Dem congressman refuses to apologize for comment (GOP wants sick Americans to 'die quickly')

[sabra]

Source: AP

(AP) — WASHINGTON - A Democratic congressman from Florida is refusing to apologize for saying that Republicans want Americans to "die quickly" if they get sick.

Rep. Alan Grayson made his comments on the House floor Tuesday night while criticizing Republican health care proposals. The first-term Democrat is known for being provocative.

Republicans are likening Grayson's remark to Republican Rep. Joe Wilson's widely criticized shout of "You lie!" during President Barack Obama's address to Congress earlier this month. They say Democrats should insist that Grayson apologize just as they did Wilson.

Read more: http://www.syracuse.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/national-10/1254325698306260.xml&storylist=new_topstories

---

more: Dem Caucus chair wants member to apologize for 'die quickly' remark

http://thehill.com/homenews/news/60935-larson-wants-fellow-dem-to-apologize-for-die-quickly-remark


Larson: Grayson should apologize for 'die quickly' remark

The chairman of the House Democratic Caucus is calling on one of his members to apologize for charging that Republicans want Americans who get sick to "die quickly."

Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) said on the floor Tuesday night that "If you get sick, America, the Republican healthcare plan is this: Die quickly." Republicans expressed outrage at the remark, comparing it to Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) shouting, "You lie!" at President Barack Obama during his address to Congress.

Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson (Conn.) said Grayson's remark wasn't as serious as Wilson's outburst, but still said he should apologize. Wilson apologized privately to the White House, but was officially scolded by the House when he wouldn't apologize on the House floor.

"It's not the same magnitude, clearly, and didn't deal with decorum, as it did in the case of Joe Wilson, but I would encourage Alan to apologize," Larson told reporters. "And I would encourage members that, as we get into a very heated and emotional and visceral debate, that we keep in mind the rules of the House and the way we treat and respect one another."

[Ian David]

1. What a bunch of spineless losers we have compared to the angry crybabies on the right. n/t

[BluDemocratGirl]

132. Apologize for what? That's was it call the Big Payback!

Big ups tp Rep. Larsom for bring ou the truth! That's what the RePUKEblicans get for lying about some stupid death panels!

[wordpix]

214. +1

[Bonn1997]

2. Shame on Larson. You should never have to apologize for telling the truth.

[felinetta]

69. I agree. Shame on Larson. Besides there are a lot of quotes from Repubs saying

Obama's health care plan will kill grandma. Republicans get
worse every day.

[rebel with a cause]

79. When the repubs apoligize for the claim that

Obama was going to set up death panels is the day that Democrats should say we accept your apology. We don't owe them anything!!!:mad:

[AlbertCat]

134. When the repubs apologize for the claim that....

When are Repugs going to apologies for not letting Dems in the minority have a conference room? Or for keeping the vote open 3 hours longer than allowed by law to get members of their own party to reluctantly acquiesce and vote for something that clearly should have lost?

When are Repugs gonna apologies for calling us, and our reps, traitors and terrorists and murderers of fetuses?

Have they apologized for lying us into war....with the SOTU no less?

Hell...they haven't apologized for WaterGate and the S&L scandal yet!!!!

[NewJeffCT]

82. I know - Larson used to be my Congressman

I'm disappointed he would do this.

[ArcticFox]

83. Agree

and suggest Democratic congresspeople grow some cajones.

[bluestateguy]

3. Apologies are for sissies who lack the courage of their convictions

We'll be watching to see if the young freshman Mr. Grayson can resist the demands from the echo chamber.

[Stables2010]

182. What is the GOP plan; KILL THE BILL!

so I guess the fl congress man was partly right metaphorically speaking GOP wants the bill to "get sick" and "die quickly" just calling a spade a spade. Why are repubs always getting the pass. They have been accusing dems of "deathcare" all through this debate not once called out on any of their bullshit.

[Ruby the Liberal]

4. Good for Grayson.

This isn't a violation of decorum. Not even the same category.

[felinetta]

71. I loved him revealing that there was nothing on the Health bill they waved at Obama.No surprise.

[theoldman]

5. It was a stupid remark.

Perhaps he needs to reword his statement and say that people WILL die if the Republicans don't support the health care bill.

[Malikshah]

9. It was a truthful remark. It was worded clearly and to the point. It is time to stand up to

the bullies of the nation.

[Butch350]

73. Your way will not work. Tunnel vision will not work in these here trenches.

There comes a time when one HAS TO fight. COWBOY up.

[rainlillie]

88. ITA!!

,

[rainlillie]

86. Are you serious??

LOL!

[TankLV]

112. Ahh - another "concerned" repuke from texASS - figures...

In case you haven't noticed, texASS isn't in charge of ANYTHING now - and that's a GOOD thing!!!

[PavePusher]

162. Gosh, how progressive and inclusive of you.

Dismissive too.

With folks like you along for the ride, remind me why the hell we need Republicans again?

[No Elephants]

179. HuH? More like, with Dems who want Larson to apologize or reword, why do we need Pubs?

[TankLV]

215. With more texASS like the one I was referring to, we are LOSING the Health Care Battle...

I stand by my ACCURATE accessment.

[DaLittle Kitty]

152. Clear, Concise, Accurate! Thank you Alan Grayson! He Stood Up To The Criticism Of the Holocaust...

descriptor... which is entirely accurate differing only in scale as 45,000 die each and every year from lack of access to health care due to lack of health insurance. It's a generic genocide! Not Targeted... It's economically discriminatory genocide! Alan is the ONLY ONE in the Congress standing up for the ordinary man! :woohoo:

[No Elephants]

178. The remark says exactly that, but in a more impactful way. Nothing stupid about it.

[ItNerd4life]

6. What a stupid thing to say!

It seems every time we can start to hold the high ground (re: Joe Wilsons stupid outburst) it seems like some
stupid Democrat comes along and gives it right back.

[Malikshah]

8. Grayson took the high ground here. He called out those who wish folks to die for profit.

The fact that you equate speaking truth to evil with speaking falsehoods to leadership is the height of false equivalency.

[notadmblnd]

24. look.. the high ground has gotten Democrats absolutely no where

it's time for the nads to drop and these freaking pukes get stood up to.

[NBachers]

163. That's right- pound the motherfuckers

Ram them into the fucking wood chipper

Fuck high road decorum

Take a road so low that their road caves in beneath them and buries their stupid fat asses.

Pull outrageous insane shit every day and make them smash their own brains out with frying pans.

"Ewwwww Ewwww simper whine what will people think if we're not polite and propppper?"

Fuck That! Heave spoiled rotten cadavers into their midst with catapults. Splatter them with rotten stinking guts.

Chase 'em into the La Brea Tar Pits and laugh at the motherfuckers.

Make them projectile-shit their fucking pants

Tar, Feathers, Molasses, and Sawdust

[No Elephants]

185. Grayson did take the high road. He spoke the truth without disrespecting the POTUS or

breaking any specific House Rule of Decorum, or interrupting anyone, or calling any individual a liar, etc. He pointed out the inevitable consequences of not effecting meaningful health care reform. Larson should have commended him instead of calling on him to apologize. It's Larson who is taking the low road.

[Stables2010]

191. time to take the kidie gloves off and start pounding these motherfuckers

[No Elephants]

183. Grayson DID take the high road. What he did is NOTHING like what Wilson did. Please see Reply 180.

As an aside:

You wanna talk about guts, spine, backbone, intestinal fortitude, groins, crotches, etc., I'm with ya. But, equating courage and strength only with male genitalia or equating weakness and cowardice only with female genitalia, is Neanderthal.

[notadmblnd]

213. When I went into management

I was given my balls. One of my co workers left two large ball bearings on my desk. It was a sign of respect.

[tinrobot]

28. It was perfect thing to say. We're all talking about it, right?

Sometimes, to get people talking about an issue, you gotta stir the hornet's nest up. He did a great job doing it.

[undeterred]

49. Its not stupid at all.

It's high time Democrats spoke the truth boldly.

[inna]

126. are you f*cking kidding me???

:wtf:

[kestrel91316]

130. Thank you for your concern. Enjoy your stay, and don't leave a trail of

slime when you go, ok?

[MisterK]

165. yea, being cowards is your forte?

[TommyPaine]

173. Sometimes the high road leads to a dead end.

[No Elephants]

180. Please see the Replies to Reply # 5. This was nothing like Wilson. Wilson

interrupted the President while the President was addressing a joint session of Congress. Grayson interrupted no one.

Second, Wilson did not interrupt to debate a point or a bill, but only to insult the President personally. Grayson did not insult any individual personally. He spoke against the position that the Republican Party has been taking on health care reform.

Third, calling an individual a liar, as did Wilson, violated a specific House Rule. Grayson did not violate any House rule.

Fourth, Wilson lied when he called the President a liar. Grayson was telling the truth about the logical consequences of the Republican position.

Apples and oranges, false equivalency--whatever you want to call it--there is absolutely no comparison between Grayson's statement and Wilson's outburst.

This is much more like Republicans yapping about death panels, only facts don't back up that claim. Statistics tell us how many people die each and every day because they don't have health insurance and therefore back up the consequences of voting against and/or obstructing/slow walking health care reform.

[truebrit71]

7. The Caucus wants the only Dem with a Spine to back down?

What a punch of wimps...:eyes:

Have they not heard the things rethuglicans have said in the last few months? Never mind that toothless cousin-fucker from SC, I'm talking about the death panel bullshit too...

Sometimes this party is just too damned embarassing..

[abq e streeter]

16. of course they do--I believe they even have, at this point, a pre-recorded all purpose apology

to play for the media's microphones any time a republican demands one.

[truebrit71]

48. That would be the "Harry Reid" version I believe...

:evilgrin:

[TankLV]

115. No - I think it's the dicky durbin version - he's so practiced at it by now...

I wouldn't be surprised if he's practicing it right now...!

[inna]

128. not just 'wimps', they are sell outs who are camouflaging as "wimps".

<<The Caucus wants the only Dem with a Spine to back down?>>


incomprehensible, isn't it.


unless you're used to american politics.

[Seldona]

10. He should never have to appoligize for the truth.

They are the 'Health Care is a privilege' people after all.

[LeftishBrit]

11. Good for him

'Healthcare is a privilege and not a right' and 'Sick people should just die quickly' are synonyms as far as I'm concerned.

[Bozita]

12. link to Grayson video from the House floor ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x380008

[thelordofhell]

13. He forgot to mention a couple more things

Your company wants you to die quickly so they don't have to cover you.

Your company wants you to die quickly so they can cash the life insurance policy they took out unbeknownst to you.

[zbdent]

127. But they want you to train the temp who will be doing your job

(with no benefits) before you are too far along to be any use ...

[girl gone mad]

14. I'm thinking of movng to Grayson's district..

just so I can vote for him.

[abq e streeter]

15. good for Mr Grayson, although I'm shocked that a Democrat told the truth

and is refusing to apologize for it...of course, instead of having his back, other Dems ( caucus chairman) are immediately showing us that the main part of our party's "leadership" ( I use that term more and more sarcastically all the time) is still a bunch of gutless, spineless disgraces and craven sellouts of what (and who) our party used to represent.

[AzNick]

62. "something" grew last night on him

He woke this morning and was amazed to find it, I mean them.

[No Elephants]

186. Please see Reply 183.

[Triana]

17. Why the hell should he apologize for telling the truth? n/t

[fascisthunter]

18. never apologize for saying the truth.

I've heard first hand, from republicans, much, much worse than that.

[Zoeisright]

30. That's EXACTLY what I was thinking.

It's about time someone started using language like this about repukes. They are killing Americans. And they don't care.

[DBoon]

38. Exactly. The deaths resulting from our current system are well documented

People who are uninsured die. People with insurance die, when cost savings are more important than life-saving treatments.

It's called "death by spreadsheet"

It's common

It's a fact

No reason to apologize for it

[fascisthunter]

40. that's right... and they know it themselves

[S_E_Fudd]

19. What a shock....Democratic leadership rolling over and playing dead...

Yet again!

I am failing to see the benefit of being in the majority when you just hand over control to the minority!!!

[NewAgeThinker]

20. Grayson is the man!

Sorry guys
I'm not too up to date on the story but Grayson is the man!

Not because of this, but for standing up to the FED.

Grayson rules!!!!!!!

[FlyByNight]

21. Rep. Grayson is correct

For the Rs, it's simple: adapt or die. The difference between Wilson and Grayson is that Rep. Grayson is telling the truth.

[NightHawk63]

22. I'm a pretty peaceable guy...

..but when threatened by a thug, I have NO problem at all with laying his ass to waste. I totally agree with this congressman. It is way past time to start standing up and calling this assholes out on the shit they continue to pull.

Sure, taking the high ground is fine when you're facing an enemy that has at least some scruples. Its been driven home more than enough, that these bastards don't even know what scruples are. So, if we keep "taking the high ground" I'm sure it'll just get us more impeachments, more swiftboating, more bogus townhall protest, more forced resignations, etc, etc...

So, I say kudos to Congressman Grayson!!!

[No Elephants]

187. Grayson DID take the high ground. Nothing like Wilson. Please see Reply 180.

[notadmblnd]

23. He should say " I'm sorry- that republicans want people to die quickly if they get sick."

[AlbertCat]

135. He should say " I'm sorry- that republicans want people to die quickly if they get sick."

He did!

[notadmblnd]

146. No he didn't. This is what he said

A Democratic congressman from Florida is refusing to apologize for saying that Republicans want Americans to "die quickly" if they get sick.

[DFW]

25. I would have couched it in more diplomatic language on the House floor, BUT

He was right as rain.

Republicans and their money masters in the insurance industry want Americans to "please stay healthy or please die."

There are plenty of ways to say it. Grayson just took the shortest one. Not very diplomatic. Not wrong either.

[jmondine]

26. It's not about telling the truth

It's about fighting fire with fire. Emotions are much more powerful human motivators than reason. It's about time we remember that and get some emotionally charged soundbites out there to trump the right-wing propaganda that the Rovians do so well.

[tinrobot]

27. I hope the GOP keeps demanding an apology

The GOP is on the wrong side of the truth on this, and the truth has a habit of floating to the top.

The more they talk about it, the more the truth will come out.

The congressman is right - they don't care about life.

[RC]

157. At least after it is born...

"The congressman is right - they don't care about life."

[No Elephants]

188. Grayson's mentioned that, too. He da man!

[mbperrin]

29. I just tell the truth, and they THINK it's hell!

Good advice for Mr. Grayson. Please keep telling the truth!

[marew]

31. Please call called Rep. Grayson's office (202 225-2176)

And let him know we support him. I did!

[No Elephants]

210. Yes--and keep trying. I've tried 4 times. Guessing the Pubs are all calling to complain, so PLEASE

make sure your congrats get through. And if you consider giving up (but please don't), at least email his office.

http://grayson.house.gov/contact/index.shtml While you're there, check out his website, too. Man, and I thought my Rep was good!

http://grayson.house.gov/

[BumRushDaShow]

32. Grayson found the perfect soundbite.

:applause:

Just like the RW ilk and their RW-owned M$M locked onto "death panels", this one should stick to them like a fly to flypaper! :rofl:

[damntexdem]

33. He committed the worst sin a Congressperson can: he told the truth!

Well, at least under the GOP version of ethics.

[BonnieJW]

34. This is exactly what dems need to do.

They need to start making outrageous statements just like the pubs, except dems statements are true. repubs don't care at all if people too poor to afford insurance die quickly.

[aquart]

35. Well, in truth, they don't care if we die slowly and in pain.

So they have a point.

[derby378]

36. Loser Hallmark #9: Bend over too far backwards

A couple of friends of mine wrote a book on what it takes to be a loser, and this was #9 on the list.

Good thing Grayson still has enough spine to resist succumbing to this trait.

[Overseas]

37. "Sorry, I meant to say Republicans seem to think it acceptable that 18,000 Americans

every year die sooner due to a lack of health insurance."

or

Republicans don't seem to care that the closest thing we have to death panels today are the private insurance claims adjusters who earn bonuses based on claims denied.

or

Republicans seem more concerned about making things fair for the insurance companies that have treated our constituents very unfairly for decades now.

[kestrel91316]

131. Well, I heard that it's 45 THOUSAND. But good post otherwise.

[Overseas]

143. And it turns out that's how Grayson apologized-- to the 44,000

we lose every year due to their lack of health insurance, according to a new report.

[No Elephants]

189. 44,530. on average, 122 each and every day, including my son's friend on 12/30/08. RIP Dave.

And then, there are all the Americans, insured and uninsured, who have to declare bankruptcy every year because of illness.

[Vidar]

39. Bravo Grayson! Fuck Larson!

[47of74]

41. Damn right!

[alp227]

42. "YOU DIE!"

This is what Joe Wilson would say to a poor, ill, working-class American in a waiting room. Wilson and company are the liars, not Obama when he said that health care won't extend to non-citizens. And again they're opposed to Alan Grayson for daring to expose the right-wing view on health care.

Cowardly conservatism - that's what we've been seeing recently, from the noise about Dan Rather's story on Bush's National Guard service, to the health care town brawls, the Fox News conspiracy paranoia, you name it.

[bobthedrummer]

43. K&R+ "January 1, 1934: 'The Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring' took effect"

(archived thread started 1-1-08)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2570336

[amb123]

44. Rep. Larson, with all due respect, THE TIME FOR APOLOGIZING TO FASCIST GOP PIGS ARE OVER!!!

:rant: :nuke:

[Overseas]

219. I agree. No more humoring The Grand Obstructionist Party !

They're willing to jeopardize our domestic national security just to achieve political points.

They're willing to let 122 more people die uninsured everyday just to score political points.

That's repulsive cruelty that need not be rewarded with any more capitulating.

Enough is Enough. Medicare for all who want it.

[KansDem]

45. What a pack of whining crybabies! (GOP)

Republicans expressed outrage at the remark, comparing it to Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) shouting, "You lie!" at President Barack Obama during his address to Congress.

No, you fucking elephant turds, there's no comparison! Wilson interrupted the President with a baseless accusation, breaking Congressional decorum. Grayson made his during his comments when he had the floor!

Learn parliamentary procedures, you assholes!

[Altoid_Cyclist]

46. I've said this before, but it seems appropriate this time too.

The GOPricks decided long ago to turn this into a street fight with no rules or regard for anyone other than themselves. It might not have been the polite way to word it, but I've had it with the Democrats always having to apologize for any and every small transgression while we have the Repukes saying anything that they want. "Death Panels" if we get health care reform is a hell of a lot worse than what Rep. Grayson said. I wish that some of his fellow (D) Reps. would show up with T-shirts echoing what he said just so that he'd know that they have his back.

[AlbertCat]

136. his fellow (D) Reps. would show up with T-shirts echoing what he said just

They can say:

"YOU DIE!"


thanks to alp227

[tomm2thumbs]

47. Oh, but accuse Democrats on pulling the plug, that's A-OK - oh give me a break

whiners, every last one of 'em - and whining brings in $$$$$ from their base

[Jack Rabbit]

50. This is over the top. He should apologize.

[JTFrog]

52. You forgot your sarcasm tag.

:eyes:

[Jack Rabbit]

59. No, I didn't

Of course, Republicans owe apologies I don't think we'll ever hear about the lies they've told. And Betsy McCaughey should be made to do public penance by wearing a Scarlet L in for the rest of her life, as should Rick Scott. Dick Armey, who helped send the right wing goon squads to Town Hall Meetings, should apologize -- just before he's sentenced for racketeering.

So, I'm not going to make a big thing about it. Nevertheless, Mr. Grayson didn't do any more than the above-named to contribute to a real discussion on health care. For that, he should apologize.

[TankLV]

It was the TRUTH - you don't belong in the Democratic Party if you can't handle the TRUTH!!!

YOU are one of the reasons we are going to LOSE on this health care debacle - YOU!!!

Grow a fucking spine!

And Congressman Grayson told WHAT was TRUELY in the REPUKE plan - while that fucking REPUKE called Obama a LIAR!!!

But yet you choose THIS thread to make your thoughts known, while we haven't heard a PEEP out of you for the fucking OUTRAGEOUS behaviour of the REPUKE!!!

[No Elephants]

192. You could not be more wrong. Please see all the responses to Reply ##'s 5 and 6.

[seafan]

51. Alan Grayson is saying what we know to be true.

"The Republican plan -- don't get sick, and if you do get sick, die quickly." ---Rep. Alan Grayson, D-FL, September 29, 2009






Alan Grayson from Florida. A fighter. And he's a DEMOCRAT.


It's been far too long, too few and too far between.

Grayson, a freshman Democrat who represents Florida's 8th Congressional District -- which includes parts of Orange, Osceola, Lake and Marion counties -- made the comments Tuesday night on the House floor during debate on health care legislation. Republicans quickly pounced on the comment.

.....

Grayson was elected last November, defeating four-term Republican Congressman Ric Keller with 52 percent. President Barack Obama also carried the district -- which includes Orlando, Celebration, and the major theme parks in Central Florida -- by a similar margin.

.....

Grayson has been a strong supporter of President Obama's efforts to reform the nation's health care system. During a press conference in Winter Garden last month at the Children's and Family Health Centers, Grayson said "Health care reform should save money and it should save lives. If it meets those two goals, I'll vote for it."

Rep. Alan Grayson of Florida has refused to apologize for his remarks on the House floor Tuesday night in which he criticized Republican health care proposals as a “blank piece of paper.”

“If you get sick, America, the Republican health care plan is this: die quickly,” he said. “That’s right. The Republicans want you to die quickly if you get sick.”

His remarks weren’t spontaneous: He reinforced his point with signs saying the same thing.

.....

Rep. Tom Price of Georgia, who heads the conservative Republican Study Committee, drafted a “resolution of disapproval” that mirrors the one Democrats approved against Wilson, saying Grayson’s conduct was “a breach of decorum and degraded the integrity and proceedings of the House.”

Price said Wednesday afternoon that Republicans would withhold introducing it to give Grayson more time to apologize.

:rofl: :nopity: :eyes:



More on Grayson here.


Here is some of his work BEFORE he became a Congressman last year.

[1776Forever]

53. Thanks for the info. I had to move from FL & remember sicko Keller! This guy is to be commented!

He is what is needed in Florida! I hope to God they get a good Dem Candidate the next time the Governor's office is up for vote!

Go Grayson!!

[seafan]

74. The truth is like sunrise to these Republican vampires. They just lose it when they are exposed.

And when I heard Schumer ask Grassley yesterday what he thought about (the government program) Medicare, and Grassley's answer was that Medicare is part of the fabric of our society, I started thinking that the worm has finally turned. Republicans have HATED Medicare since its inception, and to hear Grassley now defending it is beyond the looking glass.


These dysfunctional guys are so totally ripped to shreds psychologically that they are now *rooting for Medicare*.


How is that for bizarre?


Keep it up, Alan Grayson. Help us finish them off, before they destroy our country.

[inna]

119. PLEASE post this as its own thread, it totally needs its own thread!!

:kick:

[truthisfreedom]

54. Grayson, despite your good intentions, I have to tell you you're wrong. Rethugs want us to die slow

ly and in a great deal of pain, spending every last penny going broke and bankrupt on pharmacy drugs and taking up emergency room seats.

They want every damned penny of our kids' inheritance to go into the pockets of big medicine.

[pollo poco]

61. Bingo n/t

[AwakeAtLast]

153. I want to rec this reply.

:D

[Q3JR4]

55. Republicans want Americans to "die quickly" if they get sick....

If the shoe fits....

Q3JR4.

[debbierlus]

56. He should NOT apologize. And, what b.s. - treat one and other with respect?

Sniveling cowardly thieves don't deserve an ounce of respect. People die, but we must keep our decorum?

Sick.

[JohnWxy]

57. recommended. I would have said "Republicans prefer to protect insurers profits and let 22,000

americans die a year due to lack of health insurance than vote for Health insurance reform."

But, still it's good to hear a Democrat finally realize we are in a state of war with the Republliocans and talk of bi-lateralism
(or more euphamistically: bipartisanship) is Republican propaganda.

It's the Republicans against the American public (or at least the average non-wealthy American) and it's time for the Democrats to wake up to this fact. The Republicans attitude is politics is war. Well, so be it. Then let's bring it to 'em Dems. Act like Democrats (and like democrats) and fight for America, fight for democracy in AMerica. Fight for what's right, damn it!

(you'll find it feels good).

[No Elephants]

193. 122 die for lack of health care reform every day. That is 44,530 per year, not 22,000.

[brentspeak]

58. Contact info for John Larson

I just contacted his D.C. office, and told them I was very pleased with Grayson's remarks -- and that Larson should get a spine:

Larson's D.C. office: [phone]
Hartford, CT office: [phone]

[No Elephants]

200. Just called to say that I was grateful to Grayson for speaking the truth and disagreed with Larson.

A very polite gentleman told me he understood and would pass on my comments. Now to call Grayson's office and praise him.

[Myrina]

60. Why are they always demanding we apologize, but they never do?

Wankers. Fuck them if they can't take a joke. Or the truth.

[RedCloud]

63. They are waiting for hell to freeze over.

Bullies seldom apologize. Did they apologize for raping Social Security to pay for W's wars?

[Liberal_Dog]

64. He Should Not Apologize. nt

[Deep13]

65. Fuck that! Grayson's right. nt

[Butch350]

66. I'm sorry GOP!

I forgot to ask you to kiss my arse!

[and-justice-for-all]

67. He should not apologise for shit! Because he is RIGHT! nt

[sui generis]

68. I guess that also includes don't get old

We could like totally get rid of Social Security For Old People if we turned them into cat food at the age of 65 and one day. Mmmm the senior menu at McDonalds takes on a whole new meaning.

:silly:

[Crowman1979]

70. Cheers to Grayson! We need more unapolagetic Democrats!

[and-justice-for-all]

72. Be sure to call and thank him.. [phone] nt

[No Elephants]

201. Uh Oh. Could NOT get through. My guess is the Republicans are calling him to tell him off.

I will keep trying. PLEASE CALL.

[ronbo60]

75. Rep John Larson 202-225-2265

Please call and express your definitive opinion. 202-225-2265 Spineless "jellyfish" is already covered!

[NewJeffCT]

96. I used my parent's address

to send an email to Larson (they are in his district)

[Joanne98]

76. NEVER apologize to conservative filth!

[Norwood]

77. Good for Rep. Grayson!

It is somewhat encouraging to see that at least some Democrats have a spine. I really hope he doesn't apologize, but he was wrong about one thing. Its not just Republicans that want Americans who get sick to "Die Quickly", but a lot of the blue dog Democrats holding up the works on a strong health care bill. They're just fine with how health care is in this country.

[2Design]

78. I love alan grayson and the truthtellers like Howard Dean - line is busy

can not call - he is a terrific congress critter

[old mark]

80. Sounds like he told the truth - the 'Publicans don't care about the people,

just the companies - and the lobbyists....and the cash.

We need to hear more of this and not be so damn polite to the right wing shits.

mark

[Hekate]

81. My advice to Grayson: DON'T APOLOGIZE. It's the unpalatable truth of the matter. nt

[AllyCat]

84. Without reading all the comments here, my first thought was

It's okay for the Republicans to say Obama wants to kill your grandma, but not okay for Larson to point to the OBVIOUS and say they want us to die quickly?

Two-faced ain't the half of it.

[rainlillie]

85. Lets contact him and thank him..

http://grayson.house.gov/contact/index.shtml

[Odin2005]

87. K&R

[sabra]

89. Update: Grayson: 'I apologize to the dead' not the GOP

http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2009/09/grayson-apologize-hell-no.html#more

Grayson: 'I apologize to the dead' not the GOP

U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, under fire for his heated speech last night, took the House floor awhile ago and offered an apology, but not the one Republicans wanted to hear.

"Last night, I gave a speech and I'm not going to recount everything I said, but after that speech, several Republicans asked me to apologize. I would like to apologize.

"I would like to apologize, and here's why. According to this study, health insurance and mortality in adults which was published two weeks ago, 44,000 Americans die every year because they have no health insurance. 44,789 Americans die every year according to the Harvard study. And you can see it by going to our Web site at grayson.house.gov. That is 10 times more than the number of Americans who have died in Iraq and who died in 9/11. But that was just once. This is every single year. That's right. Every single year.

"Take a look at this. Read it and weep. And I mean that, read it and weep, because of all these Americans who are dying because they don't have health insurance. Now, I think we should do something about that, and the Democratic health care plan does do something about that. It makes health care affordable for those who can't afford insurance, and it saves these peoples' lives.

"Let's remember we should care about people even after they're born. I call upon the Democratic members of the House, I call upon the Republican members of the House, I call upon all of us to do our jobs for the sake of America, for the sake of those dying people and their families. I apologize to the dead and their families that we haven't voted sooner to end this holocaust in America. I yield the rest of my time."

[rainlillie]

91. I like this guy. OMG! we need more like him.

[Greg K]

92. Finally, a dem with a spine.

[NewJeffCT]

95. That deserves its own thread!

Way to go Rep. Grayson!

[SallyMander]

103. "Let's remember we should care about people even after they're born."

Awesome!!! :headbang:

[TankLV]

122. Now THAT'S an "apology"!!!

Even BETTER than the ORIGINAL statement!!!

[Cass]

160. "Let's remember we should care about people even after they're born."

Oh man, I love this guy.

Move over spineless Dems, Alan Grayson will show you how its done.

[rainlillie]

90. I hope he stands his ground.

http://grayson.house.gov/contact/index.shtml
Thank him!

[Old Codger]

93. Alright

Finally someone tells it like it is.... good for him....About time.... f**k a bunch of rethugs and any dem who backs em and the horses they rode in on...

[McCamy Taylor]

94. He is only partly right. If you have no insurance they want you to die fast.

If you have insurance, they want you to get at least two weeks of extremely expensive futile care that will make hospitals, drug companies and medical goods companies a lot of money.... then you get to die.

[OneTwentyoNine]

102. Agreed.....The Medical Industrial Complex doesn't want you to die quickly

Hell no,have a lengthy enough hospital stay or spend your last penny on drugs and THEN keel over. Shit....Republicans and the Medical Industrial Complex doesn't want a dime left in an estate that could have been theirs.

[2Design]

97. Exactly what the insurance companies want too - GOP is paid by the insurance industry

they want us to get sick and die quickly - he has it right

[newtothegame]

98. Hahahah, this seriously after Joe Wilson's apology? Politics are hilarious. n/t

[TankLV]

125. Umm - WHAT wilson apology - we STILL haven't heard any of it!!!

If I recall correctly - he called obama PRIVATELY and has ever since BRAGGED about his statement!!!

Not even remotely apologized...!!!

[newtothegame]

161. Fair enough, but why exactly do YOU need to hear him apologize? Are you owed something? n/t

[No Elephants]

196. Yes.

[newtothegame]

211. Sadly bitter. Find some happiness in life. Hug a puppy, something. n/t

[TankLV]

216. YES - the TRUTH!

People like YOU are the reason we're about to LOSE this Health Care Battle!!!

YOU!!!

[No Elephants]

195. Please see Reply #180.

[GrantDem]

99. It seems that the Repukes have a short memory.

And apparently so does Rep. Larson. I don't recall him asking the repubs to apologize after some of their vitriolic rants on the House floor.

[Barack_America]

100. Fuck that. He spoke in turn and told the truth.

Wilson was reprimanded for shouting out a personal attack at the President.

Grayson had the floor and attacked the health care "plan" of the Republican party.

Totally different.

What? Are we now going to hear apologies from every Republican who uttered the words "death panel" on the House or Senate floor?

[katty]

101. THANK YOU, DEM, for NOT Apologizing to GOP!

Finally, some COURAGE from a DEMOCRAT!!!

[dpbrown]

104. Never apologize for holding those cretins accountable

That is the Republican plan.

[Fire1]

105. I know Senator Ted Kennedy is quite pleased. n/t

[milord]

106. apologize? HA!

After all the crap the republickin's have unloaded on the american public against the dems, they have one hell of a lot of fucking nerve asking "us" to apologize for this true remark. Tell them to go fuck themselves! Death panels my ass.

[valerief]

107. I guess Larson is another one of those DINOs. Grayson needs to apologize to NO ONE!

Larson needs to apologize for not representing working Americans.

[Mithreal]

K&R for Grayson nt

[gtar100]

108. The Loser Caucus of the Democratic Party

has something to learn from Rep. Grayson. Makes me wonder, why are some of these Dems so afraid of republicans? What exactly are they afraid of?

[nookiemonster]

148. I agree.

WTF are they so afraid of?! This pathetic spineless crap has got to stop. The messed up thing is that the assclowns on the right know that we'll fold. It sucks, and unfortuately, as always, it's expected, and delivered.

:(

[man4allcats]

109. No apology should be offered. He told the truth.

There's nothing to apologize for.

[suzanner]

110. They can dish it out but they can't take it?

People like that usually grow up eventually- unless they're GOP politicians. I'm glad Someone's giving them a taste of their own mocky-mocky.

[TankLV]

111. He'd better NOT apologize! That FUCKING REPUKE STILL hasn't apologized!!!

The TRUTH hurts!

The GOP plan IS exactly what Grayson said!!!

[Old Vet]

113. Hes kicking...........

Ass and taking NO names.....................

[ShadowLiberal]

114. We need to raise a million dollars for Grayson, I mean Wilson got $1.5 M for his outburst

Unlike Wilson, Grayson is someone who will actually need lots of money for protection in 2010.

[No Elephants]

197. From what I've heard, Grayson has plenty money. That's probably why he can tell the truth and shame

the devil(s).

[Lena inRI]

116. HO HO, HAY HAY, WHATAYA SAY. . .

. . .ONE. . . TWO. . . THREE.. . .

P O W !

Sic 'em, Representative Grayson !

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[sasquatch]

117. Tell John Lasrson to shut the fuck up

[santamargarita]

118. No apology and tell that bunch to go fuck themselves

Never apologize to a Goddamn Republican!

[Marthe48]

120. How nice that a Dem has a pair!

I saw this on the news and laughed, what a refreshing reaction to Sarcasm! Grow up 'pugs, it is not like Joe Wilson calling the President of the United States a liar -- that wasn't funny or sarcastic, it was damnable.
My hats off to Rep. Alan Grayson for telling it like it is.

[No Elephants]

202. Welcome. And please see Reply 183.

[kestrel91316]

121. In the great tradition of Sir Winston Churchill:

Never apologize to bullies. NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER apologize to bullies.

[inna]

123. Grayson is 'officially' one of my most favorite congress critters from now on.

:kick:


loved his "apology" too - apology to the DEAD, that is.


an honest congressman with compassion *and* guts - wow, what a rare commodity.


he has my full support (however little that may be worth).

[TheCowsCameHome]

124. Fuck Larson. Mr. Grayson, don't back down.

And thank you for saying what you did.

[Ready4Change]

129. 2 words for the GOP: Death Panels.

The only difference is who is saying it.

SO happy to not be a member of that hypocritical party an longer.

[galadrium]

133. Republicans don't want sick people to "die quickly"...

They just don't care.

[muntrv]

137. Hey Pelosi, Hoyer, Reid! This is how you do it!!!

[No Elephants]

203. Pelosi has been relatively good on health care. Bettter than Hoyer and Reid put together.

[geckosfeet]

138. Ignore the crybabies.

[tjwash]

139. He gave them too much credit when he said that.

Those fucks wouldn't spend money on BRING OUT YOUR DEAD wagons.

[ScottLand]

140. I'm outraged, myself.

If they "die quickly", think how much revenue will be lost! I can't believe people can be so selfish. Don't they care about profits?

[Barack_America]

142. On the contrary...

Dying quickly provides maximal profit for insurance companies.

[BBG]

141. fucking A

that's all, simply fucking A.

[Old Vet]

144. We gotta get his back...........

Some dems are gonna try to muzzle him, Just watch.

[No Elephants]

204. Per the OP, they are already trying. Welcome.

[NecklyTyler]

145. We don't need to apologize to any Republicans

Somebody needs to tell the Republicans who won the last election



Somebody needs to also tell the Democrats who won the last election

[theFrankFactor]

147. This is What a Democrat Without a Corporate Cock in His Mouth Sounds Like

I've said it before and I'll say it again!

[Historic NY]

149. Apologize.....forget it with what the GOP has been spewing including their leaders.

[NJGeek]

150. Grayson rules! NEVER APOLOGIZE we need to ridicule these neanderthals!

[BRLIB]

151. I sent Grayson supportive email, said no apology to Rethugs!

The printed MSM news I saw said NOTHING about how he picked up the papers left behind by the Rethugs espousing their plan and waving such to find they
were totally blank!

People, give this guy some support for freshman courage, he is new!

[PatrynXX]

154. Apologize for telling the truth?

o_O

Yeah let me know when Fox will apologize for blowing up the minority that took control of the August discussion???

[donheld]

155. He shouldn't apologize

[ut oh]

156. So do we

bring up that other shithead Repub who said Obama wants to destroy humanity or whatever BS he was saying?

[silenttigersong]

158. Good for him

Its HardBall,I thank him for speaking out!We have seen how Bi-Partisanship works with repubs.They have brought this on themselves with their Propaganda.:headbang:

[Bette Noir]

159. I am so proud of Rep. Grayson.

[MisterK]

164. Give this Congressman a medal

Hes a new phenomena. A Democrat with courage .
I love it!!
Ill donate to this guy for that point alone.
Imagine a Dem who didnt cower and apologise when the fascists on the right demand he do so? Amazing courage will keep us in power. Cowardice will assure we lose.

[orbitalman]

166. Grayson, don't you DARE appologize,

However appologizing to the health dead and families is definately appropriate.

[tooeyeten]

167. No apology for the truth

Republicans support profits, not taking care of the sick.

[LiberalTexasDemocrat]

168. Too Little Too Late

I just unsubscribed from the DNC's Organizing for America mailing list in response to yet another fund raising email seeking to nickel and dime me to death before congressional Democrats grow a pair and join with Grayson. I was prompted for a my reason for wanting to unsubscribe, I wrote
"Because I am that disgusted with the way my party handed the baton of governance I worked so hard to present them with in the last election over to the Republicans. The most recent spectacle of the Senate Finance Committee hearings sealed the deal for me. Not another dime, not another vote, not another word until there's a reason to believe they're not being wasted on a party that can't stand up to the Republican Party and it's right wing scream machine. I rolled up my sleeves, it seems all my party did was put Senators in charge who are more interested in lining their pockets and pleasing Republicans than any type of meaningful health care reform with an iron clad public option."

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

169. Good for him

Stick to your guns.

[quaker bill]

170. This was a vote

that I do not regret. For the first time, I am represented in Congress by someone whom I agree with, at least on occasion.

[Blacksheep214]

171. Godspeed!

Whatever the hell that means!

Nobody really cares about our dying citizens. We administer just enough senior care to keep the checks coming.

Really! They are just $$$$$$$$$$$$ to those we trust to our parents care.

This is our current choice.

[Infinite Hope]

172. This isn't comparable to Wilson. But it is comparable to death panel claims from the GOP. n/t

[Jamastiene]

174. Why should he apologize for telling the truth? n/t

[BlancheSplanchnik]

175. Decorum at the expense of highlighting America's ugly reality?

FUCK YOU.

[robcon]

176. Grayson is an ass.

"Why should he apologize for telling the truth?"

Because what he said was a low-life scummy, right-wing-tactic thing to do.

[No Elephants]

205. Not one thing about what he said was RW-like or "scummy." Not one. Please see Reply 180.

[TankLV]

217. Ahhh - you don't know what the FUCK you're spewing...

go back to your repuke friends now...just GO...

[samsingh]

177. i am proud of this Democrat!

i will donate money to him if there is a link.

[apnu]

181. Allright Grayson! Stand and deliver man! (nt)

[robcon]

184. I agree with the Orlando Sentinel: a pox on both their houses.

Grayson's bombast

"U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, the first-term Democrat from Orlando, already has a well-deserved reputation for overheated rhetoric. But he outdid himself Tuesday night when he declared — on the floor of the House — that the "Republican plan" for health care was for Americans to not get sick, or to "die quickly" if they do.

There is no place in a congressional debate for this kind of hyperbolic, hyperpartisan attack. It's toxic. Mr. Grayson owes the House a sincere apology.

But is it any surprise that pugnacious Democrats like Mr. Grayson are fighting back in the escalating war of words of health-care reform? Some Republicans, after all, have been hurling their own over-the-top charges at Democrats for weeks, like accusing them of favoring "death panels" to deny care to the elderly and disabled. Republican Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville said on the House floor that the Democrats' health bill "essentially said to America's seniors: Drop dead."

A pox on both their houses..."

[No Elephants]

206. Bullshit. The RW specializes in false equivalencies.

[TankLV]

218. There is NO EQUIVALENCY!!! NONE!!!

This REPUKE bullshit has to STOP - and I mean YOU!!!

[Moochy]

190. 'Likening': The More Weasely Version of 'comparing'

It's Republican for False Equivalence.

[JNelson6563]

194. Whiney Rethugs.

They're out there inciting violence and hatred but let a Dem speak truth and oh boy, wind up the remaining outrage wurlitzers! Tough shit you whining wankers, Grayson's got a spine and is apparently not one bit sorry he spoke the ugly truth about you.

Julie--who thinks this is thigh-slapping good fun :-)

[Old Vet]

198. Finally a democrat who is not...........

backing down and taking a stance.Whoooo,How long has it been since a dem had the balls to confront wrong and not back down?

[Uncle Joe]

199. Congressman Grayson spoke the De Facto Truth.

The Republicans believe in profits over the people, that's why they support an industry; having nothing to do with health care, indeed an industry that leeches precious resources away from the endeavor of health care in the form of profits based in large part on real life death panels.

But even without the death panels, there is no logical reason for such an industry to exist as every "legitimate" dollar of profit they make comes at the expense of actual health care.

I salute Congressman Grayson for his courage and honesty.:patriot:

[Old Vet]

208. Well Said...............

Uncle Joe, I will be following this guy,We ned to put a little fire under there asses(dems)to produce.

[No Elephants]

207. Check out his wiki. Here's a taste:

"Grayson was graduated from Bronx High School of Science, Harvard College (Phi Beta Kappa), Harvard Law School (with honors) and holds a Master of Public Policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

He was admitted to the bar in 1984. His ISLN is 906918454.<1><2> He was a law clerk at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals (1984–1985), working with such judges as Abner Mikva, former U.S. Solicitor General Robert Bork, and two who later joined the U.S. Supreme Court: Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. He practiced contract law at Fried Frank.<3> He performed legal work for IDT while at Grayson and Kubli.<4> He helped found the Alliance for Aging Research, and is secretary of its board of directors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Grayson



Not shabby Check his cool House website, too: http://grayson.house.gov/



BTW, insurance is a huge part of Connecticut's economy.



"Modern Connecticut is also known for its wealth. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Connecticut had ready access to raw materials which helped to develop a strong manufacturing industry, and financial organizations flourished: first insurance companies in Hartford, then hedge funds in Fairfield county. This prosperity has helped give Connecticut the highest per capita income, Human Development Index, and median household income in the country.<10><11><12>" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connecticut


And, Larson, who lives in East Hartford, aka insurance heaven, "was also the co-owner of an insurance agency in East Hartford before entering public service." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_B._Larson



Insurance is among the top five industries that contribute to Larson, who raises more $$$ than the average bear.


http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cycle=2008&type=I&cid=N00000575&newMem=N



It all starts to come together, doesn't it?

[Solly Mack]

209. Nothing to apologize for

If you support and promote policies that deny people -

a living wage (with legal recourse)
decent affordable housing (with legal recourse)
a safe environment to work in (with legal recourse)
affordable & comprehensive health care (with legal recourse)


then you are effectively telling people to work themselves to death as quickly (and as quietly) as possible.

Getting sick can become a death sentence when people don't have health care. You can lose your job, your home. How little your country - your government - values you is very much on display for the world to see when improving the lives of Americans is legislated as not being cost effective. (because it could harm campaign contributions if it angers corporations)

Sure, they label it "socialism" to get the idiots all riled up....but what they are really saying is: Shut up! Get married! Give birth to future workers! Work until you die! And do all of this quietly! - just don't forget to wave the flag!




and the above list is just a few examples.

[mrbarber]

212. Are they really that dense?

Joe Wilson was forced to apologize for INTERRUPTING THE PRESIDENT DURING A SPEECH, SOMETHING THAT HAD NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE.

Not for what he said.

Idiots.