Harry Reid must apologize
posted at 11:03 am on October 11, 2007 by Bryan
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Sen. Harry Reid is either a bigot or a fool. He spoke at Brigham Young University yesterday, and Deseret News quotes him as saying the following.
Reid also told reporters the Republican Party has been driven by evangelical Christians for 20 years. “They are the most anti-Christian people I can imagine, the people from the Christian far right.”
“…anti-Christian…” As in “against Christianity itself.” It doesn’t get much plainer than that. In Harry Reid’s world, “the people from the Christian far right” are more anti-Christian than the Communist government in China that persecutes Christians, the atheists who regularly smear Christians and the Muslim governments and jihadists who routinely murder Christians from Sudan to Pakistan. They are less anti-Christian, in Harry Reid’s world, than I am.
Reid’s statement shows nothing but hatred and intolerance for Christians who don’t subscribe to his neo-Rooseveltian political world view. Reid has spent the past week intentionally mischaracterizing Rush Limbaugh’s “phony soldiers” remark (lying through his teeth, in other words, which is hardly a Christian act), and now has the gall to smear millions of Americans who happen to be socially conservative Christians. Sen. Reid is contemptible.
Reid must apologize immediately for smearing millions of Americans by characterizing us as “anti-Christian.”
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Bigots and fools are indignant.
Entelechy on October 11, 2007 at 2:08 PM
Let them reveal themselves.
The biggest impedement to political progress is the vomit-inducing charade being played by both sides that cedes moral high ground to the Left by accepting their claim of “care” “concern” and “compassion” - even though everyone knows the Left are sick haters infected with the totalitarian impulse. Let them reveal themselves!
Halley on October 11, 2007 at 2:13 PM
Nuanced. I can’t wait for Rush to rip this.
Black Adam on October 11, 2007 at 2:14 PM
And these are the people who will control both houses and the WH. I am just giddy over it.
Limerick on October 11, 2007 at 2:17 PM
Harry Reid is a contemptible piece of garbage who ought to be run out of the country as a traitor. Yet he keeps getting re-elected. I am so sick of these clowns who lie and do everything they can to undermine our country just for thier own power.
And for the record, I think he should apologize, then resign.
jdawg on October 11, 2007 at 2:19 PM
Please stop demanding apologies. It is no less sickening when such demands are made from the Republican side of the aisle. Do you really think an “apology” will accomplish anything?
bosteed on October 11, 2007 at 2:32 PM
Ah yes just another day. Let me search the MSM, the blogs and any where else I can think of for something that I can be insulted by. Then I can stand proud and demand an apology.
coldshot on October 11, 2007 at 2:35 PM
As a Mormon myself, I’m conflicted about Reid. On the one hand, he’s managed to become the highest elected LDS person in history (unless, I think, you count the King of Tonga–the new one, I think, is LDS). And generally, he’s okay on the few occasions when the LDS church needs to speak up. After all, one could legitimately claim he’s one of the most powerful people in the world and SHOULD be a source of pride.
He’s not a bad member either, from all accounts. You don’t have to worry about him being Teddy morally. There’s no question of anything like a Senator Craig or Barney Frank issue, or even Bill Clinton’s zipper undone–Reid isn’t that way. He may have some corruption issues, but that’s not something I can discuss with authority–I don’t know.
But gosh darn it, he’s such a freaking lib tool! That speech at BYU (BTW, BYU was being equal opportunity–Reid and Cheney have both spoken there this year) was meant for a BYU audience. I don’t agree with a lot of what he said (ignore abortion and focus on welfare? LOL). In this context, though, with “evangelical Christians” being the most Un-Christian– I have to agree with some of the other LDS knowledgeble commentators. It was addressed, I think, to those lovely anti-mormon people who claim to be evangelicals and Christians, but spend all their time and money attacking and tearing down the LDS church. I point to some of the comment threads on Mitt here at Hotair where that kind of language is present–but some people take it to extremes. In particular, I think of one organization that has been repeatedly rebuked by the Anti-jewish defamation league and many other ecumenical groups as displaying sheer bigotry.
The LDS church has a unique history in the US–without question, we are historically the most persecuted religion in America. Some of the stuff that was enacted, practiced and made legal against Mormons far dwarfs anything I’ve seen people call for against Muslims. It got so bad that at one point, in Idaho, just being Mormon cost you your right to vote–and that was held legal. Not to mention the official state genocide order issued at one time too from Missouri. Thankfully, for the most part that’s gone by the wayside.
The primary driver of this? Some of our Evangelical brethren–at least in name. I would say that at least in regards to people back then, Reid is fully correct. Nowadays, not so much, but we LDS are still a bit sensitive –while we are allied for the most part with the Evangelical side, we look at them with wariness, as any time some of them may decide to once again go on a “Cult-bashing” spree, and we are number one in those cross-hairs.
Vanceone on October 11, 2007 at 2:36 PM
Having grown up in Vegas, my family had a lot of roots there in local politics and civil life and also as members of the LDS church. My fam had ties with Sen Reid back in the day, and we all voted for him because we knew him as a good guy, though we didn’t agree with all his views, (think social conservative, plus big government liberal). Now that is all gone, and all my family definitely did NOT vote for him last time around.
BTW,
This is a big reason I like this site; the commenters here are honest in correcting the record when they make mistakes.
sweetlipsbutterhoney on October 11, 2007 at 2:43 PM
Even if Mormons have a legit. beef with evangelicals, that can’t justify Reid. And he being a Mormon who will on occasion speak up for Mormon concerns isn’t sufficient justification to vote for him. You may wish to support him as a good Mormon, but I don’t even understand that when he’s not a loyal American. Ditto Schumer and those who support him.
JiangxiDad on October 11, 2007 at 2:44 PM
Once again, proof that Capitol Hill is so dysfunctional that if it were a corporations it would be bankrupt. I have no faith in our legistators right now, I dont’ care what silly party they are in.
gator70 on October 11, 2007 at 2:47 PM
Ditto that. I really don’t care that he’s Mormon. I know lots of Mormons, and while I don’t agree with thier theology I still consider them friends. This is about Harry Reid being something other than a tru, loyal, patriotic American, who has no problem lying about those he disagrees with. I am tired of his lies, and I am tired of his efforts to see us lose the war on terror.
jdawg on October 11, 2007 at 2:49 PM
From JiangxiDad.
I never said I support the guy, indeed I think very few LDS people would anymore. There’s actually a decent debate going on whether you CAN be a good LDS member and also a Democrat. In the past, it was a no brainer–you could. Several of the church’s top leaders were Dems. But with the recent left turn, I’m not sure anymore.
I don’t want to defend Reid’s policies (indeed, I’m mostly glad people DON’T usually bring up his LDS status–he doesn’t represent the church very well in my view, so it’s best not to be associated with him). His policies stink, I dislike him, he’s a hypocrite to the max. I’ve criticized him numerous times. But in response to Bryan’s post, I DID want to point out that there was a reason for him to say that.
Having said that, I want to clarify that many if not most Evangelicals are great people, and we disagree cordially on theology, etc. So don’t get me wrong–the LDS church and most evangelicals have a pretty solid united front on many things, though the LDS church itself is for the most part apolitical. But there are those Evangelicals that for the LDS, at least, we fully understand Reid’s statements. Of course, Reid probably intended it to be a general smear of Evangelicals in general, and if so, I also don’t agree with that and wish he would clarify or retract it.
Vanceone on October 11, 2007 at 2:56 PM
Thanks for setting the record straight, AND I really like your screen name.
tikvah on October 11, 2007 at 3:09 PM
Gregor on October 11, 2007 at 3:09 PM
As a Catholic who went to BYU many years ago, does what cranky Harry said surprise me? No, I’ve heard worse about us “non-members” as we were called…I was on their turf so I get it, but when a national leader says the stuff said amongst his own isn’t he afraid one of us “non-members” will tattle?
deedledee on October 11, 2007 at 3:15 PM
I would actually prefer that Reid didn’t apologize for his statement. If he asks for forgiveness, then we will, of course forgive. In the meantime, look at all those millions of us he just offended.
Good job, Harry! Keep putting that slant on how government views the governed. Lest he forget though, this is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
Tennman on October 11, 2007 at 3:15 PM
Thank you!!!
:-)
ColtsFan on October 11, 2007 at 3:15 PM
I just read the post you linked to. Is it satire or are you serious?
tikvah on October 11, 2007 at 3:26 PM
Biggest dildo in politics but he is a constant reminder of what the left is all about. You go girl!
sabbott on October 11, 2007 at 3:31 PM
Jesus was a socialist leftist! Yea…whatever! Socialist leftist governments have murdered millions and millions of their people over the years! You are an idiot! Jesus would NEVER condone this! EVER! He is and was the Prince of Peace…the Son of God and the Saviour of the World! Stop the crap! I take offense at your poking fun at my Lord!
sabbott on October 11, 2007 at 3:33 PM
I am serious. Did the correct html link go through???
The original link is below.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPORTS0301
Peyton is really that good of a quarterback. He is close to breaking all of the records, though Brett Favre is still active and way out front. Just give Peyton a couple of years.
ColtsFan on October 11, 2007 at 3:35 PM
Lol, Coltsfan, I was referring to Enrique’s post, not yours. I know Peyton’s the bomb!
tikvah on October 11, 2007 at 3:37 PM
My bad.
I am multi-tasking here at work, with 4 websites up and running.
My mistake. :-)
ColtsFan on October 11, 2007 at 3:38 PM
For those of you that have never heard the Good News…
We are all sinners who have violated God’s Holy Law! We deserve eternal death and punishment.
But, Jesus Christ came into the world as a sinless man (also God’s son) to die on our behalf for our sins. All we need to do to get this salvation is to accept what Jesus did for us! Simply tell God that you accept Jesus sacrifice on your behalf and associate yourself with a Christian Church.
Think about the alternative…dying without knowing what’s going to happen to you? You each have God’s law written on your heart. Thou shalt not kill, etc. Because he said it was!
Explain Pslam 22 if you don’t believe? King Dave lived many years before Jesus!
sabbott on October 11, 2007 at 3:38 PM
tikvah,
This guy is a first-rate scholar. I think you will enjoy his articles.
ColtsFan on October 11, 2007 at 3:41 PM
I’m waiting for this myself.
-T
The Therapist on October 11, 2007 at 3:43 PM
I am still baffled at how Reid can be a member in good standing, after how he’s acted the last few years in Washington and how far left he truly is. I can’t think of one–not one–more disgraceful and intellectually dishonest scum in Congress. He’s a disgrace to his church, his country, and humanity itself. The fact that he is politely recieved at a place like BYU and a patriot like VP Cheney has a controversial visit to the same place a couple months prior is a very sad commentary on the state of things today. How can that be possible?
Patriot33 on October 11, 2007 at 3:46 PM
All is forgiven. But I really do want to know about Enrique’s post. Did you read it? It sounds like satire, but he seems so sincere. I’m confused.
tikvah on October 11, 2007 at 3:48 PM
You should never have to apologize for expressing an opinion in America, no matter who it offends, or how poorly reasoned it is.
RightOFLeft on October 11, 2007 at 3:53 PM
EXACTLY!
You don’t have to be “religious” to recognize character. If somebody proclaims themselves to be a Roman Catholic and then devotes a career to the “right” to kill unborn life, there is a character issue in play. Big Time.
I’m not an expert on the LDS but I’m pretty sure that Harry isn’t measuring up when he gets involved in those shady land deals (wonder if he tithes the spoils from his corruption). In the sense that we are all sinners, we are all anti-Christian to a certain extent. Nevertheless, for Harry Reid to call out Christians the way he did at BYU is offensive no matter the audience.
highhopes on October 11, 2007 at 3:56 PM
So long as you are willing to defend it afterwards. At best we can expect a Durbin-like apology out of Dirty Harry. I.e. “sorry if you were offended”
highhopes on October 11, 2007 at 3:58 PM
Maybe you should give Psalm 22 a reread Sabbott.. or research the various translations first.
frreal on October 11, 2007 at 4:10 PM
I think his error was in his choke.
“Evangelical Christians” is a big net — too big for the “anti-Christian” label. There are certainly evangelical Christian figures who fit the bill: James Dobson, Pat Robertson, Randall Terry. These people preach violence, hatred, and intolerance — things which are objectively anti-Christian. But that doesn’t condemn everyone who identifies with the “evangelical Christian” label.
Mark Jaquith on October 11, 2007 at 4:17 PM
Give me a little while with him.
Waterboarding can bring about a nice apology.
americaslaststand on October 11, 2007 at 4:35 PM
wow sweet land deal harry
malkinmania on October 11, 2007 at 4:39 PM
A Democrat apologizing? You must be joking. Did Bill Clinton apologize for sexually assaulting Kathleen Willey? Did Hillary apologize for cheating on cattle futures contracts? Did 2/3 of Clinton (William Jefferson) ever apologize for his frozen assets taken as the result of bribes? Did John Murtha apologize for slandering Marines? Be realistic.
MaiDee on October 11, 2007 at 4:46 PM
if he ever apologizes, someone get the flying pig graphic from LGF
Defector01 on October 11, 2007 at 4:50 PM
Bryan, I read this earlier today but didn’t respond. Have to now , I am in agreement with you that Reid needs to say he is sorry. Not that I would believe him but at least he needs to say it. What most need to study is the occultic symbols associated with the “temples” of the Morman church. Jeesh it is terrible.
mjkazee on October 11, 2007 at 5:23 PM
This really doesn’t warrant a mandated apology. And it makes us look like the whining hordes on the left.
Let The Walking Cadaver say whatever he wants.
unamused on October 11, 2007 at 5:25 PM
While the number you wrote wasn’t correct, I think you may be right in a way. In 1998, he only won by about 400 or 500 votes. I imagine it likely that more than that many mormons voted for him just because he is mormon and not for his politics. This despite the fact he hopes mormons do not support Romney simply for his religion.
Jens on October 11, 2007 at 5:25 PM
I bet Brian Williams, Katie Couric and whoever the other talking head is will help you get Harry to apologize, Bryan.
peacenprosperity on October 11, 2007 at 5:30 PM
We’re waaaaayyy beyond this kind of appeal, Bryan, imho.
Harry Reid believes his comments are politically safe, as do his comrades.
Liberals are unified; conservatives are still shell-shocked.
Randy
williars on October 11, 2007 at 5:51 PM
Liberals don’t apologize for anything that offends Christians, conservatives, or pro-lifers.
If they offend other liberals-leftists, they will not apologize, but their friends will tell how they did not mean to offend, that it was only a joke, they were minunderstood, and all is well with the world, and the offending liberal-leftist is, once again, off the hook.
In other words, liberals-leftists are dishonest, immoral, and valueless, unless one calls hating Christians, Israel, the US military, Conservatives, pro-lifers, babies living inside mother’s womb, the institution of marriage as it has been for thousands of years - a man and a woman at its most basic, honesty, compassion, kindness, and sincerity having morals and values.
William
William2006 on October 11, 2007 at 6:08 PM
I despise Reid politically. As a Mormon myself, I do wonder how he can in good conscience - perhaps he lacks one - say and do so many vicious, hateful things in a position of such power and authority, and still call himself a good Mormon.
His comments at BYU at the post-address press conference answer that to some degree. He’s a democrat first, so he sees everything through that lens. He takes his religion a la carte.
Last year, when the LDS church came out vocally in favor of the marriage amendment, even taking the unusual step of advocating for the issue from the pulpit, Harry Reid worked against the bill. That tells me all I need to know about the man’s priorities.
sulla on October 11, 2007 at 6:57 PM
Correct me if I’m wrong, but are not Mormons as a whole socially and politically more conservative than Christians as a whole (meaning Burger King Christians, Evangelicals and fundamentalists)?
Bob's Kid on October 11, 2007 at 7:34 PM
OR? more like AND.
You know what’s anti-Christian, The Dishonorable Senator Reid? Lying through your teeth. You, Murtha, Hillary, Edwards, Kerry, and Pelosi have turned bearing false witness into an art form.
The one point Obama has over these tools is that he’s a genuine, hopelessly naive nutcase whose support comes from actual living people. These undesirable cretins lie for sport and then talk about how everyone else isn’t Christian.
BKennedy on October 11, 2007 at 7:46 PM
Someone that represents the party of 45 million abortions, homosexual marriage, stem cell research using aborted children has absolute moral authority when it comes to defining Christianity
Hening on October 11, 2007 at 8:34 PM
In other words a liberal politician.
conservativecaveman on October 11, 2007 at 8:42 PM
You forget, Christianity is the only religion one is permitted to denigrate.
Time to go back to PC 101.
hadsil on October 11, 2007 at 11:52 PM
OK that’s it. Reid goes to hell when he dies.
Buzzy on October 12, 2007 at 12:01 AM
Dingy Harry is a product of the cultural atmosphere of the LDS church that is not in line with the doctrine. The GA’s don’t spend a lot of time on that stuff because the teachings of Christ are more than enough for some in the membership. Dingy may be placing entirely too much focus on the priesthood and not enough time on the teachings of Christ as taught by the LDS church. On one hand he believes that what he does as a representative of the people is separate from his dealings with God, so he can pretty much do what ever he wants as their representative. On the other hand, he just said this:
One subtlety that most people wouldn’t notice is that this is a back door slam on Romney, because that is exactly what Mitt is trying to explain to those who don’t know or trust the LDS faith. (This probably has been missed unless you understand the LDS faith) This is a despicable statement in my view. He is skewering a fellow member by trying to come off like it is the official policy of their church. Dingy has the two principles backwards. You should represent the people who elected you, but you have to stay pretty close to what your core values are. Harry may follow the abortion issue, but he is clearly anti-American and anti-military. The people of Nevada are neither of those things.
In the LDS church they have a statement designed to make you think about your priorities. It isn’t part of their canon, but it does square with their teachings. Generally it states that there are going to be many people who are surprised where they end up in the after life. They will also be surprised at the people who made it to where they thought THEY were going to end up.
csdeven on October 12, 2007 at 12:58 AM
I can’t leave an LDS thread without a link to this.
Am I the last one to figure out that csdeven is a Mormon? It explains so much.
TBinSTL on October 12, 2007 at 1:07 AM
*GAG*
Someone is living in Fantasyland. I didn’t know Disney opened a theme park in Utah.
Texas Nick 77 on October 12, 2007 at 6:23 AM
Ooops!!! My bad… Nevada.
Texas Nick 77 on October 12, 2007 at 6:30 AM
How do you figure that? You think that because I take the time to understand others instead of taking the lazy way by watching cartoons that distort the truth that it proves that I am “one of them”?
How utterly ignorant of you.
csdeven on October 12, 2007 at 7:43 AM
Actually, they LOVE Democracy. What they don’t like is our Republic (and they way the Founders set it up). They love the idea of a democracy, which is (in keeping with your wolves theme above) two wolves and sheep deciding what’s for dinner.
Reid, Pelosi, Clinton et al would love a pure democracy that they could fully manipulate with propaganda. That’s why Hillary has said in the past that she would like to see the end of the Electoral College and have a direct election of the President (having every Federal office become direct elections). Liberals got two-thirds of their wish when the 17th Amendment passed allowing the direct election of Senators (just like Representatives) instead of election by State Legislatures as the Founding Fathers had set up.
eanax on October 12, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Terri on October 11, 2007 at 11:17 AM surmised correctly.
JiangxiDad on October 11, 2007 at 11:21 AM points to the other side of the same coin.
As far as interest goes, mob bosses cover all options.
Beware fascism in all its vain glory, believed in by the basest, and adored by trolls.
maverick muse on October 12, 2007 at 11:18 AM
TBinSTL on October 12, 2007 at 1:07 AM
Crude but pretty acurate animation. I haven’t seen it before. Thanks for the link.
I think we all need to learn more about others around us. I learn something new every day.
Terri on October 12, 2007 at 12:20 PM
Someone said:
“Those who believe nothing will believe everything”
…and the Harry Reids of this world continue to prove him right.
landlines on October 12, 2007 at 5:15 PM
I’ll apologize for Harry.
Not for what he said, he gets to own that (and hopefully there will be appropriate political repercussions) - but for the way he wears his LDS faith on his sleeve and repeatedly represents said faith in such a poor manner.
I am truely sorry he is such an idiot.
Wingo on October 12, 2007 at 6:13 PM
No one ever said it any better than Dennis Miller
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmGO_bTgIf4
leavenedbread on October 12, 2007 at 9:51 PM
There, that’s better…
eanax on October 13, 2007 at 10:18 AM
Yup.
BKennedy on October 13, 2007 at 6:18 PM
So, ‘nesto . . .
you’re against anyone with values?
or you’re against anyone with those (whatever they are) values?
or you don’t know what values to be against, but if they are from Christians, you’re agin ‘em?or you just don’t want them to steer?
who (or what) would you have steer?
Oh, you confuse me so.
least1 on October 13, 2007 at 7:46 PM
Everyday people pretty much know the Bible, as they were raised with it. Any religion that veers away from the Bible in its teaching is spirtual fodder for Christians. The more a religion veers away from the teaching of the Bible (implementing man-made doctrines which are not authorized by the Bible, doing things man’s way and ignoring God’s commandments), knowledgeable bible students will shy away from those types of religions. Some religions dispute the entire Bible and put forward their own texts as their study materials. These are the ones that Christians disdain, because they do not preach God’s inspired word, but some man-made doctrine (i.e., Islam). In any religion, world-wide, which claims to be organized upon a prophet sent from God, ask yourself this: Is God fallible? Is man fallible? Which would you rather believe? God or Man? Today we have God’s inspired Word in the Bible which, suprisingly, has lasted unchanged for generations. I would rather put my trust in that, than in fallible men.
Neocon Peg on October 14, 2007 at 11:06 PM
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