VIDEO FLASHBACK: GOP Lawmakers Repeatedly Said Americans Would ‘Die’ Under Democratic Health Plans
VIDEO FLASHBACK: GOP Lawmakers Repeatedly Said Americans Would ‘Die’ Under Democratic Health Plans
UPDATE: Video is now working.
In a controversial speech on the House floor yesterday, Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) said that the Republican alternative health care proposals would force sick Americans to “die quickly.” Grayson’s sadly accurate statement wasn’t meant to say that Republicans want people to die, but rather, as Igor Volsky explained, their opposition to meaningful health reform would lead to those very unfortunate circumstances.
Republicans are outraged at his hyperbole — so outraged that Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) has called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to officially rebuke Grayson. Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) initially said that he was going to introduce a resolution reprimanding Grayson, but recently took to the floor to instead request that he “apologize to our leader.”
The GOP outrage is empty. After all, neither Price nor McHenry called on their fellow Republican colleagues to apologize after making absurdly false comments about Democratic plans in the past few months on the House floor:
– “Last week Democrats released a health care bill which essentially said to America’s seniors: Drop dead.” [Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL), 7/21/09]
– “They’re going to save money by rationing care, getting you in a long line. Places like Canada, United Kingdom, and Europe. People die when they’re in line.” [Rep. Steve King (R-IA), 7/15/09]
– “The Republican plan will] make sure we bring down the cost of health care for all Americans and that ensures affordable access for all Americans and is pro-life because it will not put seniors in a position of being put to death by their government.” [Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), 7/28/09]
– “That’s exactly what’s going on in Canada and Great Britain today…and a lot of people are going to die.” [Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA), 7/10/09]
– “One in five people have to die because they went to socialized medicine! … I would hate to think that among five women, one of ‘em is gonna die because we go to socialized care.” [Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), 7/15/09]
Watch a video compilation of their remarks:
In comments on the House floor today, Price said that Grayson’s remarks were a “breach of decorum.” “I call on all Democrat members of the House and all Democrat leaders to demand that he apologize. Just as one of our members did earlier.” Presumably, Price was talking about Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), who infamously shouted “You lie!” during President Obama’s joint speech to Congress. Of course, Wilson never apologized to the House, despite Republican and Democratic requests that he do so.
You could say Rep. Grayson’s comments were fear inducing and worrisome. This would be sort of in line with the Republican outrage.The difference is that the Republicans have been trying to induce fear over lies and fantasy while Grayson’s remarks were chillingly honest.
Sometimes the truth is scary and it takes an act of courage to address the issue. Kudos to Grayson.
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Hey! He can’t say crap like that! That’s our schtick.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:42 pmRepublicans are charter members of the “do as I say, not as I do” club.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:44 pmR’s insist on winning the “who’s the thinnest-skinned crybaby” award, and the “feigned outrage” trophy.
OK – they’re all yours, GOPers.
Rep. Grayson – Please keep bringin’ it, and don’t ever, ever stop.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:44 pmHypocrisy is both compulsive and compulsory in the GOP.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:46 pmRepublican colleagues to apologize after a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/30/despite-outrage-many-hous_n_304175.html”>making absurdly false comments…
– - “Houston, we have not achieved linkage.”
September 30th, 2009 at 1:47 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
I suggest a new ad campaign for the GOP, something along the lines of the following.
Performing the duties of an elected Republican:
SO EASY, A CAVEMAN CAN DO IT.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:50 pm– “That’s exactly what’s going on in Canada and Great Britain today…and a lot of people are going to die.” [Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA), 7/10/09]
Well I’m Canadian and I haven’t heard a word about people dying in any waiting rooms where I’m from.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:51 pmSorry GOP, your WAAAmbulance ride isn’t covered by your insurance this time.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:51 pmThe hilljack from Georgia might want to consider refraining from the call to “Democrat” representatives and “Democrat” leaders if he wants to be taken seriously. We already know he rides the short bus to work. He doesn’t need to remind us every time he opens his mouth.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:52 pmI’ll support this if Republics promise to die first…
September 30th, 2009 at 1:52 pmRepublicans don’t even realize how sick (to death?) the public is of all their lies, hatred, & hypocrisy. They’re that out of control.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:54 pmIsn’t it apparent by now that Republicans will say anything they think will get them on the news….oops, I meant Fox News.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:54 pmYou could say Rep. Grayson’s comments were fear inducing and worrisome. This would be sort of in line with the Republican outrage.
The difference is that the Republicans have been trying to induce fear over lies and fantasy while Grayson’s remarks were chillingly honest.
Sometimes the truth is scary and it takes an act of courage to address the issue. Kudos to Grayson.
Always, the Republicans are scary and all for profit.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:54 pmThis Faux Outrage is a joke. Check out CNNs ‘Political Ticker’. Americans aren’t buying this sh*t. This comes a few weeks after ‘Obama will pull the plug on Granma’ And Joe Wilson’s “You Lie!” These guys are preaching to an empty choir. They should just shut up.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:55 pm***
#6,
the republican health care program.
**
in one sentence.
:|
September 30th, 2009 at 1:56 pmI’d elaborate on my desired response to these morons, but it would be a serious breach of decorum. I don’t think this site allows that sort of language anyway.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:57 pmkwsventures says:
With or without insurance, nobody gets out of life alive.
– - Whoa duuude, you just blew my mind.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:57 pmWhy does this liberal website call Grayson’s speech “controversial”, but doesn’t use that same label in posts about Republicans saying things that are more controversial than Grayson did?
It seems to be accepting their framing.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:59 pmWhy don’t the leaders of Canada, Great Britain and France call the Republicans on this bullshit? For the leaders of a (decidedly non-) major political party of the US to denigrate their systems seems to be worthy of a rebuke in itself. They could even go on to other areas at issue. Denmark and Canada could call out the crazies on how their civilizations haven’t collapsed by ‘allowing’ gay marriage.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:01 pmGrayson’s speech is no different than the rhetoric coming out of the Republicans. I would hope some Dems introduce resolutions for reprimanding Republican members for their outrageous statements. All of this will then disappear.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:01 pmGrayson’s speech is different in that the Do-Nothingism of the Republican stance is killing people every day!
September 30th, 2009 at 2:03 pmWingnuts just cannot handle reality. They act like fools but are so indignant when we play the footage back for them to see. Their ineptitude to reality and technology makes them complete fools. These wingers have spent their time acting indignated instead of trying to do something for the good of the people. Instead of proving him wrong by doing something different, they spend their time arguing with reality. Wingnuts should turn in their badges and go home.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:03 pmWell Dems in Congress, here’s your chance to gain a backbone.
Take this video montage (with patent copy right rules applied) and bring it forth to anyone that demands an apology.
Then counter demand proof of Joe “I’m not a sufferer of Terot’s, I’m a blathering idiot!” Wilson’s apology.
I’ll repeat:
September 30th, 2009 at 2:03 pmGET A FRIGGIN’ BACKBONE, AND STOP THIS NONSENSE!
Somebody please explain to me what leg the G(no)P has to stand on regarding this issue. They do not care whether or not Americans live or die, and if they do, could someone please direct me to the healthcare legislation drafted by these fools that says different. The ONLY thing Grayson should apologize for is not calling them out earlier.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:04 pmGive ‘em hell, Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL). Give ‘em hell, every single day.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:05 pmGO HERE to tell these Rushpublics that their outrage is fake:
http://mchenry.house.gov/Contact/
http://tom.house.gov/html/contact.cfm
…at the links you can email, phone or fax.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:05 pmThey don’t want an apology for what he said, they want an apology for someone actually having the audacity to speak the truth.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:05 pmGrayson should apologize.
But only with a Republican-style non-apology apology that reinforces his original comment. Such as:
“I sincerely apologize that my comment about the Republican health plan being ‘don’t get sick’ might have been misinterpreted that Republicans want Americans to die. Let me be clear that my intent was to say that under the Republicans’ ‘don’t get sick’ health plan that people will die, not that Republicans actually have a death wish. I am sorry if I did not make that clear and in contrast with the much more thoughtful and compassionate Democratic healthcare reform plans.”
September 30th, 2009 at 2:06 pmdasm says:
Republicans don’t even realize how sick (to death?) the public is of all their lies, hatred, & hypocrisy. They’re that out of control.
You would think they would be getting the message by now since the last WSJ poll (last week) showed that today only 18% of Americans call themselves Republics. That’s down from around 30% after the last election.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:07 pmYou gotta love Alan Grayson.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:08 pmThese Repugs would like nothing more than to dismantle and privatize ‘S.S.’ and ‘Medicare’. It wouldn’t bother them one bit to see Americans dying in the street. That is a fact. To the Repugs ALL ‘Government’ is an evil entity that must be destroyed. Unless they want to wage war and help their Corporate buddies…..
September 30th, 2009 at 2:08 pmPLC,
September 30th, 2009 at 2:09 pmOr the shortened abridged version of the GOP non apology apology:
“I’m sorry if what I said offended anyone.”
DRxJ is right. If the Democrats cave on this, and allow a resolution against Grayson, they will totally make it impossible for me to vote for ANY of them ever again. I mean, it was bad enough when Feingold voted against ACORN, but this would be that little extra cherry on the top of the crap sandwich that has me dismiss them for good.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:09 pmSoapBox says:
GO HERE to tell these Rushpublics that their outrage is fake:
– - We can always count on Soapy for linkage. He must work at a Link Tank.
{cough}
September 30th, 2009 at 2:10 pmIOKIYAR!
September 30th, 2009 at 2:11 pmIf you would like to offer support to Rep. Grayson, go here to do so:
This link is phone, fax and address:
http://grayson.house.gov/contact/index.shtml
This link takes you direct to the email contact form:
September 30th, 2009 at 2:11 pmhttps://forms.house.gov/grayson/contact-form.shtml
Repiggies are vile scum.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:12 pmWhen Grassley said government is a predator, why didn’t somebody ask him WHAT THE HELL IS HE THEN DOING IN GOVERNMENT? From where I stand, it’s all…and I mean ALL of it nothing more than theater of the absurd. A stupid sick game that everyone on Capitol Hill is playing. There are a few people there (like Grayson) genuinely trying to make it work for the people. Then there are those (like Virginia Foxx) who will demigogue everything for their own ideologically twisted fantasies. Maybe they should all be required to get a license to practice government. Oh, wait…who would issue the licenses?
September 30th, 2009 at 2:15 pmI can write Grayson’s apology for him.
“I am sorry that more of my colleagues have not stood up and explained this earlier. I am sorry that it takes a rookie to point out the sad state of affairs here in Congress that America should expect from the more seasoned representatives. I am sorry that corporate lobbyists and money have silenced the voices of the American public. And while I have all this sorrow over how badly things are being handled here in the hallowed halls of Congress, I will not shut up. I will not be silenced and I call on every elected member of Congress to listen to the people who they represent.”
September 30th, 2009 at 2:16 pmGood on him. God bless Grayson for stepping up and telling the truth.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:16 pmhas called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to officially rebuke Grayson.
DON’T YOU DO IT, NANCY!
JUST DON’T DO IT, MADAM SPEAKER…
OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
DO NOT BACK DOWN FROM THE TRUTH.
THANK YOU.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:16 pmDear House Republicans;
Eat Sh!t and Die.
Sincerely Buckie
PS; please feel free to Go Fcuk Yourselves at your leisure.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:17 pmI’m sure Nancy wouldn’t mind rebuking Grayson if it meant there could be a bipartisan compromise on the health bill. Right, Nance?
September 30th, 2009 at 2:19 pmDid these guys check with Boss Limbaugh before denying that their fellow Republicans had parroted his official line?
September 30th, 2009 at 2:19 pmFrom today’s Thing Progress Report:
“I think Medicare is part of the social fabric of America.”
– Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), 9/29/09
VERSUS
“The government is not a fair competitor, it’s not even a competitor. It’s a predator.”
– Grassley, 9/29/09
Schizo-affective delusions from a Republic Party leader substantiate the Republic Party state of mind…INSANE!
Grassley doesn’t know if he’s coming or going, but has full support from his Party. This idiot couldn’t find his ass with both hands.
They talk louder, screech & scream a lot, but has anyone seen their health care reform plane?
Anyone?
Hey, I’m talking to you, Chuckie…
September 30th, 2009 at 2:19 pmI keep thinking the media will call out this hypocrisy of the Republicans until I subsequently remember the media has been bought and paid for.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:21 pmActually, the Health Minister of Great Britain did call them on thier bullshit. He was very pissed at their constant barage of lies and insults about the English health care system.
Problem is, the U.S. MSM ignored him.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:23 pmWhat’s Grayson’s favorability rating in Florida?
September 30th, 2009 at 2:23 pmGrayson had better not back down, although there is one scenario where if he did, I would forgive him. Grayson gets on the floor of the House and promises to apologize but only if Ginny Brown-Waite, Steve King, Virgina Foxx, Paul Broun, Louie Gohmert and Sarah Palin all take their turns at the microphone to proffer their apologies FIRST.
But since we all know that isn’t going to happen Alan Grayson just needs to stand his ground and show the other weak-kneed Dems what it means to stand up and fight for yourself and what you believe in.
Just saying…
September 30th, 2009 at 2:24 pmShoeless -
I guess my two posts – the one about these countries calling out the crap and the other about the media being bought and paid for actually DID have a point! Go figure!!! Thanx for bringing it together in a pretty bow!
September 30th, 2009 at 2:26 pmthe republican party >>> oh the horror of it all>>>>>
you lie you a commie you a what ever is the point of the day. and well now woman are the blame for were there at.
shaking my head >>>>
September 30th, 2009 at 2:28 pmRepublicans sure seemed content to watch Americans die when they watched what was going on for days in LA during Hurricane Katrina while President Bush did nothing. And when the rest of the country was outraged they blamed the victims for not having left the area even though it’s hard to go anywhere with no money and no transportation. How is ignoring the fact that citizens are dying because they have no insurance and no options different than what Grayson is saying?
September 30th, 2009 at 2:30 pmThe Republicans may not have an active desire for Americans to die from lack of health care but they also have no desire to do anything to prevent it.
Living and dying means nothing to them unless there is a dollar attached to it.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:33 pmkwsventures says:
With or without insurance, nobody gets out of life alive.
The wingnut mind at work, folks! “Oppose health care reform because ultimately death is inevitable.” I know four-year-olds with a better grasp on the subject than that.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:39 pmHoodathunk says:
The Republicans may not have an active desire for Americans to die from lack of health care…
Yes they do. If they can’t kill us all through war and poverty, they’ll try disease next. Al-Qaeda’s got nothing on these guys.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:40 pmWhy do Republicans have no empathy? I find it unbelieveable their indifference to average Americnas. They KNOW people are dying. They KNOW people are losing their homes and they just don’t seem to give a sh*t. They are not what I would call leaders, they are parasites.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:41 pmWhenever it is pointed out what bullies are doing–they get really upset and want you to apologize for calling them out on their behavior.
More Democrats should follow Grayson’s lead.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:46 pmEverybody get a grip. The Republicans are grandstanding for their voter base. They do not think the resolution will get any serious consideration.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:51 pmActually, wouldn’t it be fun to watch heads spin or explode if Grayson put forth a bill of censure against himself…and his colleagues who made the “death panel” comments? How would the Republicans vote?
September 30th, 2009 at 2:58 pmThese Republican congress members are behaving like lobbyists.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:58 pmThe only distinguishment is their elected position,
which is saturated in corruption.
It is amazing how the cynical GOP politicians play their base both ways:
REPUBLICAN POLITICIAN: Democrats want to kill your grandmothers!
DUMBASS GOP BASE: Boo! We have to stop the Democrats before they kill our grandmothers!
(Later)
REPUBLICAN POLITICIAN: The Democrats are lying. We never said the Democrats were going to kill anyone’s grandmother.
DUMBASS GOP BASE: Boo! We have to stop the Democrats from telling lies about Republicans.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:02 pmThis whole thing is based in centuries of theology. The Church has long held that what happens here on earth is unimportant, just a prelude, a training ground. Heaven is the goal with its streets paved with gold, no marriage, do whatever you like because…well, its Heaven. The last stop on the bus route.
Since the Republics have embraced the Xtian ideas they just sort of borrowed a page from Lenin’s book and telescoped things. If they are going to get these things in the hereafter they should deserve them now. So they are going for everything they are after, here and now.
Shop early, avoid the rush.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:02 pmRepublicans are the biggest bunch of hypocritical crybabies! This is absolutely hilarious because after all of their lying and fearmongering they expect an apology-WTF?!
September 30th, 2009 at 3:07 pmRepublicans only get upset when the comments by Democrats hit too close to the truth. They’re just sensitive that way.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:14 pmLibertyLover says:
Republicans only get upset when the comments by Democrats hit too close to the truth. They’re just sensitive that way.
That’s because Conservatives are “emotionally” driven, and not factually driven people.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:19 pmIOKIYAR
September 30th, 2009 at 3:19 pmFoxx is sending mixed messages – she should shave her head to help make her positions more clear.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:21 pmTHIS IS THE SUPREMIEST OUTRAGE OF THEEM ALL! THIS IS A TRAVESTY! THIS IS OFFENSIVE! THIS IS MALICIOUS! YOU TAKE THAT BACK! YAAH!
(P.S. – We agree.)
September 30th, 2009 at 3:26 pmGreat job Amanda finding all these incidents because the only thing the MSM seems to remember is Wilson yelling “liar”.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:27 pmYou liberals hAVE NO IDEA HOW HARD I’M CRYING RIGHT NOW! YOU HAVE MALIGNED US!
(F uck, they outed us.)
September 30th, 2009 at 3:33 pm“CRAZY ON THE HILL.” Those are the words MSNBC had pasted next to Princess Contessa Brewers pretty skull when she reported this story. Here’s another another example of MSNBC’s he said, she said, Republicans are just like Democrats, suck ass reporting. First they played Rep. Graysons statement that the Republicans want Americans to die quickly and then they played Trent Franks saying President Obama is the Enemy of Humanity. See, cause that’s the same thing right? Republicans know people get sick and go bankrupt and can’t afford health care and are literally dying for Corporate profit. With that knowledge they have worked in every way against Americans and for the Insurance companies. MSNBC would like you to think that pointing those facts out as Rep. Grayson did, is just the same as calling the President the Enemy of Mankind which Trent Franks pulled out of his Right Wing Conservative ass.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:45 pmMaybe now MSNBC and the rest will show similar clips…
September 30th, 2009 at 3:46 pmThe guilty usually protest really hard – like Republicans.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:48 pmThey can dish it out but they can’t take it.
What Grayson said is nothing compared with what repugs have claimed against Obama and Democrats. Death panels. Killing Grandma. Take away Medicare. Communists. etc. etc.
What Grayson did was on the House floor and within the rules — that’s why the repugs can get away with what they say without censure – this cannot be compared to what Wilson said two weeks ago when the President was speaking in the House, and he deliberately breached decorum with a direct insult outburst to the president.
September 30th, 2009 at 4:08 pmLeave it to repugs to claim that this is the same thing – despite their own history.
In addition, I want them to PROVE that what Grayson said isn’t true.
Rep. Alan Grayson….today’s hero! Good going. Let’s hear more reps speak the truth!
September 30th, 2009 at 4:44 pmAmericans are going to die with or without health insurance. Nobody gets out alive.
September 30th, 2009 at 4:44 pmkwsventures says:
Americans are going to die with or without health insurance. Nobody gets out alive.
That’s it? That is the best you can come up with? We are all gonna die anyway? Well, kws, you just sit back and find your way to shuffle off this mortal coil, might as well make it sooner than later. The rest of us have some living to do.
September 30th, 2009 at 4:54 pmkwsventures
Most Americans don’t live in caves like we do, sweet cheeks. We have something called higher living standards since the 1850s and other countries’ life expectancies to compete with.
I take it you consider the 18- and 19-year olds who die in Iraq and Afghanistan just as expendable, right chickenhawk?
Why do we republicans want to serve in government when we have no interest in serving the people, just talking down to them in all the misery we inflict on them?
September 30th, 2009 at 5:03 pmMy mistake folks, while I did carefully portion-sized raw meat for the troll’s snack time, kws apparently sneaked in the RNC cafeteria and helped himself to plenty extra. From my office I can blood dripping from kws’ chin. I’m heading to the floor right now to hand him a napkin and straight-jacket.
September 30th, 2009 at 5:09 pmkwsventures says:
Americans are going to die with or without health insurance. Nobody gets out alive.
Great Nazi excuse for murdering people. Lunatic much?
September 30th, 2009 at 6:16 pmkwsventures says:
Americans are going to die with or without health insurance. Nobody gets out alive.
… proof that Republicans seek nothing less than complete genocide against America. Since we’re all going to die eventually anyways, we might as well let them kill us all. The right wing seeks nothing less than the complete destruction of America. They hate our freedoms.
September 30th, 2009 at 8:44 pmkwsventures says:
Americans are going to die with or without health insurance. Nobody gets out alive.
September 30th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Looks like this idiot’s been reading “Chicken Soup for the Total Idiot.”
September 30th, 2009 at 11:15 pmThe GOP is the death party.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:57 amDr Venture. You are right so why not just kill yourself now and avoid the rush?
October 1st, 2009 at 10:08 amI thought “elephants” have great memories that allow them to remember things for a Long, Long, Long… Time.
They must be on drugs that blow their mind more than I thought!!
October 1st, 2009 at 7:11 pmAnd these are the “compassionate” conservatives? Sheesh, I wouldn’t want to get near any of them, not even with a 10 foot ploe, because they stink so bad.. Phew!
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 amAre they even human at all?
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 am