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|NEXT STORY »

POLITICAL HIJINKS

Dem Won't Apologize for 'Die Quickly' Gag

Comments about 'Republican health care plan' light up YouTube

Posted Sep 30, 09 11:20 AM CDT|

(AP) – Florida Rep. Alan Grayson is refusing to apologize for his snarky statement on the House floor that Republicans want Americans to “die quickly.” Last night, Grayson took the floor and declared that he had, after much probing, determined that Republicans had a two part plan: Don’t get sick, and if you do, die quickly. “That’s right,” he repeated, “the Republicans want you to die quickly.”

Republicans swung into action. Eric Cantor put the statement on YouTube, and it swiftly went viral. Rep. Marsha Blackburn asked for an apology, and the Republican Congressional Committee sent the press six stories on the incident over the next 12 hours, comparing it to Joe Wilson’s “You Lie” incident. One rep called it “about the most mean-spirited partisan statement that I've ever heard made on this floor.” But Grayson, so far, remains unrepentant.

[Images (1)]

[Videos (1)]

Alan Grayson displays a card outlining the GOP's supposed health plan: Don't get sick. But if you do, "die quickly." (YouTube)

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Rep. Alan Grayson lays out his impression of "the Republican Plan." (youtube.com)

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11.23.09

Books Are Bad for You

11.20.09

The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun

52 comments

VIEWING:

WallyEFunk
Sep 30, 09 11:24 AM CDT

Ohhh A Gag, Funny. Reply

-2

IN RESPONSE:

Reader64481089
Sep 30, 09 12:32 PM CDT

"Don’t get sick, and if you do, die quickly." Almost a year and in truth this is exactly what the Republicans are saying, waving blank pieces of paper to play "pretend" during the Nationally televised speech and not one damn bit of help to build a bill. What else could we expect from Birthers and the hero party who produce followers such as Citrixgurl who also make hollow statements that mean totally nothing

+11

| 0 minutes ago

Citrixguy
Sep 30, 09 11:25 AM CDT

What a fu*king moron... Reply

-22

IN RESPONSE:

Citrixguy
Sep 30, 09 11:33 AM CDT

Still, it's about all one can expect from a liberal

-37

IN RESPONSE:

aprilfool
Sep 30, 09 11:38 AM CDT

While I think this was a stupid thing to say, saying stupid things has nothing to do with being a liberal OR a conservative. Don't conveniently omit all of the death panel bullshit we've been fed the last few months.

+24

IN RESPONSE:

sully4411
Sep 30, 09 11:39 AM CDT

hater alert

-2

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 30, 09 11:59 AM CDT

This hardly compares to You Lie Wilson. It was late at night and no one watching. Dem/Lib hypocrisy? Sounds like the republicans don't like it when their tactics are used against them.

+13

IN RESPONSE:

Nagual
Sep 30, 09 12:00 PM CDT

Trollin is a art.

-1

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 30, 09 12:00 PM CDT

@Citrixguy, if this guy is a moron, so is You Lie Wilson.

IN RESPONSE:

AnnieOkie58
Sep 30, 09 4:47 PM CDT

still wearing your sisters make-up...I see....LOL

IN RESPONSE:

Adapt-Overcome
Sep 30, 09 5:14 PM CDT

Who you?

| 0 minutes ago

Derni
Sep 30, 09 11:28 AM CDT

So at least someone's getting a response-and if we don't have thr repiublicans Congress help out the democrats get a plan thru then what is the message republicans are sending?? It can't bve the money-we pay 3 million or more to cover Congress for their medical care-and they pay $503 for their great packagep-so tell me Congress-when are you going to deliever-??? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

DanB
Sep 30, 09 11:30 AM CDT

The repugs don't want anyone to have what they have. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Sep 30, 09 11:53 AM CDT

@dan actually the republicans submitted an amendment to ensure that congress was covered under the same plan as the rest of the country. It was voted down in committee along party lines. so really the democrats don't want anyone to have what they have. here is the resolution that was co-sponsored by 53 republicans http://fleming.house.gov/images/FLEMING%20HEALTH%20CARE%20RESOLUTION.pdf

-1

IN RESPONSE:

my-name-here
Sep 30, 09 11:59 AM CDT

@godawgs, thanks for the link.

| 0 minutes ago

Doctor_Zaius
Sep 30, 09 11:30 AM CDT

The truth shall set you free.... Reply

+13

IN RESPONSE:

aprilfool
Sep 30, 09 11:33 AM CDT

Yeah, but it's more an act of dramatic grand-standing than anything else. I support health care reform, but what good will come of this? It's just fuel for the Fox News machine to help run reform into the ground.

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Sep 30, 09 11:56 AM CDT

@april...the repubs have not denied its accuracy, only complained that its mean-spirited...nor did this guy interrupt the president, unlike joe wilson...

IN RESPONSE:

aprilfool
Sep 30, 09 12:05 PM CDT

I realize that, but my point is we're not going to get anywhere with this type of (non) dialog. Like I said, I support reform, but we're not getting a debate based upon facts (which--I realize--generally bores people to tears). It's been reduced to team sports, and it makes us all look ugly.

| 0 minutes ago

aprilfool
Sep 30, 09 11:30 AM CDT

This was a foolish action that adds nothing to the discourse and only creates more mudslinging across party lines. Why create more fuel for those who already passionately oppose health care reform? Ugh. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Sep 30, 09 11:57 AM CDT

i figure its about time a demorat grew a pair and called it like he saw it.

-2

| 0 minutes ago

Mia
Sep 30, 09 11:32 AM CDT

Is this any different than republican talking about death panels? Reply

IN RESPONSE:

aprilfool
Sep 30, 09 11:36 AM CDT

I totally agree, which makes it equally despicable. This is not how we turn those who already disagree with health-care reform into supporters-- it's just more fear-mongering.

-3

IN RESPONSE:

thejoint00
Sep 30, 09 12:56 PM CDT

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/lawmaker-news/54651-finance-committee-drops-end-of-life-provision ____ http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-tc-nw-death-panel-0813-0814aug14,0,2071822.story ____ if it wasn't in there it wouldn't have been dropped.

| 0 minutes ago

my-name-here
Sep 30, 09 11:35 AM CDT

This is precisely why Wilson should have just apologized to the house and been done with it. Now the tit-for-tat crap has been turned loose and is infecting both parties. Yes their supporters may agree with them, but if everyone is acting like school children, we are left with a playground. It will go on and can only further the growing divide. What possible good can come from these excessive theatrics? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

jamerican
Sep 30, 09 11:38 AM CDT

The dems scream if a repub hurts someone's feelings...but this is typical dem hipocracy. Reply

-7

IN RESPONSE:

BlahBlahBlah
Sep 30, 09 11:57 AM CDT

It goes both ways. I seem to remember the republicans being the party of "YOU LIE!” Ring any bells? I am not defending the man, what he did was stupid and uncalled for. However, that does not make it the "typical dem hypocrisy”. It means that democrats and republicans alike can display a complete lack of tact.

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Sep 30, 09 11:57 AM CDT

Except for the fact that it's true.

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Sep 30, 09 11:59 AM CDT

it is true...AND he didnt interrupt the pres... apples to oranges, people.

| 0 minutes ago

divetrader
Sep 30, 09 12:27 PM CDT

I am trying to figure out why you boneheads are comparing it to "You Lie!". It is a fact that Republicans don't support healthcare, except for insurance companies. There is more money to spread around for their ciffures if people die so they don't have to pay for medical bills. Thus more money for investors. Grayson didn't lie. He put a challenge to Republicans to come up with an idea. Something they are incapable of doing. Drones don't have ideas. They just spout out what others tell them to spout out. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Unaffiliated
Sep 30, 09 12:39 PM CDT

And Grayson is being a drone in saying that the Republicans haven't come up with any ideas. They have suggested a few things, most notably medical malpractice reform, but I don't think medical malpractice reform is enough to bring the spiraling cost of health care under control.

| 0 minutes ago

Unaffiliated
Sep 30, 09 12:37 PM CDT

I'd bet good money this isn't at all the "most mean-spirited partisan statement" ever made on the floor. Still, Grayson was not being at all constructive when he (or his staff) took the time to have posters made up and then took the floor to make this statement. The Republicans are not being constructive trying to fan whatever flames Grayson's bomb ignited. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

cornelison
Sep 30, 09 3:52 PM CDT

The Republicans have been saying outrageous lies about health care & the citizenship of The President. The morning staff on MSNBC were shocked about the Democrat's statement in Congress. Please spare me.

| 0 minutes ago

Krystle
Sep 30, 09 12:38 PM CDT

Hmm, I was always under the assumption they were for a slower death by not supporting assisted suicide of terminally ill people. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Timinator2K
Sep 30, 09 12:56 PM CDT

The Jackass is the symbol of the Democratic Party for an exact reason....and Satan, the father of all lies, is their god...and speech writer. Reply

-12

IN RESPONSE:

Caps
Sep 30, 09 1:57 PM CDT

Timinator2K, what have you been snorting?

IN RESPONSE:

dax
Sep 30, 09 1:58 PM CDT

A comment which does absolutely nothing to substantiate your opposition to either Grayson's statement or the Democratic party.

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 30, 09 2:23 PM CDT

The "symbol" of the Democratic Party is Barack H. Obama.

| 0 minutes ago

thejoint00
Sep 30, 09 1:04 PM CDT

http://www.newser.com/story/70228/flu-plan-directs-docs-to-take-sickest-off-life-support.html Reply

-2

| 0 minutes ago

LiberalJesus
Sep 30, 09 1:44 PM CDT

Not a single republican has denied the claim, only that it was "mean"...what a hoot Reply

+13

IN RESPONSE:

dax
Sep 30, 09 1:57 PM CDT

Exactly !

IN RESPONSE:

cornelison
Sep 30, 09 3:44 PM CDT

The public must be getting sick of the hypocrisy & false rage of the Republicans. Americans must hate some politicians more now than ever before.

| 0 minutes ago

Fondue
Sep 30, 09 2:22 PM CDT

With an average approval rating of Congress around 30% I don't see why they even care about the rules. And, it might improve their rating IMO. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

JimW
Sep 30, 09 3:34 PM CDT

I'm just glad there is finally a Dem with big enough balls to push back like that. Grayson ROX !!!! Reply

| 0 minutes ago

cornelison
Sep 30, 09 3:39 PM CDT

Patients who have a terminal illness require intensive care in a hospital. This the most expensive part of a health plan. The insurance companies don't want to pay for that terminal care because it interferes with their profit. Americans are being seen as a liability to insurance companies & they are the ones who don't care about people's health. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

cornelison
Sep 30, 09 3:43 PM CDT

What the Congressperson has said is small compared to the rhetoric we've been hearing 24/7 from Republicans. What he said was true but he could have worded it better. Eg., the Republicans don't care about the lives of Americans - especially people who are sick or dying. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

DarkFrancis
Sep 30, 09 4:26 PM CDT

Once again, removed from the guts of the situation all the way over in socialist, communist, liberal fascist Australia I simply sit here startled at the whole healthcare thing. The other day I was on the phone to one of my best friends, in Texas, who is currently undergoing some health issues. She recently received a letter from her health insurer demanding proof of every doctor she's seen, every physio appt, every hospital she's been in and every script she's had filled...for the last five years. This after a car accident whch nearly killed her. The price for non-compliance? Losing her coverage. Whatever 'options' are offered by government, there's something cancerous about your health system. The big picture in America seems lost to many. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Fiskebolle
Sep 30, 09 4:40 PM CDT

What's next, rap battles with SMS votes to determine political issues? Really. What a laugh your crumbling nation is becoming. Thanks for the amusement! Reply

-3

IN RESPONSE:

Face-Of-RNC
Sep 30, 09 5:31 PM CDT

This crumbling nation put men on the moon and will soon enough have a crew on Mars. What has your nation done to top that? If you can't stand how messy democracy is, then please change the channel. Kiss my red white and blue ass!

IN RESPONSE:

LiberalJesus
Oct 1, 09 9:28 AM CDT

Ok dude, what great nation are you from that can compare to all the good this nation has done? We have are problems I will grant you that but there isnt another place in the universe I would rather live than these great Unitied States. We have our whackos and guns and misguided politicans and selfish upperclass and greedy corporate structure and yet we still are the greatest nation in the world. I do not need to point out who the world comes to when the rest of the world needs held do I? I do not need to point out who supplied the Brits and the Ruskies with war material when that Nazi freakjob ( no, not Glenn Beck) but Hitler was on the verge of creating one big Germany do I? Tell us what great nation you are from and tell Americans all the good your nation as done. If you got nothing then shut your big fat stupid yapper!

| 0 minutes ago

Adapt-Overcome
Sep 30, 09 5:17 PM CDT

HOW FUNNY..HA!HA!HA! The Republicans were shouting DEATH PANELS, KILL GRANDMA AND SOCIALIST from the Roof Tops at anyone that would listen. And now they are upset about a comment made by a democrat. I don't think he has to apologize to anyone for that comment. Palin never apologized for her ignorant rants...in that little mind of hers she swore they were true. Quite frankly, the Repubs haven't shown in the last 12 years that they've had one single idea on how to help American's with health care reform and today this still don't, they just point fingers and shout distractions. When they get a clue...then maybe they'll hear an apology, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Shannonals
Sep 30, 09 8:02 PM CDT

So, let me see if I understand...Republicans make an interpretation out of a passage in the Haelthcare bill that translates into a chant of Death Panels for the elderly, a Senator breaks with tradition in Congress yelling out during a speech, and now the GOP are yelling foul over a comment adn demanding an apology? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

View all 52 comments »

Florida • House of Representatives • partisanship • apology • health care reform • House Democrats • Alan Grayson

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