Grayson apologizes

[cali]

to those that have needlessly died for lack of healthcare.

September 30, 2009
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."

*
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2009/09/grayson-apologiz...

[ananda]

1. Yes, I'm so sorry for..

.. all the needless deaths due to deregulation,
corporate sociopathy, GOP obstructionism, and
Dem enablers.

[Towlie]

103. He's new to politics and still willing to speak his mind instead of what's politically correct.

... but Rachel Maddow was right in that he went a little overboard in invoking the Holocaust. His heart's in the right place, but I wonder if he'll survive as a politician.

Alan Grayson represents the Orlando area, including Disney World and Epcot Center.

[bonnieS]

138. The vs. this

He did not say "The Holocaust". He said "this holocaust." Is the word still in the dictionary? Can it never be applied to anything? How come the right wing uses it almost daily in reference to abortion and nobody seems to care? Rachel went overboard by asking him about the word three times. It is a distraction.

Oh--do I HAVE to say I'm Jewish? Do I HAVE to say I had relatives etc etc etc?

[xxqqqzme]

141. I thought Rachel was needlessly pushing it too.

Three times Did you not hear him the first two times? I'm glad he didn't back down from her either. He didn't compare it to THE Holocaust; he called it 'this holocaust'. She and Keith were both overboard on criticizing him.

[Towlie]

149. Did ***YOU*** not hear him the first two times? He didn't answer her question.

No, he didn't back down from her. Instead he evaded her question, which is worse. It showed a Republican-like lack of character.

It irks me when an interviewer meekly accepts an evasion and moves on instead of pressing for an actual answer. I'm even upset that Rachel Maddow dropped the matter after the third non-answer, but I guess she had to be pragmatic about it. By then she had made her point.

I know how Tweety and his show aren't all that popular here, and I completely understand why, but one of the few characteristics I do like about him is that he won't let non-responsive replies go unchallenged. I was particularly impressed about how Rachel Maddow acted as a sort of extraordinarily polite version of Chris Matthews.

[Stellar]

151. I totally agree with you!!!

[Towlie]

148. Are you talking about reality or political correctness? I'm talking about political correctness.

Regarding discussions between ordinary, regular people, you're right. We can also freely say things like "the Cambridge police acted stupidly" without worry, but it just doesn't work that way for politicians. Alan Grayson would have gotten along fine with that spiel as an activist at a rally, but he has to get used to the reality that such tactics aren't acceptable or effective inside the House of Representatives. Persuading the masses to petition their Representatives as a voice in the crowd is different from persuading the Representatives themselves as one of their peers.

You're also missing the point about the word "holocaust". Rightly or wrongly, it's a word that backfires against politicians who use it because of how people perceive it and how opponents of those politicians encourage people to perceive it. You're protesting that the word affects people that way, but a smart politician has to accept that and adjust his rhetoric accordingly.

[Autonomy]

162. It's a red herring

Don't look at all the deaths caused by the broken healthcare system! There's a guy who said "holocaust"!!! Stone him!!!

[bobbolink]

166. Thank you. THANK YOU! There ARE deaths that are important, and are occuring in huge numbers,

unmourned.

Homeless people are dying in large numbers, and yes, that is a holocaust.

People in the richest country in the world being turned away from health care because of GREED and dying needlessly is a holocaust.

Thank you for saying what needs to be said!

[tavalon]

167. Yes, unfortunately, you do have to say that your Jewish

Otherwise, someone, somewhere, on this here internets, will invoke Godwin's law. The word, I'm afraid, has been tainted.

[zipplewrath]

152. Actually, only half

He only represents about half of Orlando. Orlando proper tends to vote democratic so they split it up. The 8th district stretches from the southern Orange County line all the way up to Marion County and I-75. It doesn't appear to include Disney, Kissimmee or Buena Vista at all. It was intended to be a "safe" republican seat, but over the decade alot of immigrants moved into his district making it heavily hispanic and he lost.

[Towlie]

155. Yes, only part of Orlando, but his district does include Disney World.

Anyway, It's only trivia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida%27s_8th_congressio...

[tavalon]

169. Marion County

I grew up there before the Republicans took over the South. My grandfather told me to "just pull the Democratic lever" for my first voting experience. Sad to think that today, he would have been Republican.

[connecticut yankee]

158. When did

the word "holocaust" become the sole property of the Jews?

[tavalon]

170. Around 1945

I'm guessing, though, that was a rhetorical question.

[connecticut yankee]

172. Actually

it was sarcasm.

[eridani]

Excellent. Dems "apologizing" for telling the truth about Repubs makes me apoplectic n/t

[reggie the dog]

31. did you actually read the article???

he is totally making fun of the republicans

[TankLV]

43. Hint: Learn Reading Comprehension. Cali has it entirely PERFECT!!!

YOU need to go back and READ and COMPREHEND what she said...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

60. Psst...

I think you might have meant this post for Eridani...

[reggie the dog]

117. It is all how we read it

if we think it is a sarcastic "great" then we think they are saying "the stupid dems are always apologizing for having done nothing wrong". If it is an honest "great" then they are saying "this is great, time and time again the dems apologized for having done nothing wrong and now this guy is taking it to the Republicans."

[GoddessOfGuinness]

129. I understand what you mean; but

TankLV wrote, "Cali has it entirely PERFECT!!!" Since Cali wrote the OP, it stands to reason that TankLV's post was intended for Eridani, who was commenting on the OP.

That said, I have to admit that Eridani's sarcasm was lost on me, too. Sometimes this emoticon is essential for those of us suffering from fuzzyheadedness.

[reggie the dog]

116. I should try reading with my eyes open next time

[roguevalley]

93. their remarks are in parentheses. they are agreeing.

[AllyCat]

82. You need to read the article. His response is spot on!!!

[truebrit71]

2. Hot Damn!!! Pay attention fellow Dem congress-critters...that is what is known as a SPINE...

...find yours...or find other work...

[wroberts189]

Its pretty much shocking to see it... now lets re-fund ACORN. nt

[winyanstaz]

104. If we cannot refund Acorn...we need to go all out in getting crooks OUT!

Like Blackwater and Halliburton and all those contractors that were robbing us blind, not delivering on their contracts, electrocuting our soldiers and feeding them garbage and polluted water!
If it applies to Acorn...it has to apply to ALL~~~!!!

[wroberts189]

108. They opened a can of worms to de-fund what little funds they got to register voters.

I hope it backfires on them.


And to think... all that effort to win back the house, senate, and Prez.


I hope they wake up soon.

[TheEuclideanOne]

157. So true, I am so tired of having a Super Majority and feeling like the

other party actually has it.

[Teaser]

3. "Fuck me? FUCK ME?..."

"NO, FUCK YOU!!!!"

[Stand and Fight]

21. +1

[ZombieHorde]

4. 5th rec. nt

[Captain Hilts]

5. He really cowboy'd up! Good on him!

[WildEyedLiberal]

6. Best bait and switch thread title ever

I had pretty much forsworn political donations, but I think I'm going to have to send some cash this guy's way. I can't BELIEVE an elected official is telling this much truth, in such unapologetic language. Can we clone him?

[cali]

7. Dibs on the first clone!

[Control-Z]

30. Yep.

My heart skipped a beat when I read the thread title.

Grayson is my new love .

[malaise]

48. Ditto

Love it.

[wroberts189]

87. No but we can get rid of a few conservadamned Dems.. Baucus ,Nelson .. nt

[Bobbie Jo]

8. Nicely done!

K&R

[gratuitous]

9. That's a fine apology

What are the Republicans going to do? Claim 44,000 annual human sacrifices is a small price to pay for the best health care system in the world? Ah well, they're prolly mostly poor anyway, so who cares, right Republicans?

[laughingliberal]

10. "...we should care about people even after they're born."

I love this! Remember the right-to-lifers believe life begins at conception and ends at birth!

[TankLV]

44. "Love Affair of the Fetus"

Dona Shelela - one of the BEST surgeon generals we've ever had...

[liberalhistorian]

52. You mean Joycelyn Elder, the Surgeon General who

said that, and, I agree, one of the best SG's ever. Donna Shalala was Clinton's HHS Secretary, a damned good one, too.

[TheEuclideanOne]

156. Yeah. Oh Snap!!!

It is really great that this "apology" is filled with so many slams on so many levels!

[panader0]

11. Rec'd

[Uncle Joe]

12. Kicked and recommended for a Congressman that knows how to apologize.

Thanks for the thread, cali.

[bvar22]

13. Cheers, praise, and applause.

I came loaded with abuse and condemnation for another Dem rolling belly up.....
What a euphoric surprise.
Thanks for posting, Cali.

K&R

[cali]

15. best apology ever. best fuck you ever.

[goclark]

17. K and R

[TankLV]

45. If you honestly thought Cali would act like that, you haven't been paying attention - seriously...

[Pool Hall Ace]

14. This guy rocks

I wish I could find better words, but I'm so happy, I'm practically in tears!

[EVDebs]

68. My rep is Lynn Woolsey but this guy is terrific too ! nt

[hfojvt]

16. care, care, care, care, care, care, care

People die for lack of health care, not lack of health insurance.

Lots of people go through the year without health insurance and are none the worse for it.

[liberalhistorian]

55. Thank you, I was just about to point that out myself.

Having health insurance is NO guarantee at all that you'll get the care you need, or that you won't die or suffer needlessly as many of those who are uninsured do. It's NO guarantee at all that you won't be financially ruined and bankrupted because of an illness; more than half of the bankruptcies filed annually are due to catastrophic medical bills and are filed by people who ARE insured. Insurance means shit a lot of the time, you still have to deal with bean counters who deny needed care and drop policies of those who actually have the nerve to think that just because they pay the premiums and deductibles means that they can use the policy.

When I'm sick or injured I want health CARE not health INSURANCE. There'a a HUGE difference, and I wish to hell he would have pointed that out. That's why BaucASS's bill is such bullshit and why a public option is so critical. Single-payer would be even better, but that ain't gonna happen, not with the corporatists and lobbyists in charge.

[Mojorabbit]

18. That's my Rep! nt

[cali]

19. and a great one he is!

[KathieG]

49. Mine too! Grayson rocks!

[lupinella]

70. Yay, Orlando has a reason to be proud!

*wipes away tear of joy that her area is not an embarrassment for once*
Rep. Grayson - we love you!

[grahamhgreen]

99. Thanks for voting!

[wicket]

146. I just donated to him!

[AllieB]

20. Tweety's covering it now.

He has Debbie Wasserman-Schultz on along with a Repuke.

[Stand and Fight]

22. HAPPILY, HAPPILY RECOMMENDED!

This is just the sort of thing we need to be doing in Congress. The Republicans want to play it rough? Fine. Stick it to 'em just the same. Right on!

[Hekate]

23. Most excellently done

Hekate

[bigwillq]

24. Good on him.

K and R.

[tinrobot]

25. There's your spine!

Now we need the rest of the Democrats to follow his lead.

[vi5]

26. This is what a leader should do...

If I thought Reid and/or Pelosi could feel shame in their own cowardice and craven cowtowing I would hope they do. Unfortunately I know that's not possible, so......

[bullwinkle428]

27. SUCK ON THAT, JOE WILSON!!!

[Canuckistanian]

28. Spineless Dems, take note

THIS is how it's done!

[Fire1]

29. Wow!!! How sweet is that!! He needs to be in the senate. n/t

[Happyhippychick]

32. I think I'm in love. K&R

[DireStrike]

33. WOW! Awesome!

I guess we have a new darling!

[zeemike]

34. Far fucking out....a Dem that speaks truth.

And is not intimidated by right wing rhetoric.

[zeos3]

35. K&R

[berni_mccoy]

36. KABOOM! WELL SAID Rep. Grayson... WELL SAID!!!!

[Eyerish]

37. Hot fucking damn!!!!!!

Thank you for doing the right thing Rep Grayson! K&R

[BlueIdaho]

38. OMFG - a truth teller.

Today I am a proud to call myself Democrat. Now, about the rest of you elected spineless cowards...

[Greyskye]

39. Exceedingly happy to give the 100th REC

Outstanding!

[Stumbler]

40. Beautiful

[Yuugal]

41. I just had a happygasm

damn I needed that.

[TankLV]

42. HA! Even BETTER the second time around!!!

[Chemisse]

46. I LOVE this guy! - nt

[Overseas]

47. Go Grayson !! K&R !! //nt

[Turbineguy]

50. "...this holocaust in America..."

That about sums it up.

[texasleo]

53. The "h" word may come back to haunt. He was doing great until then.

[kestrel91316]

59. I call 45,000 unnecessary deaths due to lack of HEALTH CARE

every year a fucking holocaust. Not sure what you call it - chopped liver?

[rucky]

63. Makes the Barack O'Hitler teabagger posters seem even sillier.

If you're going to go Godwin, this seems more appropriate than those clowns.

[JDPriestly]

97. 45,000 compared to some 3,000 on 9/11. Think about it.

Terror under a different name. Some people have strange medical problems that are chronic or too small to qualify for emergency care. They don't dare call a doctor to find out what is wrong and get treatment. They live in terror. That is especially true when it is a child with the strange medical problem.

[texasleo]

173. I was right. He had to apologize.

[knitter4democracy]

101. It was a slap to the pro-lifers.

They use that term all the time to refer to those lost to abortions.

[lumberjack_jeff]

51. That was f'ing completely awesome.

This guy's a hero.

Memo to other congresspeople, you want to be a hero, watch this guy.

This guy is like an epiphany. He makes you realize just what kind of mealy-mouthed bullshitters the rest of our elected officials are.

[bermudat]

54. It's been over 24 hours and he hasn't apologized yet?

Wish there were more Dems like him in the Senate. The House Dems seem to have a spine.

[1776Forever]

56. A man after my own heart! I moved from FL because of bankruptcy from health issues.

I know he is telling the truth! If you are an adult in Florida and you have no insurance they show you the door and say "Have a nice day!". While you go off into the night without any care. My son went through this and if it hadn't been for his family he would have died! They expect the family to be there and they can only do so much! It cost thousands and thousands of $$$$ to get a chronically ill person back to health and no middle class person or family has that kind of money! By the Grace of God my son made it through and we got help from a State run Medical College group. Thank you so much Congressman Grayson!

[20score]

57. F'ing A Ringo! We need a couple hundred more like that in congress. Hear that Harry Reid?

Real men aren't jellyfish.

[azmouse]

58. www.graysonforcongress.com/

Let's donate to this guy and keep him in there fighting. I like this guy!

[JNelson6563]

65. Excellent suggestion!

www.graysonforcongress.com

Check it out DU, a sane voice outta Florida.

Julie

[leftrightwingnut]

120. Thanks for the link! I gave him some $$.

I'm glad to see that working for the people is what Grayson is all about, that this isn't just a one-time stunt.

[shireen]

112. thank you, I just made a small contribution and thanked him. nt

[Owl]

61. Awesome! A spine and guts too!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

62. Off to write a thank you note...

[BumRushDaShow]

64. K&R

[myrna minx]

66. K&R Excellent! n/t

[bridgit]

67. I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize for republicans for being insufferably...

pissy little small minded thin-skinned hypocrites so bent & twisted on 'winning' they'll eat their own vomit

[icnorth]

69. Now that's what we're talking about...

and after he had the repubs in shock and awe over at CNN you can rest assured Blitzkrieg won't be inviting him back anytime soon.

[MrModerate]

100. I dunno . . . all Blitzer is really interested in is good television . . .

and as Carville said, this guy is good on TV. Blitzer's tame 'Licans tried to fight back but they brought nothing to the battle and just looked weak.

He'll be back.

Well done, Rep. Grayson!

[geckosfeet]

71. I like this guy. Can we clone him?

Apologies to the original clone poster upthread - missed it.

[Dr Fate]

72. NOW *THAT* IS A DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE!

Another DEM has made my donation list.

Yo DNC, DCC, etc, please note that I only give to "Grayson" Democrats.

[Historic NY]

73. Way to go Alan.

[TuxedoKat]

74. Good for him.

I hope some of his colleagues will follow his lead and grow a spine too. What courage!

[NYC_SKP]

75. Kick and Rec # 200. n/t

[theFrankFactor]

76. I love This Mother FU*KER!

A first termer. Let's see if he becomes a typical Democrat zombie.

[Maru Kitteh]

77. Wow. Just. Thank you Rep. Grayson.

[MellowDem]

78. This guy is the first Dem to show some fucking spine....

and I LOVE it! This is what we need, and I hope other Democrats are taking notice.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

79. I love this man nt

[spanone]

80. when i saw the clip, i was cheering....!!!!!111

[AllyCat]

81. "Lets remember we should care about people even after they're born."

OMG!!! This is fantabulous!!! I say this to 'cons sometimes and they just look at me dumbfounded. More of them need to hear this.

And the whole thing about PROVING how the Republicans want people to die...maybe not quickly or slowly, just...die.

Thanks for this. This is awesome and goin' up on FB when I can access.

[AwakeAtLast]

83. I thought that was the best part!

[FourScore]

84. I like this guy! n/t k/r

[HappyCynic]

85. K & R

[TexasObserver]

86. recommened ... because this is AWESOME!

[iceman66]

88. Bravo for Grayson!

May he be an example to his fellow Democrats in Congress!

[Toasterlad]

89. I'm Cynical Enough To Believe This Guy Saw What a Little Notoriety Did For Joe Wilson...

...and might be out to make a name for himself. However, I'm very glad he said what he said. Whatever his motivation, it needed saying.

[DUlover2909]

90. "this holocaust in America."

While I can't agree literally with the term "holocaust" because it literally means "total burn", I can agree with his sentiment. This is the kind of fiery language that is needed to perk up the ears of the woefully stupid and ignorant portion of our population that doesn't understand the stakes of this debate until they are the ones for which death comes knocking, even though they have "insurance."

Insurance should always be in quotes from now on.

[Djinn]

94. Just to be really pedantic

It's actually the Greek word holocaustos which means total burn not holocaust which means a massive loss of life - I think it's an entirely appropriate word to describe the situation in which the richest nation on earth lets 45,000 people die each year because they can't afford/are refused insurance.

[DUlover2909]

95. No argument here. Thanks.

[wroberts189]

91. He just made himself into a hero. knr

[moondust]

92. Needed to be said.

"Small h" holocaust.

Thank you Rep. Grayson.

K&R.

[ismnotwasm]

96. And to think

I wasn't going to click on this thread.

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

Helluva line

Go Grayson!

I will be sending an email of support to be followed by one by snail mail to Representative Grayson. For starters.

[grahamhgreen]

98. They are killing us. NOW can Obama tell the repubs - WE WILL HAVE SINGLE PAYER, PERIOD!

At least he could have the guts to say we MUST have a public option.

And get rid of that evil mandatory pay or punish bullsh*t.

[abelenkpe]

131. I agree!

We need to start a campaign or petition of something that gets lots of press. Because right now reform is looking like a joke without the public option and with mandatory pay or punish.

Also, what is this stuff about dropping the employer mandate? Anyone know whats up with that?

Our health care costs at work shot up again. I guess I should consider myself lucky to have that at all. Of course companies also about to lay off half the work force and make the rest take their pto for current lack of work.

In this economy it is imperative to pass real health care reform, before that 44,000 a year number triples due to unemployment.


Petition? Anyone????? Suggestions? Help?

[grahamhgreen]

139. We need the President to use his position to lobby for the people, single payer or the public option

There must be some way to get this guy on our side again...

[winyanstaz]

102. Good job Senator Grayson!

Now thats a leader!
Thank you on behalf of my family, my friends and myself, and for every other American that pays their taxes, has worked hard all their life and cannot afford to see a Doctor.
You sir, are a Patriot.

[peekaloo]

133. He's a Congressman. IF ONLY we had a Senator like him.

Instead we have a seat warmer for Chuckles the Opportunist and Bill "Blue Balls" Nelson.

[winyanstaz]

164. oops..you are correct :) sorry about that ..I was mad and not paying attention..

[Amonester]

105. K&R

http://www.actblue.com/page/graysonapology

[AllyCat]

111. Done

[Piewhacket]

106. to repukes: We're So Sorry Uncle Albert, We're So Sorry If We Caused You Any Pain

UNCLE ALBERT
Paul McCartney

We're So Sorry Uncle Albert
We're So Sorry If We Caused You Any Pain
We're So Sorry Uncle Albert
But There's No One Left At Home
And I Believe I'm Gonna Rain

We're So Sorry But We Haven't Heard A Thing All Day
We're So Sorry Uncle Albert
But If Anything Should Happen We'll Be Sure To Give A Ring

We're So Sorry Uncle Albert
But We Haven't Done A Bloody Thing All Day
We're So Sorry Uncle Albert
But The Kettle's On The Boil And We're So Easily Called Away

Hand Across The Water (Water)
Heads Across The Sky
Hand Across The Water (Water)
Heads Across The Sky

[mrs premise]

107. Let's hope the next leap...

Like a fellow poster, I saw the title, and thought "oh shit, folded again". But, then (clouds open, shaft of sunlight, majestic music) I see that I was wrong. My god, this is like the pols of old. This is like FDR saying "I welcome their hatred." I was hoping it would be Obama, but at this point it is any port in a storm. He represents what we want. This man stands for us. So, we need to stand for him. I have no money, but I will find some for him. I will call his office in praise. And, this will be up on my facebook tomorrow! We can worry about him being thrown to the wolves later(if he knows he is supported he can stand strong), today let's put him on our shoulders and carry him through the cheering throngs!

[Jamastiene]

109. Fuckin' A. n/t

[2QT2BSTR8]

110. Good response. From the Whitehouse via Grayson, but still a good response.

[shireen]

113. i hope he gets a surge of donations ...

we need more like him.

i thought Rachel's interview with him was kinda mediocre. It would have been nice to hear a more substantive discussion about healthcare.

[calimary]

114. This man is my new hero!

LOVE LOVE LOVE him!!!

Could we clone his backbone and get the good Dr. Dean to prescribe implantation surgery?

[Pooka Fey]

115. Awesome speech. KnR

[LeftishBrit]

118. Great speech! I wish there were more politicians like him!

[daleanime]

119. Oh hell yea...

[leftrightwingnut]

121. Oooh! I think Grayson hit a nerve! Did you see the Repug response?

He has them actually screeching in pain:

Reaction:

Jim Greer, Republican Party of Florida

“The people of Central Florida sent Alan Grayson to Washington to work for them. Instead, he has become the laughing stock of the House of Representatives and a complete embarrassment to his constituents. What we have seen over the course of the last 24 hour is a Congressman who is completely consumed with his own spotlight and has absolutely no respect for the citizens who elected him. I am more and more appalled with every twisted turn of the Alan Grayson roll coaster. It’s time for Congressman Grayson to leave the amusement park and go back to work for the people of Central Florida. I don’t know who is running the ship over at the FDP, but it’s about time for someone to demonstrate a least a little bit of leadership ability, take control of this situation and tell Congressman Grayson to stop digging. Karen Thurman, Bill Nelson, Alex Sink, Kendrick Meek… someone… anyone…”

"It's time for Congressman Grayson...to go back to work for the people of Central Florida."

Uh, Mr. Greer, that's what he is doing. This is what "working for the people" looks like.

[lpbk2713]

134. You need to look around Greer.

And see just who is laughing at whom. The voters have gotten wise to the obstructionist tactics of the "Party of No". Your party never has represented the people. They only represent big business and big money.




WAAAH!! No fair!!

[grahamhgreen]

140. Does he represent Orlando?