
Has anyone dressed up in a phone repairman outfit to gain access to Sonny’s office so that he could plant a bug in his phone?
Has Sonny been spat on? Called the N word? Called the F word?
Has Sonny held ONE public meeting about ANYTHING?
Has Sonny had the help of a major cable news channel to spread lies and distort the facts?
Has Sonny or any of the ethically challenged Republican in the Statehouse ever tried to reach across the aisle?
WELL??????
mp
March 25th, 2010
1:40 pm
The current crop of Republican rank and file & leaders (state and federal) are cloned from Gingrich’s stem cells.
Arrogant, self-important, self-serving, hypocritical beyond belief and willing to posture endlessly for facetime.
Newt started the march to Republican nihilism because he doesn’t really believe in anything he preaches. At the core he is a nihilist and contrarian who will do anything to grab the media’s attention, but if you examine his pronouncements over time, he contradicts himself constantly. He can speak out of both sides of his mouth casually and with no guilt. All for facetime.
lmno
March 25th, 2010
1:40 pm
Newt doesn’t think it was the right thing for him to do to cheat on his first wife and then divorce her, but she was at least partly responsible for getting cancer like that.
Newt doesn’t think it was right to cheat on his second wife, but it was mostly her fault for getting older.
Newt didn’t think it was right for him to lie and hide information about his tax situation, but at the same time, it was the House’s fault for asking for the info in the first place.
James
March 25th, 2010
2:02 pm
Same filth was spouted by Cantor this morning as well as a host of right wing pundits. Looks like today’s edition of talking points were delivered on-time.
joed
March 25th, 2010
2:07 pm
Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter and their ilk deserve the “credit” for the hostile atmosphere that permeates our nation these days. Throw in Sarah ‘Death Panels” Palin, John “Hell, No, You Can’t” Boehner and the babykiller rep, and you have a sure recipe for violence. And the repubs, who were egging on protesters in the galley in the House on Sunday, turn it around and try to blame the Democrats. Unbelievable. Newt would be considered to be an expert on disingenousness in GA, though.
retiredds
March 25th, 2010
2:10 pm
Newt always blames others because he can’t bring himself to take responsibility for his poor choices in life.
Shark Puncher
March 25th, 2010
2:15 pm
Can we please go back to 1994, when Republican voters were content to express their ire at the polls rather than throw a brick through somebody’s window?
Byron Mathison Kerr
March 25th, 2010
2:24 pm
Newt Gingrich, along with Rep. John Boehner, tries to condemn and understand violent threats all at the same time. I have to wonder about the purity of their motives.
MrAttitude
March 25th, 2010
2:25 pm
Let get this straight. Just because many Democratic leaders did not kowtow to the tea party nuts, they bear responsibility for having bricks thrown through their office windows, having gas lines cut, having black leaders called the N-word and spat upon? Are you kidding me? It’s no wonder why so many people having trouble distinguishing the tea party from the klan.
Please let Newt run. You talk about a polarizing figure.
ipa
March 25th, 2010
2:26 pm
I’m always interested to see how some people will find a way to blame the victim.
– The unemployed don’t actually want to work – They just want to stay on the dole. Unemployment actually prevents people from finding good jobs
– Those blacks wouldn’t have had a problem if they just respected the rules about which end of the bus they were supposed to sit on
– That dancer was asking for it – If she didn’t parade around like that, she wouldn’t have been assaulted
– The Dems brought those threats on themselves – They wouldn’t have this problem if they did the “right” thing in the first place
It’s an obtuse argument that has never held water, but sadly no surprise coming from Newt
Jiggle the Handle
March 25th, 2010
2:27 pm
I can still recall when Newt was a mediocre PoliSci prof at West Georgia. Then he became MY Congressman, but did little to actually represent me. Newt is always good for a sound bite and maintains that professorial, erudite persona, but I’ve watched him for years and know him to be a mile wide and an inch deep.
Alot of folks tend to buy into the tripe he peddles, but I’m not one of them. He would be easy to dismiss if he didn’t wield so much influence, but he’ll be a pundit for the rest of his career. He’s amassing way too much personal wealth now and would never risk running for office where he would have to try to defend all of the professional and personal sleaziness he engaged in since the very beginning.
ATL
March 25th, 2010
2:30 pm
A single word will suffice– ‘hypocrite’
Alexander Hamilton
March 25th, 2010
2:31 pm
Land of liberty
1776 – 2010
RIP
James
March 25th, 2010
2:40 pm
Lighten up Alexis …
lmno
March 25th, 2010
2:43 pm
“Land of liberty
1776 – 2010
RIP”
Please seek professional help. You are sick and delusional. You need to find a doctor and talk to him about your issues.
jj
March 25th, 2010
2:44 pm
IPA—You hit the nail on the head. I second your opinion. It is time to call out all these liars, bigots, and hypocrites. Our country has some serious problems. Some people are trying to fix these problems. While other people are trying everything they can to ensure failure. United we can solve any and all problems. Divided we fail. Who is trying to fix things, who is trying to destroy things. We have to work together. Standing around a hurling insults at each other, calling anyone who disagrees with our viewpoint names, and Bullying others is not helpful. Just saying NO to everything isn’t any more constructive than a three old who holds his breath and stomps his feet. We need to work together to solve these problems.
Jiggle the Handle
March 25th, 2010
2:45 pm
Yeah, let’s see, Alexander Hamilton–early prototype of today’s Republicans– engaged in what may have been the first widely reported political sex scandal through an affair with Maria Lewis. Paid hush money to her husband John so he could continue the affair without interference. Sounds awfully close to John Ensign, doesn’t it. Yep, nothing like those deep-rooted conservative principles. Nice role model, Bozo.
NewtFewt
March 25th, 2010
2:52 pm
Gingrich is a fool. Violence is never justified. He is fanning the flames.
We have got to hold these people who are inciting violence responsible for their words and actions.
Elvis
March 25th, 2010
2:53 pm
On the other hand, the Democrats bear none of the responsibility for Newt making a jackass of himself.
Ward
March 25th, 2010
3:07 pm
“Says the guy who was ordered to pay a $300,000 fine for ethical violations (a first for the House of Reps)….”
…and later, cleared of all charges. After he’d resigned, of course.
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
3:16 pm
Everyone wants to condem Newt and the republicans for hate speech, etc. People do you read what you are writing? Hate speech is alive and well and it resides on the AJC blog.
Maybe you ought to practice what you preach.
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
3:18 pm
Come on Jiggle, we can all play that game. Governor(s) of New York and New Jersey. Etc, etc, want me to continue?
Been Around-Done That
March 25th, 2010
3:19 pm
After reading some of the posts on this and other AJC sites, it is painfully obvious that the invention of the computer brought out the worst in a lot of people. Nothing really substantial to offer…just criticism, garbage, and slander. And it can be done under an anonymous name so the mud thrower can hide his or her identity under a rock. Fifty years ago some of you dullards would have to make your comments face to face but then that would take guts! Times are hard enough for a lot of good folks without all the bull crap! How about some solutions for solving the problems that face our state and nation instead of all the carping from your respective hidey holes? But I guess that is asking too much. It was the dumbos you non-thinkers elected on both sides that put us down the toilet and your solutions is throwing the same kind of angry crap the politicians on both sides do in Washington and Atlanta. A pox on all your nasty houses!
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
3:20 pm
Bulling JJ? Talk to democratic congreemen about bulling and Nancy P. Heck she even admitted it. When you are in the miniority, it’s very hard to “bully”.
Cheryl
March 25th, 2010
3:22 pm
Eric Cantor today, held a press conference to announce his Richmond Office had been shot at. Later it was revealed it was not his office, but the office of one of his political consultants, again, not his office, and it cannot be confirmed that the hole in the window was actually from a bullet, or when the incident actually happened, yesterday, or days ago. He then condemned the violence and then, like Newt, he blamed the Democrats for fanning the flames……. John Boehener also gave a similar statement today. Yesterday, they shut down all Senate hearings, even one with the Armed Forces regarding North Korea with two commanders having come all the way from Korea & Hawaii to testify. How bout that for doing the People’s business.
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
3:24 pm
Cheryl-
If a republican says it, it’s a lie. If a democrat says it’s true. Sad.
TskTskTsk!!
March 25th, 2010
3:26 pm
Sanity and civility have left the building in Georgia. If I have to have car insurance to drive a car and I don’t want it, never been in an accident, no one ever made a claim against me, but I still have to buy it, right? If you can pay dollars to take a life in a war, why not spend a dollar to save a life in America and spend it on Americans? It’s so sad that an African-American president is bringing out the worst of America. Now the whole world knows how and who we are REALLY. America, your actions speak louder than your words. This is unconscionable. Bully. Hate. Fear. War Mongering. Intimidation. This is no way to run a country.
dave
March 25th, 2010
3:27 pm
mp – having an ombamabot calling Republican leaders “Arrogant, self-important, self-serving, hypocritical beyond belief…” is like being call ugly by a frog.
dave
March 25th, 2010
3:29 pm
NewtFewt – If you the Newt is fanning the flames, you need to read Ms. Tuckers column, now there’s fanning the flames.
Dagnabbit
March 25th, 2010
3:32 pm
The hostile atmosphere that permeates our nation these days can also be attributed to the lack of the morals and ethics of our elected leaders. True, Glen Beck et al add to it but sometimes they hit the nail on the head. Sometimes that is an inconvinient truth.
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
3:38 pm
Tsk-
1. The requirement to buy car insurance by the state does not violate the state constitution, the requirement to buy health insurance by the feds violates the U.S. constitution.
2. have no problem spending dollars for those that can’t help themself, have a big problem spending dollars for those that won’t help themself.
3. Don’t oppose BO because he is black, I oppose his liberal policies. Just I did Kerry, Gore, etc. Just because you don’t oppose BO doesn’t mean you are racist.
4. Questions?
jj
March 25th, 2010
3:43 pm
RetiredSoldier. By Bullying, I didn’t mention minority or majority. A bully is someone who tries to impose his/her will over someone else by threats of violence, intimidation, or name calling. Bullying has no place in an honest debate.
Dagnabbit
March 25th, 2010
3:45 pm
Arrogant, self-important, self-serving…..if that refers to sonny, ox and deal then I agree. Baker is getting a lot of prime time thanks to sonny. Best thing yet that the Dems have going for them. GO SONNY
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
3:45 pm
JJ- Then I give you Nancy P., code Pink and Act Up. You see it happens on both sides. It doesn’t make it right, just factual.
kimmer
March 25th, 2010
3:50 pm
I’m sorry some of you don’t like the messenger but the message is true. The democrats did do all of the things he pointed out and anyone with half a brain can see how that would enrage a lot of people. I also might point out that its the democrats that started this by trying to put this at the republicans door.
These threats will soon subside but there is a political day of reckoning coming in November and the democrats are going to pay an unprecedented political price.
Dan
March 25th, 2010
3:55 pm
I love it how the liberals start screaming and foaming at the mouth when a Republican (whether it be Newt, Boehner, Cantor, Palin, et al.) make a statement or hold a press conference. And then they get on the message board and start the name calling, finger pointing, blame Bush, tossing profanity game they always play. What is it about these people that makes them delirious? Is it the fact that the Republicans have said something that they know is true and don’t want to admit it/believe it/accept it? After all….when you don’t have something substantive to say, or they say something that you can’t make a decent argument against, just shoot the messenger.
Guess What
March 25th, 2010
3:56 pm
Dear Newt-
Thank you for your concern. I am not upset at all. Now, please go away.
Bill Orvis White
March 25th, 2010
3:58 pm
Mr. Newt has a point here. When Big Gov’t comes to take over your personal life, some folks feel they need to do something to protect themselves. For me, I stocked up on my weapons and food cache while strengthening my bunker. I also protected myself my buying gold.
Dan
March 25th, 2010
4:00 pm
And for all you people frothing at the mouth accusing right-wingers of being the only ones to incite violence, perhaps you should read this article.
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mithridate-ombud/2010/03/24/medias-myth-right-wing-violence
It seems that people on the left are just as bad and just as much to blame. So before you accuse the Republicans of being hostile and violence-prone right-wing radicals, you might want to take a look in the mirror. You just might be a hypocrite. Or is it “pot calling the kettle black.”
AF
March 25th, 2010
4:10 pm
Newt’s reason for existence is to fight against something, anything. And he is self-righteously smug. Great intelligence but puny creativity. He is still creating the founding of the US.
Maybe, if he lives to be 300, he can start dealing with the world as it is today.
jimbo
March 25th, 2010
4:13 pm
Newt is a genius and probably the only person who will be able to get this country out of the marxist progression that barry has it on the way to. barry is an idiot who can’t even hold a press conference? or produce a birth cert.? or stop lying that he doesn’t associate with chicago mobsters? or, well I don’t have the time to type any more except this: Bush broke barry’s promise to hold healthcare negotiations on C-SPAN, at least that’s what barry will say when someone finally kicks his a*s!
jimbo
March 25th, 2010
4:15 pm
@ Bill Orvis White
Bravo, me too. Send those angry little dems on over, I’ll show them my rights personally.
Newt Rocks
March 25th, 2010
4:16 pm
God I miss having him as house speaker. I miss having someone who studies history, hates teleprompters, and gives and honest answer. He had true leadership based on conservative principles. You can see the change in government after he left. Republicans lost their direction and conservative principles. We need another leader like him. Then we could discuss issues that could help our country like balanced budget admendments, welfare and entitlement reform, term limits, tax reform, real energy solutions, real job creation, true healthcare reform….
For you liberals who will always hate him please remember that he got in trouble for teaching a class at a University that had so much demand they put it on TV so anyone could watch his class. They said he could not do it with PAC money. Wonder how many lawyers made millions trying to come up with that gimick to bring this guy down.
jj
March 25th, 2010
4:17 pm
RetiredSoldier: What does naming Pelosi or Code Pink have to do with anything. I could go on and on naming names, but it’s not solving the problem. The point I was making was that we as a nation have some serious problems to overcome and to succeed in solving those problems we need to work together. United we stand, divided we fail.
Dagnabbit
March 25th, 2010
4:20 pm
@ Dan
Well spoken. And it has nothing to do with representing the people. Greed and Power comes to mind.
jimbo
March 25th, 2010
4:21 pm
@ jj
no crap, but barry is bent on dividing the nation by plying his agenda no matter what – need to dump the fool and get on with fixing those problems you allude to.
JB
March 25th, 2010
4:24 pm
NEWT Who!!!! He is Noboby!!!!!
jj
March 25th, 2010
4:29 pm
Jimbo: Unless I missed something an election was held recently and the people elected Barry as the President. I think he ran on an agenda to to clean up a lot problems facing America. He is trying to do that now.
Dan
March 25th, 2010
4:30 pm
I wasn’t really “old enough” (in terms of following politics) when Newt was Speaker of the House, and I don’t really know much about him, but there is something about him , from what I’ve seen on TV, that I like.
Either or, Democrats and Republicans can both be blamed for “inciting violence.” And violence definitely does not have it’s place in politics.
JB who
March 25th, 2010
4:30 pm
Newts the only guy to balance a federal budget in 40 years? What have you done in your life JB.
jimbo
March 25th, 2010
4:46 pm
jj:
barry ran on the premise that he would:
end earmarks
keep unemployment from rising above 8 %
close Guantanamo in the first year
end hiring of former lobbyists into white house jobs
end no compete gov’ment contracts
“new era” of bipartisan cooperation an ALL matters
chose a home church by Easter of LAST YEAR
no increase in deficit spending
etc, etc, etc
What exactly is your point?
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
4:51 pm
JJ, Bulling and civil behavior, Nancy bullies her own folks, Code Pink and Act up are uncivil on the left side.
jj
March 25th, 2010
4:55 pm
Jimbo: The President won the election. He is implementing the agenda he ran on. Bi means two. It takes two or more to negotiate. When one side says “no” to everything, that’s no negotiating. That’s called obstruction.
jj
March 25th, 2010
4:57 pm
RetiredSoldier You’ re sure hung up on Code Pink and Pelosi. Is there a problem there. Are you afraid of them or what they are saying or that they are women/
Cheryl
March 25th, 2010
5:07 pm
And Retired Soldier, you asked earlier on another thread for anyone to state where the constitution gives the Govt the right to mandate health insurance. I gave you three REAL places, and you still go on about it being unconstitutional. Apparently it is unconstitutional to you because you say it is, not because it is. …..That is exactly why trying to help some people is beyond futile, it’s an exercise in suicide. Some people apparently cannot be learned no matter what…..Question, your name is Retired Soldier, do you by chance get any military retirement, VA benefits?
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
5:07 pm
JJ in reference to the post @4:55, the reps weren’t invited into the “transparent” room that all the deals were cut.
Yes there is a problem, I can admit that “my side” behaves poorly sometimes, the problem is you can’t admit your side does too. In my mind that makes it worthless to debate with you.
If you were ever in the military you’ll understand this: RetiredSoldier out!
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
5:10 pm
Cheryl, I work for a living so I can’t read everything all the time. I’m sorry if I missed your response. If you would like to tell me again or direct me to your post I’ll be happy to respond.
Yes, I appreciate your tax dollars which help pay my retirement. VA, have never used any.
Whatever
March 25th, 2010
5:12 pm
The last time Newt was in a hospital he served his wife (who was recovering from cancer surgery) with divorce papers. And yet you STILL listen to this jerk? PLEASE.
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
5:13 pm
Can’t be learned? Now you kinda pissed me off Cheryl. I have an A.A., B.A., M.A. graduated from Command and Staff College, basicly = to another masters. No PhD like retirdds, and your qualifications Ms. Cheryl?
jj
March 25th, 2010
5:23 pm
RetiredSoldier Are you clairvoyant? You know that no reps were invited into that room. You also know what side I’m on. And if you knew everything, you would know that I was in the military. A great tour of duty in Vietnam. I don’t understand the point you were trying to make about being in the military.
draftee66
March 25th, 2010
5:26 pm
Cheryl and jj you can’t win any aarguement with a lifer like soldier. they know everything.
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
5:38 pm
JJ and draftee- One of the things I learned along time ago was I don’t know everything and to know the difference in the army between officer and nco business. Whatever success I had was due to outstanding NCO’s and later also to junior officers.
JJ- Name a time in the 11 months prior to the Blair House joke republicans were invited to participate or what republican positions from the Blair House meetings that included in the bill.
Some times you guys are so short sighted.
RetiredSoldier
March 25th, 2010
5:39 pm
Gone for the day, soldier out
A disappointed American
March 25th, 2010
5:43 pm
I am at a loss as I read this blog. It would appear that no one here values the constitution. It would appear that no one here recognizes the hate speech, the bigotry, the arrogance, and the disdain for the United States Constitution displayed by the Democratic/Socialist Party. Is it safe to assume that none of you work, that you all want to receive benefits that someone else pays for? Is it safe to assume that none of you value freedom, or, American exceptionalism. Some left wing nut job above posted something to the effect of, “we’ve got problems and some people are trying to fix them” . . . if Obamacare is fixing a problem then I’d rather have the problems. Georgia cannot afford nor sustain the costs this bill inflicts on it. Neither can we as individuals. I will never consider voting again for a democrat. I do not see how any citizen who values their freedom can. Nor can I see how any Christian can either . . . if this bill did not provide federally funded abortions why couldn’t the executive order language be actually in the law? I am disgusted reading this blog, disappinted to see our Constitution being torn to shreds, and, amazed that the media (who won’t cover the violent threats to conservatives and moderates leading up to health care becoming law) is camping out of the gross actions of a very few fringe people. Sixty percent of this country hates this socialistic bill. Blog all you want, lie all you want, I’m not going to reply. I’m going to vote, against all the incumbments I can who voted for this legislation. And, I’m going to donate to others. Oh yeah, I’m going to pray as well . . . that somehow, someway, my tax dollars won’t be used to keep unborn children from seeing the country I love so much!
draftee66
March 25th, 2010
5:43 pm
Soldier: With all your education, you sure have trouble communicating. Didn’t understand anything you said in your last post. Just a lot of talk speak.
Cheryl
March 25th, 2010
5:58 pm
Update on Cantor’s Political consultant’s office shooting…….It was a bullet, which was fired into the air, and upon coming down, it penetrated the office window and landed on the floor. No suspects have been identified……per Richmond Police Reports….. I’ll keep you updated, but it does not sound like the office was attacked…..So nobody can say I’m not telling all the facts in the case…..
Cheryl
March 25th, 2010
6:15 pm
@ Retired Soldier, I apologize for offending you, It was my intent, but It was wrong. I thought you had read my response on the Baker thread, and I jumped to the conclusion that you asked a question but didn’t really want the answer. For that, I humbly apologize. To respond to your question, I am a long and seasoned journalist from the days when Journalists really did investigate and report using real sources, not innuendo, talking points, rumors and blogs for real information. I am also a former retired journalism professor. Reading, researching and then reporting the findings, not opinions is the craft that used to prevail. It kills me when I read and listen to so many now who just insert their opinions or scripted talking points into things and then blast them out to unsuspecting listeners and readers as facts, and they do it because it sells! Don’t be mistaken, the news business is BIG business just like any other nowadays, and it’s a shame; because of with all of the deception going on today, with the stakes as high as they are, the citizens of this nation, need a real press more than ever. Without it, without a Real and Free Press, we as a nation can expect to continue on the path we are heading down, and can expect for things to just get worse. Ben Franklin is turning in his grave as we speak……Propaganda, really is one of the tools used by the REAL Nefarious forms of government in history, and these days, A HUGE amount of propaganda masquerades as news from both sides. And the truth is today, more of it than not happens on the Right. It is over-run with propaganda and most Americans don’t seem to be able to tell the difference in what IS and what is NOT Real News. That is why I take the time to give REAL facts, not so much my opinions, my opinions are only worth…..hell we barely use ink anymore, so I can’t say the page used to print it on. Again, my apologies Soldier!
Brian
March 25th, 2010
6:15 pm
“if Obamacare is fixing a problem then I’d rather have the problems. ”
-and that pretty much sums up the logic behind the position.
It is not safe to assume I don’t work, and I do value my freedom. No one has explained how making pre-existing conditions illegal (or any of the other reforms) amounts to citizens losing freedom. No one is after your freedom. Repeat, your freedom is safe. All this talk about the constitution…..where in the constitution are does it say that the speed limit on I-75 shall be 55 mph? What the hell does the constitution have to do with health insurance regulations that give consumers at least a fighting chance while enriching the insurance companies (which I’m sure you think is going to trickle down your way) at the same time?
50% of the country disapproved of this bill a week ago (before it passed), and at the same time 55% of this country didn’t even UNDERSTAND the bill. Let’s see how it polls (since that means so much to you) in a few months.
When you are praying, remember that blessed are the meek. 32 million people who otherwise would have no health insurance (not because they haven’t tried but because this country is a very uneven playing field right now) will now have the ability to get it. Imagine what that means for them, and then try to get past the idea that someone is going to come after your little money/guns/bibles/babies in order to pay for it, because they aren’t. You are going to be OKAY. STOP BEING AFRAID.
JL
March 25th, 2010
6:23 pm
Dan, When the site mentions folks like Amy Bishop, it discredits itself. Unless you think that upon arrest, it’s necessary to tell who you voted for.
Since Newt has authored a book where his health reform ideas call for individual mandates, maybe it’s time for a new spokesman.
Cheryl
March 25th, 2010
6:24 pm
Act Up began back in the days of Pres Reagan, because thousands of people were dying from an unknown disease, horrible death and the President would not address it, nor allocate any funding to research the cause and try to find a way to stop it’s spread. All anyone knew was that it was called AIDS, and apparently Gay Men were dying of it. So they took to the streets to cause public discomfort until that somebody paid attention to the fact that people were dying. Good thing they did, millions have been saved because we found out what was causing AIDS and how to prevent it. Protest is one of the greatest rights of being an American. Moving from Protest to violence, or threats of violence, no matter who is the perpetrator is NEVER what protest is about. It defeats the purpose and closes the ears of those who the protesters are trying to reach. Blacks didn’t get Voting Rights by advocating violence, or scaring or intimidating people. Dr. King and Ghandi gave us the model, anyone can use it.
A disappointed American
March 25th, 2010
6:36 pm
Brian, you’re watching too much NBC if you believe those numbers. Before this bill passed 60 plus percent of this nation opposed it. Stop lying about the numbers. A CBS (obviously liberal) poll states that after it passed 58 percent still oppose it. David Gergen (CNN and Democrat Consultant noted that polls indidcating otherwise are nothing but propoganda)
There are ways to help those who can’t help themselves without issueing an unconstitutional mandate (and it is unconstitutional to force me or you or anyone else to buy anything, as it is to force a state to pay for something its citizenry didn’t approve and can’t afford).
You are incorrect, our freedom is NOT okay, Obama is a Socialist, and you can laugh about guns, and bibles, and babies all you want. I, personally, don’t think any of this is funny. Actually, I find it rather sad!
BTW, does it not bother you when your leaders lie to you? When they lie blatantly?
The constitution protects STate powers, individual powers and the commerce clause does NOT grant the fed any right to mandate what I might or might not purchase. The Consitition protects states from unwanted and unasked for federal debt and unsustainable federal mandates.
This is a sad day in our country . . .
JL
March 25th, 2010
6:40 pm
A disappointed American, I think that you are using numbers that want the bill to do more. Brian was using the numbers for folks who do not want any coverage at all.
A disappointed American
March 25th, 2010
6:41 pm
Two new polls Brian, from Quinnipeac, just came out . . . shows a nine point spread between those who favor this and those who don’t, and more don’t than do. Also, 55% say bill should be repealed. Yeah . . . its a real popular bill . . .
A disappointed American
March 25th, 2010
6:44 pm
Enjoy your hope and change folks . . .
I just hope you wake up before November, and, especially before Obama runs for re-election.
Vote the dems out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheryl
March 25th, 2010
6:48 pm
@ Disapointed American, Sorry to tell you, but the Constitution gives the power, It does if your purchases or non purchases affect the Economy. with Health care costs almost exceeding 17% of our entire economy, the Federal Govt does indeed not only have the right, but is compelled to act. That is according to the Constitution. Also, the state powers (10th amendment) does have areas in which it can assert states rights, but it is not automatic, and in this case the Federal taxation regulations rules over the states rights. The lucky thing is If the state wants to opt out and create it’s own health care system that includes all, it can, that’s in the new law….. so nobody has taken anything away from you. Call Sonny and tell him you want GA to develop it’s own health care system. (Don’t believe me, look it up, Empowering States to be Innovative Amendment) As for you, You either get health insurance or you don’t get the tax credit to pay for it. If you do purchase it, then you get the credit, its that simple. It’s not a fine it’s a tax, and you decide if you want to pay. The Federal Govt does have the right to levy taxes against the citizens, and this is one of them. So either get with the program or pay the tax. Either way, its completely constitutional, even if you don’t like it! Those ARE the facts…….
Military brat
March 25th, 2010
7:10 pm
Retired soldier: I am a military brat – my dad fought in WWII and brother in Vietnam. At 92 (dad) and 64 (brother) they both receive military health benefits – they are lucky to have them and are thankful for them. I find it hard to believe that if you are truly retired military that you don’t use any of the military health services.
If your children or grandchildren did not have health care and had a to forgo medications or treatments because of financial constraints how would you feel.
And by the way, just be cause you have a lot of education doesn’t mean you have a lick of common sense!
mp
March 25th, 2010
7:34 pm
Cheryl, you are the sweet voice of reason amid all the clamor. (My own included.) Thank goodness there are still cool heads out there, and cool heads posting on these blogs– that often deteriorate into mud slinging. Good on ya. Keep up the good work. I am a fan.
john Barth
March 25th, 2010
7:37 pm
Newt, I agree wholeheartedly with all you have added to this current media exchange.
A disappointed American
March 25th, 2010
7:40 pm
Cheryl, you have your facts wrong . . . that is a liberal, and, quite pitiful interpretation of interstate commerce clause. I happen to have a copy of the constitition handy should you need to know what it actually does say. I’ll admit that liberal courts have issued political verdicts over the years, and, that there’s nothing to say this court won’t do the same, but, this is an unconstitional mandate. If this bill taxed us, then provided insurance services, it would fall under the federal govt’s right to tax, but, as it doesn’t do that your argument falls well short. The government has never had the power to force you or me to buy anything. It is not a tax credit if you buy insurance, its a fine if you don’t, a misdeamonor with a fine that will be inforced by 15K plus new federal agents. You also failed to mention that the states this bill imposes the gap created by medicare cuts to be met with state funds. Many believe this too is unconstitutional and will fail to pass the state sovereignty clause. I don’t know how that one will play out as I can see either side, but, whatever the legal results the real results are bankrupt states. You are right that a state can opt out, but, you didn’t tell the whole story. It can opt out if it creates a matching, or more liberal/socialistic single payer system. The House and Senate in SC has bills in committee right now which will put this on the November ballot as a referendum, letting the citizens decide whether or not to abide by this new law. That is a case that will test the state rights clause. So, Cheryl, your FACTS fall short, you need to read the bill. A “fine” is not a “tax”. I would suggest you get with the program, and try to defend an unconstitutional bill without misrepresenting it, whether YOU like it or not . . .
I know one FACT, I’ll never again vote for a democrat. This is a disgusting bill passed against the will of the American citizenry! Spin, lie, do whatever you like, that is a FACT you can’t deal with!
Brian
March 25th, 2010
8:05 pm
@Disappointed American – after re-reading my post there I’m not really happy with how it comes across as it sounds condescending and preachy. Sorry about that — I’d rephrase a lot of it if I could, but my point would be the same. I think it is fair to say that the country is split on this issue, but if we wanna say the country is against it 60-40, that is fine. The current popularity of the bill, given all the false rhetoric (from both sides) doesn’t mean much to me. I was thinking about these numbers: http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/8058.cfm. The one that jumped out at me was that 55% of Americans believe that the CBO said that this reform would increase the deficit, when they in fact said the exact opposite. 55% of Americans…is a big number to have such a fundamental misunderstanding of the facts. If you understand that number and the plan and are still against, that of course is fine as we are free to disagree in this country.
That 55% number tells me that in the coming months or even years many Americans will come to have a more factually correct understanding of the health reform that has passed, and once that happens, I believe many more will support it. I may be wrong about that, and maybe republicans will win big this November and we can get back on Reagan’s track of destroying the middle class in favor of the aristocracy.
You seem very disappointed, as am I, though for different things. Hopefully we will both be pleasantly surprised in the end. You mention how I’d feel about leaders lying to me — when I hear that the first thing that comes to mind is WMD in Iraq, Death Panels, etc. I feel like one side lies a whole lot more than the other and with greater consequences (though both parties lie — this is politics after all). I’m disappointed with all the rhetoric the republicans are using to scare people, and if the numbers are accurate, I’m disappointed that 60% of Americans would be against what is a very watered down and conservative/free market-beholden health reform bill. As Ezra Klein notes, this is reform that “maintains private insurers, private doctors, private hospitals, private medical device companies, private pharmaceutical manufacturers, private nurses, and doesn’t even have anything to say about the insurance that medium and large employers provide — and doesn’t “annex” anything”. I just can’t make the leap to calling that Socialism, so I can’t get my little brain around what you are disappointed in. Anyhow, we’ll see how it all plays out in the end. Sorry again for being a smart-ass in my first post.
Aldo Rey
March 25th, 2010
8:16 pm
Who cares what this little lizard…newt…whatever thinks?
What a pitiful little twerp, desperate for any attention.
Cheryl
March 25th, 2010
8:16 pm
@ Disappointed, I do own a copy of the constitution, the Bill of Rights, and have for the better part of the last 40 years, and I consult it often for my job, it is imperative that I understand what the law is. There is no need to convince you that you dont’ know what you think you do, for we shall see how this plays out on Television soon. I am not a liberal, I am a real American, I have the duty to know what the laws of our land are and how it works. I look at both sides of the debate and read what the laws say about what they are saying. The Government has had the power, just because you think it hasn’t used it is another thing. The enforcing agency for the “Fine” is the IRS, the IRS collects Taxes and levies fines for non payment of taxes and penalties. It is however a tax, for which you can receive credits to offset the purchase of. If you do not, you will be taxed (fined) at an increasing amount each year starting in 2014 when the requirement to purchase kicks in. The fine will be $95 per individual up to $285 per family or 1% of taxable household income. by 2016 that rate raises to 2.5%. And the Government DOES have the right to do it under the Taxation Laws. It’s not a matter of my opinion or yours, it is what it is. I am simply pointing out what grounds it will be ruled constitutional when and if it ever goes before the Supreme Court, I could be wrong, but I’m not. but then hey, If I were, you could get your way. I have health insurance already, so this bill does NOT matter to me right now, in the event that I no longer have it, for some unforseen reason, I will be glad it’s there.
That portion of the Bill, the Empowering States to Be Innovative, if it’s socialist, then your Republican Senators who co-sponsored that particular amendment are Socialists. Perhaps labeling people isn’t working. There is no one side who is making these laws, the entire bill was co-mingled with Republicans and then they didn’t vote for it, the “Liberal” bill was Universal Care, Medicare/Medicaid for everyone no matter who you are. This is a far cry from that, precisely because MANY (over 200) Republican amendments were added to the bill, and much of the Liberal plan was deleted. That is why it is such a ruse that you all are calling anyone socialists, when if that is true, then they all are! And if you support them, by your reasoning, then that makes you one too. Right, if you know one, support one, “pal around with one” then you Are One! That is the precedent which has been set, and so we can either stop the madness, or you can consider yourself one since the people who you say you will ONLY vote for forever wrote this bill too! That is also a fact.
A disappointed American
March 25th, 2010
8:29 pm
Brian, thanks for your post. I do believe that 60% of the nation is opposed to this bill. I believe fifty oppose it because of the reasons I do. I believe ten percent oppose it because its not liberal enough. I am not opposed to helping those who cannot help themselves. I am opposed to a completely unconstitutional bill crammed down our throats against our will, using “budget” procedures when they don’t apply. And, I am opposed to the federal gov’t mandating that I purchese, or don’t purchase, anything. I am opposed to the gov’t involvement in my healthcare, or that of my family. I am opposed to the debt this will impose on me, and my children. And, I am opposed to federal tax funds being used for abortions (despite an executive order that has been praised by pro-abortion groups for its “worthlessness”–if Pres. Obama wanted it in the bill, it would’ve been in the bill). I’m glad we live in a society where we are free to debate, choose, etc. I respectfully disagree with those who claim the left lies less than the right. The Obama propoganda machine (Including AJC and MSNBC, NBC, CBS, ABC, etc) has no scruples. I’m sure people on this blog, like Cheryl, despite their good intentions, are simply misled by the blatantly fasle information being touted by these propoganda machines. I wish every American had copies of the Constition and knew what it said and what it meant. While I did not vote for Obama, until the passage of this bill, I actually respected him. His story is an amazing American story and I like his passion. He has proven however that his agenda is one, in my opinion, that will strip us of the freedoms our forefathers recognized as provided by God, and of the freedoms men like my own father fought for. I did appreciate your last post and I extend to you the same apology . . . I hope nothing I said came across as condenscending. This is a contentious issue. I am not a redneck, nor am I illiterate. I actually have one graduate degree and am working on another. I am not a racist. I’m tired of being called racist, stupid, redneck because I believe that our rights come from God and are protected by our law. I have only once in my life pulled a straight party ticket. I’ve always tried to vote on the person and not the party. The democrats however have lost any consideration many like me may have granted them. I hope this bill can actually be corrected, after repeal, and provide for Americans who can’t help themselves affordable healthcare. I pray for our nation and our president daily . . . I hope everyone bloggin on here will as well.
Cheryl
March 25th, 2010
8:33 pm
@ Disappointed, I missed this part of your argument:
“If this bill taxed us, then provided insurance services, it would fall under the federal govt’s right to tax, but, as it doesn’t do that your argument falls well short.” As a matter of fact, that is the NARROW article they will be able to argue just as you have done so well, but that argument is what falls short, because, (as I wrote to Retired Soldier earlier) The third basis on which to uphold federal power over health care insurance is the extent to which the federal government pays health care costs. Between Medicare and Medicaid as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, estimates are that the federal government already pays over 25 percent of the nation’s $2.5 trillion health care bill. It is by far the largest payer of health care costs. That argument cannot be overcome. That is also why they are not only right to reform the system, they are compelled to. Currently the American taxpayers are paying a disproportionate amount of the Health care bill, but not all are receiving the benefits, worse, 33 million or more are going without any at all and it is having a negative effect on the economy. This is not sustainable, which brings us back to the commerce clause. If 17% of our economy is Health Care costs, and the amount we spend is unsustainable without making the pool bigger, then bringing all into the pool is what make sense. The how is where we bump heads and that doesn’t make anyone a socialist, it makes us capitalists! .
robert
March 25th, 2010
8:35 pm
And since she wore a mini-skirt, she deserved to be raped, too.
robert
March 25th, 2010
8:36 pm
And since she wore a mini-skirt, it’s her fault she was raped.
A disappointed American
March 25th, 2010
8:38 pm
Cheryl,
I appreciate the discussion and we’ll just agree to disagree. Obviously, legal minds can and will disagree. As I said in an earlier post, I have always tried to vote for the person, not the party. This bill has changed that. I’m not going to repeat arguments, I will simply disagree. As for any bi-partisan effort in this bill, dems and repubs voted against it. I would consider this a socialist bill if a republican wrote it. I am not voting republican because they are perfect, however, they do represent the Bill of Rights much more consistently than the democrats do. I too have insurance, but, I know that this country nor our states can afford this bill, and, that there are better ways to provide for those who can’t provide for themselves. I respect your right to your opinion, however, it remains only your opinion. Even if you worked for a Supreme Court Justice (which I doubt), you could only be certain of one legal opinion. There are many other opinions as well. I am not interested in being “right”, or having my way, I am interested in the future of a great nation for my children. In an effor to not be condenscending, I won’t reciprocate yours. You were right about one thing, it is what it is, and your opinion doesn’t define what a Supreme Court will do any more than mine does. I know what I believe, you know what you believe. This will play out, in the courts and in the ballot box.
Brian
March 25th, 2010
8:44 pm
@Disappointed – Fair enough, glad we can keep it civil. Obviously I think there are at least 2 propaganda machines in this country (looking at you, FOX News), and that reality is to be found somewhere in between. If you read and pay attention enough to BOTH sides, its actually pretty easy to separate the spin and propaganda from the truth. Not everyone who disagrees with yours or my position does so because they get biased news.
For the record, I am one of those who don’t feel the bill is “liberal” enough. I would have liked single-payer, or at least a public option, but I also understand the political realities the democrats are facing and that this was the best they could do.
Forcing me to buy health insurance is sort of like forcing me to breathe. I may get up in arms for a moment at the gov’t for telling me what to do, but I’m still gonna breathe, so its irrelevant to me, and I understand the need to get everyone in the insurance pools to offset the costs of removing pre-existing conditions, caps, etc.
Anyhow, good talk. time for basketball now.
A disappointed American
March 25th, 2010
8:45 pm
Cheryl, I just read your last post.
I agree that the gov’t has a right to tax, and, then to provide (equally of course, without bias to race, gender, etc.) any services, goods, etc it chooses. The gov’t has never had the right to mandate that we purchase anything. As for the 33 million, that includes many who CHOOSE not to purchase insurance. I do not want to, nor should I, be responsible for the. And, there is nothing free market or capitalist about making a company insure those with pre-existing conditions. I could agree with allowing those who’ve had insurance to buy coverage, but, to allow those who wait till they’re sick, injured,etc. will break our markets and drive all our costs up. Maybe that’s what Obama wants, so he can have a total takeover. But, to your point, at no time has the gov’t ever forced us to buy anything. The gov’t can force us to pay taxes, but they can’t make us buy a car anymore than they can make us buy insurance . . . until this unconstitutional law came along. I do appreciate your passion though, and, I hope this bill gets replaced with one we can actually afford that will help those unable to help themselves without helping those unwilling to. Have a great night Cheryl.
TexLeeger
March 25th, 2010
8:46 pm
arrogance – overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors
Imagine Mr. Gingrich, the epitome of arrogance, blaming Democrat arrogance as the cause of violence against them. The arrogant never recognize their arrogance. Such is Newt. A vile soul hides behind that pseudo and beguiling Southern “charm”.
And just where have we heard this all before? Hmmm….ah!…..the violence of post-1935 Germany. Smear campaigns. Organized thuggery. The victim responsible for being victim. Voice of the demagogue.
Amazed
March 26th, 2010
12:32 am
I’m impressed as how, when Republicans don’t have the facts on their side, they resort to name calling, blaming the victim and insinuation. If you’re calling it the “Democrat” Party and not “Democratic,” if you’re a birther, if you think our unquestionably-elected President is a socialist (as opposed to the questionably-elected Bush in 2000), if you want the President (and thus our country) to fail, and if you think threats of violence are the answer to a political issue, then I’m sorry but you can’t be trusted.
Gingrich is a smooth talker with a few good ideas – and dozens of bad ones that far outweigh the good. As Reagan said, “Trust, but verify.” But I can’t trust Newt; if he told me the sun was shining, I’d go outside and check the sky before I believed it was true.
Sorry I won’t be around to follow this up – I’ll be working on a situation-appropriate political solution, calling and writing to my congresspeople in support of this bill and our President. (It seems a better use of my time than either preaching to the choir or futilely trying to convert the unconvertable.)
Democratic Diva » “I was taught to see racism only in individual acts of meanness, not in invisible systems conferring dominance on my group”
March 26th, 2010
3:08 am
[...] The Health Reform Denounce-A-Thon is in full swing, with (mostly white) Democratic politicians demanding that (nearly all white) Republican politicians repudiate the racist epithets and death threats and tone down their own inciting rhetoric. The Republicans, naturally, are responding with the “both sides are guilty” dodge and victim-blaming. [...]
contract with america 2010
March 26th, 2010
6:35 am
time for a new contract; remember the last one brought us a cash surplus!!!
Allen S,
March 26th, 2010
7:00 am
Oh yea, this coming from a republinut that was one of the most corrupt persons in the house. Presiden Obama’s campaign platform was healthcare reform. Yes, he did it!! Wow, a politician that actually kept his promise, dang what a concept!!! The ONLY angry people are the republinuts that dispise Obama cause he is black. The tea buggers are nothing more than domestic terroist that act like children not getting their way, so they resort to threats and violence. The republinuts can’t win at anything that is why they are angry, they lost in 08, they could not defeat Obama’s healthcare reform, and they will lose in Nov as well. People are starting to see just how childish the GOP has become. The republinuts will also loose the frivilous lawsuits by the republinut states against healthcare reform, and waste tax payers money on something so silly. I for one will be working as hard as I can to elect democrats here in Georgia from our stupid Gov to the legislature. Sinc the legislature is going to raise our taxes, WHERE are the tea buggers or is it they just don’t care what happens if republinuts raise taxes, come on tell me WHERE ARE THE TEA BUGGERS NOW?????
Wackolibhack
March 26th, 2010
7:19 am
It is Bush’s fault that the Democrat party and The Obama messed up the Obamacare so badly that they had to punt on abortion in order to get fellow democrats to support Obamacare. It is Bush’s fault that The Obama is now increasing waste and killing the environment by needlessly flying around the country, adding to the Man-Made Global Warming, selling Obamacare when many democrats hate the legislation. It is Bush’s fault that democrats are so stupid that they passed a bill that really doesn’t kick in for at least four years and the American people are gonna feel lied to about the whole thing. I hate Bush!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wackolibhack
March 26th, 2010
7:21 am
It is Bush’s fault that Allen S garggles as he tea bags his close male famiy members. I hate Bush!
Jumbo G is the king of conventional thinking
March 26th, 2010
7:37 am
Why do Democrats and media wh@res like Jumbo G like to play the race card. Can their ideas be sold without inciting racial fears? Jumbo G, you make me sick with your willingness to play the race card, My God, man, is it 1960 and this is all one big flashback for you? As the sun sets of your career, I would like to be the first to say that you and other media dinosaurs deserve a long break free from the stresses of racism and living in this terrible country.
Jumbo G is the king of conventional thinking
March 26th, 2010
7:40 am
Does anyone remember how civil the media wh@res and democrats were to G.W. Bush? I laugh everytime I hear somme democrat/media wh@res lament the intensity of the current politcial debate in this country. So funny.
Chris Matthews is covered in his own spittle because he is drinking, again and because he is a racist
March 26th, 2010
8:00 am
Back by popular demand. NBC’s longest serving racist:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/01/27/msnbcs_matthews_on_obama_i_forgot_he_was_black_tonight.html
And this clip of that drunken liberal on inciting violence and appropriate political debate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkUiMo5tZlg
Liberals are so enlightened and tolerant. My gosh!
blaising
March 26th, 2010
8:30 am
It’s 1999 all over again…accuse your opponent of your own glaring weakness.
This is leasure-suit politics…kinda out of style.
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
9:07 am
Cheryl-
Accepted. Glad to know even though you are on “the other side” you see how our “press” as fallen into cheerleader nothings. The press is to damn important to our way of life for it not to be a major tool to keep governments honest, all governments, left or right. In that area my fair lady we certainly agree.
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
9:20 am
Brat-
Never claimed to have common sense, I responed with my education level because I was accused of no being “learned”. I said I have never used the VA, that is correct. Why? First because the VA is primiarly for veterans, not retirees and because retirees have Tricare and after 65 Tricare for Life. VA also is for service connected disabilities, besides a bit of loss of hearing which I did not claim I did not have any service connected disabilities. I hope that helps, if not my DD-214 is avaiable on demand.
Tom
March 26th, 2010
9:58 am
Newt – you’re a good author/co-author/editor… it would be to everyone’s advantage that you kept your divisive mouth shut, stuck with writing and not return to politics. We’ve got enough problems as it is.
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
10:01 am
Tom- And I thought it was only conservatives that practiced hate speech. Tsk tsk.
John K
March 26th, 2010
10:19 am
Oh Newt, where is that personal responsibility the right is always clamoring about? Or is it everyone else’s responsibility except yours?
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
10:20 am
John K-
See above, have you forgotten all libs play nice? You must have missed the memo from Move On.
John K
March 26th, 2010
10:30 am
Retired Soldier, see above and point out where I’ve said all libs play nice. Thanks.
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
10:39 am
You didn’t John, but that is the libs current talking point. Conservatives-hate speech Libs- sweet and kind fighting off the dreaded conservatives
John K
March 26th, 2010
10:40 am
So you’re trying to move the goalpost, eh? Still doesn’t change the current atmosphere and what Newt said.
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
10:49 am
Yeah yeah, turn off MSNBC and quit reading the Huffington Post. Standards (goalpost) never change. Just like the constitution.
John K
March 26th, 2010
11:05 am
I can see the need to try and deflect the blame here. Good thing is, most aren’t buying it.
Chris Matthews is covered in his own spittle because he is drinking, again and because he is a racist
March 26th, 2010
1:02 pm
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/01/27/msnbcs_matthews_on_obama_i_forgot_he_was_black_tonight.html.
By the way, this human mass of racism is a proud Democrat!
Barry
March 26th, 2010
1:50 pm
Hey Y’all:
Newt, GO TO HELL WITH THAT RHETORIC!! You know damn well, that that was politics as usual in passing bills. Please do not play on the ignorance of the public to the political process that has gone on in American government for years. This is only new to someone who is uneducated abot the pilitical process in “passing a bill.” Democrats and Republicans practice it at the federal, state and local level. Just because the Republican/KluKluxKlan/NaziParty/TeaParty lost on this bill, please do not use the opportunity to cry foul. You are showing your divisiveness and wickedness in trying to manipulate the public in this matter. You can not fool me. I know the goverment political process. It has gone on like this since the days of George Washington. Grow uo, Newt Gingrich.
AlladinsLamp
March 26th, 2010
5:23 pm
And God commanded that Newt commit adultery.
Jumbo G is the king of conventional thinking
March 26th, 2010
6:05 pm
Hey, Jumbo G, while you are doin’ some “Journalism” for the story on Cantor’s office getting shot up by a lib, why don’t you try to find the audio of what Lewis cliams happens. Ooooooooh, I smell a pulitzer! What a scoop!
Teacher
March 26th, 2010
7:57 pm
You’d think Newt would have learned by now that he’s embarrassed Georgia enough- but NO!! He has to go and do it again. What a loser. How does he keep managing to get reelected??!!! His own party stoked the fire of the extremists on the right, and now want to blame the Dems for doing what they had to to get any legislation out of Congress? Maybe if the Republicans had actually voted FOR legislation they sponsored, instead of playing to the extremists, all the angst wouldn’t be as bad as it is. Instead of just saying he doesn’t condone any of the attacks and leaving it at that, he has to not-so-backhandedly encourage them anyway!! I can only hope Georgia will one day produce something better than that! What an embarrassment to Georgia, the Republican Party, and Indepedents like myself!
Lola
March 26th, 2010
9:18 pm
Republicans are the cause of the chaos. We all know it. I mean last summer when Healthcare was a discussion at town halls; who were the idiots showing up to intimidate, screaming not allowing the Congress rep to get a word in edgewise. However the ground work had been laid when you have a Senator call the President a “lie” and Supreme Court justice show emotion as to where there true loyalties lie, and then have ignorant and rude comment in Session (ie “baby killer”) what else do you expect. I didn’t see one Democrat have that happen. However what I think the Republicans will find is there is alot of us “who wish you would” try to slap, touch, or do anything like your forefathers did (lynchings)…you will readily find its a different day in the USA. That’s not a threat a promise.
Cindy
March 27th, 2010
10:47 pm
And, Mr. Gingrich, speaking of a party’s “moral responsibility” for behaving with “such arrogance, in such a hostile way” – you’d think the party leadership was starting a foregn war using false evidence of WOMD rather than providing healthcare for its own citizens.
Ellen
March 28th, 2010
2:56 pm
This is from a guy who cheated on his wife and then dumped her when she had cancer. People who live in glass houses really should shut up…
JHB
March 29th, 2010
7:53 am
How is this any different from Newt’s standard MO since he joined Congress in the ’80s: throw some red meat to his audience by blaming anything bad on liberals and Democrats. Mere facts don’t enter into it, as long as he gets his headline and gets his fans riled up.
When everything a man says is self-serving claptrap, the real question is “why does ANYONE pay attention to him?”
Cheryl
March 29th, 2010
9:03 am
@ Retired Soldier – you missed my point. To me it’s not about sides, it’s about whether or not the bill is constitutional which is the focus of this thread, and whether or not these lawsuits are a waste of the tax payers’ money for completely political purposes. I am very interested in that aspect, and though I don’t oppose the bill, I would have liked to see some additional things in it, and a few things changed for sure, which I think is the same as most Americans. Everyone can find things in the bill that they like, and everyone can find things they don’t, the nature of government is a “one size fits all” solution, it can’t make everyone happy. One size can never fit all, but we can’t have different laws for different people. We have had that before in our history, it didn’t stand up in the courts when the Constitution is applied, (see women’s rights, Civil Rights, etc).
@ Disappointed – you are right neither of us have clerked for the SCOTUS, and I doubt that either of us are constitutional lawyers, But our President is. And I know that many do not hold that in very high esteem (why for the life of me I cannot understand), although I suspect there are many here who would listen to one they appear on Fox, but he is not only a constitutional lawyer and a very good one, he teaches it at one of the most prestigious law schools in the nation. That credential alone, should tip you hat as to whether or not he would have signed a bill that knowingly would be struck down, since as the pundits like to assert, his future was riding on this bill. I wouldn’t hold my breath that it will be repealed, or struck down by the Supreme Court for the reasons I cited earlier.
However, this will not be one of those things that remain theory or a mystery. The answer will be made public, and we can all move along, and hopefully, learn as a nation a little more about how our Government works for real. That can’t be a bad thing.
@
Sylvia63
March 29th, 2010
8:08 pm
Thanks Cheryl for correcting the disappointed american…do these people read at all..does he not know that Ronald Reagan started his downfall back in the 80’s and little george bush sealed his coffin….go back and read not just the history books for the past decade but keep going back to maybe Eisenhower and good Republican fair and open minded..then came ronnie reagan and we have been sliding every since…please disappointed american read, read, read what the Republicans have done to this country and help the rest of us try to fix it…socialism ! who rebuilt Germany? who sent all of our jobs away, who killed off the pilots and their union? what a great profession that use to be…who did that?
Steph
April 8th, 2010
10:57 pm
LOL Newt…. It’s funny to hear him talk about ethics. I have fond memories of working master control at a tv station watching him help hound Bill Clinton over Monica Lewinsky. Oh the things he said about ETHICS… just to later find out he was having an affair AT THE SAME TIME. I laughed so hard when he resigned over ethics violations.