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Waxman: L’etat, c’est Obama; Update: AOL Hot Seat poll added

posted at 2:22 pm on July 8, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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We saw glimmers of this in the controversy over Rush Limbaugh’s “I want Obama to fail” comment, masked by the media’s stampede to demonize Rush rather than look objectively at the full context of the remark.  No such mask exists now for the Barack-Obama-equals-America argument from Democrats these days, as Rep. Henry Waxman trots out the dissent-is-treason colloquy:

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), who has had an eventful couple of weeks to say the least, believes House Republican opposition to climate change legislation and the stimulus indicates they’re cheering against the good ol’ US of A.

“It appears that the Republican Party leadership in the Congress has made a decision that they want to deny President Obama success, which means, in my mind, they are rooting against the country, as well,” the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman told WAMU radio host Diane Rehm on Tuesday morning, promoting his new book, “The Waxman Report.”

This is more than just stupid, which it is by the truckload.  It’s also dangerous.  Making opposition to any politician’s policies or actions a case for treason amounts to an extension of the Louis XIV principle, L’etat, c’est moi, or “I am the state.”  It’s also the same idea behind the fuehrerprinzip that allowed Adolf Hitler untrammeled power in the Nazi regime, and any number of other tyrants, great and petty.  It is an essential construct of fascism, tyranny, and elitism.

Of course, this is made all the more hilarious because of the numerous accusations from the Left that dissent against George Bush was the highest form of patriotism.  For instance, Helen Thomas wrote about the same Louis XIV quote in declaring Bush a dictator in all but name because he exercised his authority to prosecute a war authorized by Congress:

In public appearances this week, Bush defended his program of domestic spying without court approval, citing the inherent war powers of the presidency under the U.S. Constitution.

The president points to his status as commander-in-chief and the resolution — approved by Congress three days after the 9/11 attacks — authorizing him to use “all necessary and appropriate force” against the terrorists.

It is an obvious overreach of presidential prerogative; thin justification for what amounts to a snooping foray against Americans and others in the U.S.

It all smacks of France’s Louis XIV’s famous dictum: “L’etat, c’est moi”— “I am the state.”

For all of the wailing and accusations that Republicans challenged the patriotism of Democrats during the Bush administration, I don’t recall a single incident in which a Republican member of Congress said that opposition to Bush’s policies amounted to opposition to the USA.  It seems that we had an eight-year case of pre-projection, and the L’etat, c’est moi crowd were the Democrats all along.

The rest of us understand that we live in a republic, with democratic processes, without anointed leaders and cults of personality.  Maybe the Democrats should learn that, too.

Update: Here’s the AOL Hot Seat poll on the question. I notice that well over 80% of the 3,000 people who voted in this poll before I posted it at Hot Air reject Waxman’s gesture.


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Comment pages: 1 2 3 4

The first time that this rat-faced POS uses force or violence–or the credible threat of violence–to get his way, he needs to share Louis XIV’s fate.

Janos Hunyadi on July 8, 2009 at 3:04 PM

The rest of us understand that we used to live in a republic, with democratic processes, without anointed leaders and cults of personality.

kirkill on July 8, 2009 at 3:05 PM

Somebody needs to get the MP3 file of Hillary screeching about the “right to disagree with this President or any other President and play it often.

jfahy on July 8, 2009 at 3:06 PM

tneloms on July 8, 2009 at 3:03 PM

Again, the Dems hold all the cards, whining about Republican dissent is ludicrous, regardless of the adjective used.

Cindy Munford on July 8, 2009 at 3:07 PM

Janos Hunyadi on July 8, 2009 at 3:04 PM

Louis XIV died of (very) old age of natural causes. Now, if you are talking about Louis XVI, I’m completely in agreement with you.

PimFortuynsGhost on July 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM

GEEE I remember when H Reid said that Bushes try to privatize SS was a no go! Not even,well we can look at that.

Nope The hairy Reid said it’s off the table.

Gee the Dems are so interested in reaching accros the table too.

Rick007 on July 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM

tneloms on July 8, 2009 at 3:04 PM

This behavior must stop by all politicians tneloms. These creatures represent their people, and are looked up to by our children. If these creatures can get away with such behavior, then at some level the behavior is justified in the minds of our youth despite what we (parents) tell them.

I must admit though, it wasn’t that long ago when GW occupied the WH, that Pelosi, Reid, Kerry, and Murtha committed acts while our country was at war, that bordered on treason.

Keemo on July 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM

So Waxman’s little chipmunk brain is about to explode because we don’t like the march towards a facist, socialist state his fearless leader is conducting. Obama BALKS when his approval ratings plummet.(which they have) Hillary says it’s indeed patriotic to speak out against ANY administration–um just not this one. Nancy Pelosi stumbles and mumbles over difficult questions regarding her knowledge of waterboarding. Joe Biden runs screaming into the night at any difficult question any reporter might ask him–but then that’s just Joe. Press Secy. Gibbs (what a doof) does the Washington two step backwards when challenged. I say we got them on the ropes, peeps. I say we keep up the challenges. We keep up the questions. We back the politicians (if any) that are making challenges. It doesn’t matter if we win the skirmishes. It’s the war we need to focus on. We get these fools tripping over their tongues enough people around the world are going to think that either a) the Administration has received the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, or b) they’re the babbling, drooling, mewling, hate spewing idiots we know them to be. Personally, I hope and pray for a literal manifestation of a. Now there’s change I can believe in.

Driefromseattle on July 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM

So the human Robert Crumb cartoon is now saying that if you are in the minority and simply vote against a measure that is guaranteed to pass no matter what you do, despite the fact that the measure was put up for a vote, you’re rooting against the country.

Didn’t we oust a bunch of lunatics in the Middle East who thought exactly like this in 2003?

Aitch748 on July 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM

I think Rush is right on this, it’s now almost impossible to parody the Left, because they already are such a parody of themselves.

JamesLee on July 8, 2009 at 2:29 PM

Maybe that’s why its so hard to find a joke about Leftists.
…or, maybe the joking profession is just biased.

Count to 10 on July 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM

I thought the rat died a few weeks ago (why are libs so friggin fugly???)

Ris4victory on July 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM

Of course it’s treason, because this gives the state a pretty easy avenue to confiscate your home. Who’s not for bigger government that can strong-arm you into state-approved energy retro-fits?

Check this out.

If you want to sell your home or change the payor on your electric bill, you are immediately liable for a 30% increase in energy efficiency for your home. Not a target, an immediate requirement.

If you dig deep enough, there are sanctions for the state filing a lien on your home. Penalties are not specified in the law, but are simply left for the state to apply (probably administratively, not legislatively, so there will be no appeal or legislative process/debate) if the states want the federal billions that accompany.

Doesn’t matter if you did energy retrofits a year or two ago… you are still liable for another 30% improvement.

Buyers beware, because there doesn’t seem to be any way to put this back on the previous owner… unless it’s thru the state lien process described above… then maybe the state gets TWO houses… yours… and the one the seller bought with the proceeds of selling his old house to you? Lawyers comment?

ElRonaldo on July 8, 2009 at 3:09 PM

Again, the Dems hold all the cards, whining about Republican dissent is ludicrous, regardless of the adjective used.

Cindy Munford on July 8, 2009 at 3:07 PM

That’s true, but it’s dishonest to point out the whining on only one side. Unless you think that it’s worse to make these claims when the dissent has no political power, and it’s not as bad to do it when the dissent has political power.

tneloms on July 8, 2009 at 3:09 PM

You know what’s treasonous?

Passing a $750 billion stimulus bill without ever reading the darn thing.

Oh, wait, it’s treasonous to complain about passing the bill that nobody read. Lost my head there for a moment.

fogw on July 8, 2009 at 3:09 PM

fogw on July 8, 2009 at 3:09 PM

LOL… :)

Keemo on July 8, 2009 at 3:11 PM

You stole my old FReeper tagline…

L’Etat, c’est Barack.

gridlock2 on July 8, 2009 at 3:11 PM

“It appears that the Republican Party leadership in the Congress has made a decision that they want to deny President Obama success, which means, in my mind, they are rooting against the country, as well,”

Pelosi’s spokespeople are using that line as well. Keep at it! We all know where America is–it’s with the Hawaiian guy leaping off the cliff! All those that love America, follow!

Chris_Balsz on July 8, 2009 at 3:13 PM

Methinks Waxman’s proboscis smells problems for his bill.

Vashta.Nerada on July 8, 2009 at 3:15 PM

tneloms on July 8, 2009 at 3:09 PM

We will have to agree to disagree, I do believe there are degrees of complaints. Mr. Waxman’s remarks reflect poorly on him. The only problem I have with this is that a person in the media apparently (since I didn’t hear) let it go unchallenged.

Cindy Munford on July 8, 2009 at 3:15 PM

Any EPA “greenshirts” that attempt to mess with my house will get their payment in plumbum. I’d sooner be taken down by alphabet soup possie than live as cattle.

Come on in and check my power meater weasels…

Bring it ON Gollum Waxman.

The Ronin Edge on July 8, 2009 at 3:16 PM

When ever I see that picture of Waxman I always think of Orwell’s Animal Farm.

JackS on July 8, 2009 at 2:36 PM
I always think of Alvin & the Chipmunks.

Shy Guy on July 8, 2009 at 2:40 PM

HA publishers are a wicked lot. They keep running this same Waxman picture, knowing it makes us sick. Unfortunately, due to their vile, deviousness, many of us lose sight of the article being presented, and instead, fixate on that man’s ugliness.

betsyz on July 8, 2009 at 3:16 PM

No no no no no. You’re supposed to say you hope he dies of kidney failure. Then it’s a funny joke.

Daggett on July 8, 2009 at 2:44 PM

Or, you can say that you hope your wife feeds you lots of bacon and eggs, and he dies of heart failure; this was said of Clarence Thomas by PBS radio hostess Julianne Malveaux (so she was paid our money to say it.)

The moral of the story, again; anything can be said about a conservative, without any downside.

massrighty on July 8, 2009 at 3:16 PM

“It appears that the Republican Party leadership in the Congress has made a decision that they want to deny President Obama success, which means, in my mind, they are rooting against the country, as well,”

This assumes that Obama’s agenda is good for the nation.

Opposing an agenda is not necessarily the same as wishing someone personal failure. I wish Rush would have made the distinction.

jazz_piano on July 8, 2009 at 3:17 PM

I looked at that Waxman pic again!

bluelightbrigade on July 8, 2009 at 2:25 PM

Every time I see that pic I can’t help thinking that Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny must have hooked up somewhere along the line…

taznar on July 8, 2009 at 3:21 PM

From Powerlineblog.com:

Representatives of the G8 are meeting in Italy and are trying to negotiate a deal on “climate change.” The London Times reports that negotiations have hit a major snag:

Hopes of a deal on climate change at the Group of Eight industrialized nations summit in Italy were today hanging by a thread.

As world leaders sat down for a working lunch at the start of a three day meeting of the G8, it emerged that negotiations had failed to reach agreement on halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Summit negotiators, who do the hard bargaining before the heads of state arrive to complete the agreements, failed to make progress on the issue in talks that continued late last night. China and India are understood to have blocked any mention of the target in the draft communiqué, insisting that the developed economies should promise to cut their own emissions sharply by 2020 before asking developing nations to commit to a long term target.

The breakdown in negotiations has undermined President Obama’s chances of producing a diplomatic coup when he chairs talks on climate change at a meeting of the 17-nation Major Economies Forum tomorrow.

The implications for Waxman-Markey, a version of which will soon be taken up by the Senate, are huge. If India and China–the world’s biggest emitter of CO2–decline to limit their carbon emissions, it is impossible to claim that Waxman-Markey will have any discernible impact on the Earth’s climate, even if you buy the anthropogenic global warming hoax hook, line and sinker. The only impact the bill could have would be to hobble America’s economy and pave the way for China and India to replace the U.S. as the economic superpowers of the 21st century.

The great advantage India and China have over the U.S. is that their elites have not gone suicidal. Those nations have no intention of sacrificing their economic well-being on the global warming altar. Undoubtedly the leading scientists in both countries have advised their governments that AGW is pseudo-science fueled by power-hungry politicians and charlatans like Al Gore, who has gotten rich by pretending to believe that burning gasoline will destroy the Earth, while relaxing aboard a gasoline-burning houseboat a third the size of a football field.

At this point, anyone who votes for tax-and-trade can no longer pretend that the bill has anything to do with climate. Rather, it is a vote that no manufacturing jobs should be created in the U.S., and that in the future, all such employment will belong to Chinese and Indian workers.

Pretty much sums it up…

Keemo on July 8, 2009 at 3:22 PM

yes, Pym, I typo-ed my ‘I’s

Le Mistake, c’est moi; Le pointe, c’est vrai

Janos Hunyadi on July 8, 2009 at 3:23 PM

Check out that pic.
“Cap and Twade.
Bebebebebe
That’s All F-F-folks!”

PaddyJ on July 8, 2009 at 3:30 PM

Opposing an agenda is not necessarily the same as wishing someone personal failure. I wish Rush would have made the distinction.

He made that distinction many times, including in the context around the first time he uttered the remark about Obama failing.

It would be more realistic to say “I wish the media had let us hear Rush’s complaint in its full context, and let us judge its appropriatness for ourselves, rather than just relentlessly replaying the four words “I hope he fails” as a personal attack.”

Anyone who has a fair mind will realize that expressions of vitriol explicitly directed at the person (and health and safety) of the President were quite common when there was last a Republican in the White House.

drunyan8315 on July 8, 2009 at 3:32 PM

Oh, and Tom Delay:

I think Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are getting very, very close to treason.
tneloms on July 8, 2009 at 2:57 PM

They were attempting to hamstring the president’s ability to wage a war overwhelmingly approved by congress. What would you call it?

ProfessorMiao on July 8, 2009 at 3:32 PM

Rather, it is a vote that no manufacturing jobs should be created in the U.S., and that in the future, all such employment will belong to Chinese and Indian workers.

And guess where the all the investment money will go.

Gotta admit, Obama has the perfect plan to destroy America. Maybe the nitwits in the media will come to their senses and put this guy’s feet to the fire, when they finally realize none of them will have a job in ObamaWorld either.

fogw on July 8, 2009 at 3:33 PM

Frederic Bastiat

If the natural tendencies of mankind are so bad that it is not safe to permit people to be free, how is it that the tendencies of these organizers are always good? Do not the legislators and their appointed agents also belong to the human race? Or do they believe that they themselves are made of a finer clay than the rest of mankind?

maverick muse on July 8, 2009 at 3:35 PM

Hooo weee, that should be a barn-burner of a book.

“The Waxman Report”? Man, it even sounds dull.

Bishop on July 8, 2009 at 3:36 PM

Fabian Socialist Bertrand Russell

“Given a stable world-organization, economic and political, even if, at first, it rested upon nothing but armed force, the evils which now threaten civilization would gradually diminish, and a more thorough democracy than that which now exists might become possible. I believe that, owing to men’s folly, a world-government will only be established by force, and will therefore be at first cruel and despotic. But I believe that it is necessary for the preservation of a scientific civilization, and that, if once realized, it will gradually give rise to the other conditions of a tolerable existence.

econavenger on July 8, 2009 at 3:39 PM

Would someone(on the left) please tell me what flavor flag I’m supposed to be flying? I don’t want to be confused with the confused so clarify the confusion for me.

Limerick on July 8, 2009 at 3:40 PM

Please forgive my link to an English-translated YouTube version of “L’etat, c’est Obama”: Go here.

Jim Wrenn on July 8, 2009 at 3:42 PM

I believe that, owing to men’s folly, a world-government will only be established by force, and will therefore be at first cruel and despotic. But I believe that it is necessary for the preservation of a scientific civilization, and that, if once realized, it will gradually give rise to the other conditions of a tolerable existence.
econavenger on July 8, 2009 at 3:39 PM

Well, we have that going for us.

Vashta.Nerada on July 8, 2009 at 3:42 PM

Treason is rather more like what Waxy and the Democrats are trying to do to America. Throw the traitors out! Is it time for the tar and fathers?

RandyChandler on July 8, 2009 at 3:47 PM

Hey, pig face. Yeah, you Waxman. You’re first.

mr1216 on July 8, 2009 at 3:47 PM

Porky Czar.

Daggett on July 8, 2009 at 3:48 PM

It’s the old adage….democrats are allowed to behave badly while the republicans must toe the line…..
-You see it on television when a dem and a repub arguing a topic, the dem is always butting in, interrupting, getting their talking points in and when the repub argues, they are shouted down, and when the dem doesn’t get his way, Bob Beckel, he sulks and plays the victim.
-affairs…..and prostitution rings being run from boyfriend’s homes, Bawney Fwank.
-legislation…blame the repubs.
-media…attack repubs.

It’s time for people like Liz Cheney to take the rains….we need to be able to talk them down and turn things back on them….

HornetSting on July 8, 2009 at 3:49 PM

Janos Hunyadi on July 8, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Louis XIV died of (very) old age of natural causes. Now, if you are talking about Louis XVI, I’m completely in agreement with you.

PimFortuynsGhost on July 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM

Yes! And then we can make a movie out of it.

HornetSting on July 8, 2009 at 3:50 PM

From the E.P.A. website, 77,685 tons of CO2 produced annually here in the USA.
Worldwide fires conservatively annually emit 72.81 billion metric tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent of burning 100% of 2006 recovered petroleum in 337 times.

thats 77,685
vs. 72,810,000,000

what a bunch of fuxtards.

UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on July 8, 2009 at 3:52 PM

HornetSting on July 8, 2009 at 3:49 PM

Barney Frank’s opening line when debating with anyone from Fox News …….

“Are you going to let me talk?”

fogw on July 8, 2009 at 3:52 PM

I hope Waxman falls and can’t get up.

Do I get a new house now?

Del Dolemonte on July 8, 2009 at 3:53 PM

Oh, and Tom Delay:

I think Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are getting very, very close to treason.
tneloms on July 8, 2009 at 2:57 PM

Opposing the war? Not treason.

Using House and Senate rules to undermine a war approved by Congress? A hell of a lot closer.

Giving aid and comfort to the enemy by declaring the war “lost”? Pretty much the definition.

mankai on July 8, 2009 at 3:54 PM

what a bunch of fuxtards.
UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on July 8, 2009 at 3:52 PM

…says a person who did not spell his own user name correctly.

hicsuget on July 8, 2009 at 3:57 PM

“If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.” Samuel Adams, 1776

guntotinglibertarian on July 8, 2009 at 3:58 PM

Democrat douchebaggery continues unabated.

drjohn on July 8, 2009 at 3:58 PM

Any EPA “greenshirts” that attempt to mess with my house will get their payment in plumbum. I’d sooner be taken down by alphabet soup possie than live as cattle.
The Ronin Edge on July 8, 2009 at 3:16 PM

Pay property tax on your house? You rent from the government. Have any earned income? They own part of it before you ever see it. Half my phone bill is a collection of taxes and “fees”. Do you pay for things with money? Welcome to inflationary theft. Cattle, thy name is “The Ronin Edge”.

AnotherOpinion on July 8, 2009 at 3:59 PM

ElRonaldo, think what this bill would do if you owned a rental dwelling. Retrofit each time there was a change in tenant’s?

Oleta on July 8, 2009 at 3:59 PM

Henry, Henry, Henry … This congress has convinced me that there are more democrats/leftist wackos like you than different from you… Depend on the knowledge that our reaction to your (by definition unlike with Bush) fascist policies, ploys, propaganda and prevarications will be more of the Warsaw ghetto stand than the Vichy French capitulation. I know that such fortitude is incomprehensible to intrinsically beta males such as yourself, Harry Reid and Barak Obamanation, but your lack of comprehension doesn’t change the dangerous game you play with the future of America and her children.

deepdiver on July 8, 2009 at 4:00 PM

I have a good friend who suggests that Waxman just has the look of one of those guys who likes to have hookers dress him up in diapers and tell him he’s been a very naughty boy

guntotinglibertarian on July 8, 2009 at 4:00 PM

Opposing an agenda is not necessarily the same as wishing someone personal failure. I wish Rush would have made the distinction.

He made that distinction many times, including in the context around the first time he uttered the remark about Obama failing.

drunyan8315 on July 8, 2009 at 3:32 PM

My mistake–I didn’t hear Rush’s comment in context.

With that said, I could do without the ‘I hope Obama fails’ comment–too convenient a sound byte for the Left to beat us with.

jazz_piano on July 8, 2009 at 4:06 PM

Nail on the head. Read the book “The underground history of american education”. It’s all part of the plan, and is the REAL reason they don’t support school vouchers and our freedom of choice when it comes to educating OUR own kids.

marklmail on July 8, 2009 at 2:53 PM

I’m ordering it now. Thanks for the tip.

Geronimo on July 8, 2009 at 4:07 PM

“It appears that the Republican Party leadership in the Congress has made a decision that they want to deny President Obama success, which means, in my mind, they are rooting against the country, as well,”

They doth protest too much. But there’s a little thingy in the Constitution called the First Amendment, which guarantees the freedom of speech. Until the Great Constitutional Law Professor repeals it with an Executive Order, after engaging with his ideological soul mate, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Who needs the Constitution anyway, since it was written by mean old white men who owned black slaves in AmeriKKKa?

Obama is soooooo cool, man! That’s why we can’t have global warming! Let’s toast the cool dude with the Kool-Aid, bro!

Steve Z on July 8, 2009 at 4:08 PM

Hard to get all outraged and puffy about this silly partisan crap, especially coming from a douchenozzle like the Pigman.

Put this on the “Democrats are all full of shit” shelf, there next to the collection of Illinois Democrats who are presently under investigation.

Jaibones on July 8, 2009 at 4:08 PM

“It appears that the Republican Democrat Party leadership in the Congress has made a decision that they want to deny President Obama success, which means, in my mind, they are rooting against the country, as well,” the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman told WAMU radio host Diane Rehm on Tuesday morning, promoting his new book, “The Waxman Report.”

Ok now it’s fixed because this is what he and his ilk did to GW!

xler8bmw on July 8, 2009 at 4:09 PM

UltimateBob on July 8, 2009 at 2:38 PM

We’re all riding the same handbasket, last I checked and no, I didn’t vote for him either.

NoDonkey on July 8, 2009 at 4:12 PM

fuxtards
politically correct for fucktard
aka democrats, socialists, and other vermin who were dropped on their head at birth, also for people who refuse to look up CAPITOLIST.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=capitolist

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/04/27/are-you-a-capitolist?icid=sphere_wpcom_inline

thank you for your continued support.

UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on July 8, 2009 at 4:14 PM

Jaibones on July 8, 2009 at 4:08 PM

Douchenozzle? Bwahahahaa. That’s my new favorite word.

Geronimo on July 8, 2009 at 4:19 PM

Waxman has got to be the result of a Dept. of Defense experiment breeding pigs with humans to create the ultimate warrior. Obviously the experiment was a total and complete failure. Just how did this Waxman guy escape the secret government labratory you ask? Simple. He masqueraded as a congressman on a fact finding tour. The guards thought anyone as ignorant as he is had to be a real congressman.

Griz on July 8, 2009 at 4:29 PM

omg, the return of Wormtail!

james23 on July 8, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Is Waxman aware that he looks and acts like Elmer Fudd?

GarandFan on July 8, 2009 at 4:44 PM

Waxman was wrong to use this overblown rhetoric, but…

For all of the wailing and accusations that Republicans challenged the patriotism of Democrats during the Bush administration, I don’t recall a single incident in which a Republican member of Congress said that opposition to Bush’s policies amounted to opposition to the USA.

Hmmm…

http://www.brendan-nyhan.com/blog/gop-dissent-attacks.html

February 2002: Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle expresses mild disagreement with US anti-terror policies, saying US success in the war on terror “is still somewhat in doubt.” In response, Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA) says that Daschle’s “divisive comments have the effect of giving aid and comfort to our enemies by allowing them to exploit divisions in our country.”

September 2002: Campaigning against Democrats who did not support his legislation to create the Department of Homeland Security (a department whose creation he had previously opposed), President Bush said that “the Senate is more interested in special interests in Washington and not interested in the security of the American people.” After a speech by Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle criticizing the Bush administration and the GOP for politicizing the war on terror, Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX), the House Majority Whip, criticized those in Congress who are “questioning the president’s leadership, that are constantly throwing up hurdles to keep us from doing what we have to do to protect the American people.” He added, “These are people that don’t want to protect the American people… [T]hey will do anything, spend all the time and resources they can, to avoid confronting evil.”

May 2004: After Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) said “the direction [in Iraq] has got be changed or it is unwinnable,” Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) said Democrats are “basically giving aid and comfort to the enemy.” Similarly, when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called President Bush an “incompetent leader,” House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) said Pelosi “apparently is so caught up in partisan hatred for President Bush that her words are putting American lives at risk.”

November/December 2005: With critics of the war in Iraq growing increasingly vocal, Republicans lash out, suggesting that Democrats are encouraging the enemy and want to surrender to terrorists. President Bush says that “These baseless attacks send the wrong signal to our troops and to an enemy that is questioning America’s will.” Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) states that “Many on the Democratic side have revealed their exit strategy: surrender” and Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY) says that “[T]he liberal leadership have put politics ahead of sound fiscal and national security policy. And what they have done is cooperated with our enemies and are emboldening our enemies.”

September 2006: During a press conference the day after the fifth anniversary of Sept. 11th, House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) said, “I wonder if they [Democrats] are more interested in protecting the terrorists than protecting the American people,” adding, “They certainly do not want to take the terrorists on and defeat them.” When asked if he intended to accuse Democrats of treason, Boehner replied, “I said I wonder if they’re more interested in protecting the terrorists… They certainly don’t want to take the terrorists on in the field.”

April 2007: The White House and other Republicans begin referring to the Democrats’ proposed withdrawal date from Iraq as a “date for surrender” and “waving the white flag of surrender.” Sen. Norman Coleman (R-Minn.) said the Democrats were “handing al-Qaeda a victory that they will be able to use to strengthen their forces and then hurt and kill more Americans.”

Now I’m sure many of you reading this still agree with the Republican viewpoints espoused above. That’s fine.

But despite what Mr. Morrissey claimed, they are all clearly cases in which Republican members of Congress said that opposition to Bush’s policies amounted to opposition to the USA.

It’s a dumb thing to say when Waxman says it; it’s dumb when Republicans say it.

orange on July 8, 2009 at 4:48 PM

If India and China–the world’s biggest emitter of CO2–decline to limit their carbon emissions, it is impossible to claim that Waxman-Markey will have any discernible impact on the Earth’s climate, even if you buy the anthropogenic global warming hoax hook, line and sinker. The only impact the bill could have would be to hobble America’s economy and pave the way for China and India to replace the U.S. as the economic superpowers of the 21st century.

EVERY REPUBLICAN IN THE SENATE NEEDS TO SAY THE WORDS ABOVE AND BE ON RECORD SO THAT WHEN CRAP & TAX IS AN UTTER FAILURE IT IS GLORIFIED IN AMBER.

izoneguy on July 8, 2009 at 5:00 PM

orange on July 8, 2009 at 4:48 PM

We were fighting a war, a war sanctioned by congress. The Dems were not interested in winning that war. The Dems said we had already lost when we were well on our way to winning. A-holes like Murtha called our troops murderers of innocent civilians. When America goes to war the congress should support our president, and our troops. The Dems couldn’t do either.

Were the Dems opposed to the USA? Damn straight they were.

And still are.

Thanks for the quotes, proving what traitors they are.

fogw on July 8, 2009 at 5:05 PM

Opposing Obama = Supporting America. Down with the tyrant.

chicagojedi on July 8, 2009 at 5:11 PM

Apre Bambi, le deluge.

mojo on July 8, 2009 at 5:11 PM

orange on July 8, 2009 at 4:48 PM

Let me put it another way …..

Waxman says opposing climate change is treason.

Repbulicans say treason is treason.

fogw on July 8, 2009 at 5:13 PM

It’s funny that most of the examples of Republicans calling Democrats “traitors” noted in this thread are about policies that our current president has decided to retain. And I still see a vast difference in the seriousness of the incidents. But then if liberals don’t excel at much, they are champions at name calling.

Cindy Munford on July 8, 2009 at 5:19 PM

Someone ought to take a copy of the Constitution and attach it to his forehead with 16d nail so he can read it.

kurtzz3 on July 8, 2009 at 2:37 PM

Couldn’t hurt.

kg598301 on July 8, 2009 at 5:24 PM

Douchenozzle? Bwahahahaa. That’s my new favorite word.

Geronimo on July 8, 2009 at 4:19 PM

You need to click over to Ace’s a time or two.

RushBaby on July 8, 2009 at 5:26 PM

orange on July 8, 2009 at 4:48 PM

Thanks for the laughs, kid. Your quotes prove the Democrats want America to fail, and always have. The Rethuglicans you quote were responding to those inflammatory quotes, not originating them.

The Democrat majority leader said the war in Iraq was lost in 2006, and a year later, the current (Democrat) Secretary of State called General Petraeus a liar to his face before he had even started testifying to Congress.

They said those anti-American things, and you and your “party” own them.

Del Dolemonte on July 8, 2009 at 5:28 PM

If India and China–the world’s biggest emitter of CO2–decline to limit their carbon emissions, it is impossible to claim that Waxman-Markey will have any discernible impact on the Earth’s climate, even if you buy the anthropogenic global warming hoax hook, line and sinker. The only impact the bill could have would be to hobble America’s economy and pave the way for China and India to replace the U.S. as the economic superpowers of the 21st century.

EVERY REPUBLICAN IN THE SENATE NEEDS TO SAY THE WORDS ABOVE AND BE ON RECORD SO THAT WHEN CRAP & TAX IS AN UTTER FAILURE IT IS GLORIFIED IN AMBER.

izoneguy on July 8, 2009 at 5:00 PM

CHINA & INDIA ARE HANDING OBUMMER A CRAP SANDWICH

http://hotair.com/archives/2009/07/08/china-india-reject-climate-change-restrictions/

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article6666576.ece

izoneguy on July 8, 2009 at 5:33 PM

ElRonaldo on July 8, 2009 at 3:09 PM

Even if this hideous cap-and-tax bill passes the House in some form, I doubt this particular provision will make it into the final bill. It’s too idiotic and self-destructive (even) for the Dims. It would basically bring the already-faltering housing market to its knees, and destroy any hope of an economic recovery.

It was probably inserted as some type of bargaining ploy — a chip to be taken off the table later in exchange for keeping some other objectionable provision the authors wanted to make sure stays in the bill.

AZCoyote on July 8, 2009 at 5:33 PM

13% on the Trollage meter Spock!

kirkill on July 8, 2009 at 5:34 PM

What is Waxman’s problem? The Democrats own everything including a filibuster proof majority in the Senate.

He needs to get off his ass and forget about useless Republicans and put his own house in order if this is such a great thing. Hell – Republican Presidents have pushed through their agendas with a Democratic Congress (Reagan) – why can’t a Democratic President push his agenda through a Democratic Congress.

Or is the Democratic “tent” too big? Hmmmmm.

HondaV65 on July 8, 2009 at 5:35 PM

his friggin face is hideous, please ED stop posting it……

SHARPTOOTH on July 8, 2009 at 5:40 PM

orange on July 8, 2009 at 4:48 PM

If one takes a broad view, examining neither facts nor premises, you are correct.

However, to those of us with a more discerning bent, the left’s blind opposition to most of George W. Bush’s policies WAS opposition to American values.

Fogw, you said it far more succintly than I.

NTXLass on July 8, 2009 at 5:43 PM

Screw old rat face . . . he can stick it in his ear or the orifice of his choice.

rplat on July 8, 2009 at 5:43 PM

I kinda wish someone would just beat the living crap out of Henry Waxman.

jimmy2shoes on July 8, 2009 at 5:43 PM

“I am sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and you disagree with this administration you’re not patriotic. We should stand up and say, ‘We are Americans and we have a right to debate and disagree with any administration!’”
–Hillary Clinton

First Lady,NY Senator,Presidential candidate,and now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton seems to disagree with Waxman.

Of course this is when it was politically convenient for democrats to sit on the sidelines and point fingers.

Now that they are in control,dissent is “Un-American”

How Progressive!!!!!!!!!!

Baxter Greene on July 8, 2009 at 5:46 PM

Well, one huge difference between Waxman’s comments and some of the Repub comments after 9/11 is that there were definitely terrorists, they had attacked us, they had declared themselves as our enemies and had expressed a desire to kill or maim every man, woman and child in the US and to some degree, opposing action in locating and killing these enemies was anti-American and was giving aid and comfort to the enemy.

Waxman on the other hand is talking about man made global warming which does not exist. It is a hoax. It is being used as a trojan horse to implement fascist, totalitarian controls on our free republic. Everything that Waxman and Obama are supporting is antithetical to America, the constitution and the Founder’s intent. Opposing this and wanting it to fail is supporting our constitution, our citizens and our intended republic.

deepdiver on July 8, 2009 at 5:47 PM

Baxter Greene on July 8, 2009 at 5:46 PM

Excellent!!!

Keemo on July 8, 2009 at 5:49 PM

orange on July 8, 2009 at 4:48 PM

Amateur… How embarrassed you must be!

Keemo on July 8, 2009 at 5:51 PM

If hating Obama’s policies is wrong, I don’t want to be right!

um, better make that correct- I’ll always be ‘right’.

Monica on July 8, 2009 at 5:54 PM

Uh… “Yes”… Did I get it right?

Upstater85 on July 8, 2009 at 5:56 PM

Climate change: A politically motivated, politically generated pseudo-scientific justification for crippling the sovereignty of post-industrial nation states. Its actual, empirical effects are indeterminate, as is any solution to it or even the existence of a solution. All current solutions require drastic political action with direct, immediate economic effects for very little payoff towards the original problem.

Terrorism: A real and present danger with a real death toll and the real potential for far more deaths.

One of these problems is under the purview of the POTUS, and any congressman that first authorizes the POTUS to take action, gives him discretion and then tries to hamstring him for political advantage later on is a quisling and a traitor, in spirit if not in fact.

spmat on July 8, 2009 at 5:56 PM

Quote: “Welcome to inflationary theft. Cattle, thy name is “The Ronin Edge”

You could say that this “cow” has drawn the line in the sand, and ‘casue I am a caring fellow, I dug it deep enough they can just roll me in it after they riddle me with bullets. They can toss in the EPA meter maid with me too, since I’ll get at least one of em first.

The Ronin Edge on July 8, 2009 at 5:58 PM

Pretty much sums it up…

Keemo on July 8, 2009 at 3:22 PM

Dam# Keemo,
You know liberals don’t want to hear any facts that don’t support their pathetic ideology.

Your post would be important and informative to people that actually care about facts and the science that backs them up.

So that eliminates any liberal learning anything from it.

Good work and thanks for the info.

Baxter Greene on July 8, 2009 at 6:00 PM

As I predicted, most have responded to me by saying how right the Republicans I quoted were. You’re totally missing the point I was making – that Ed Morrissey is wrong.

Waxman, many Republicans, and most in this thread think there is a time to say that people who honestly disagree with your policies are un-American.

I do not.

Pretty simple.

orange on July 8, 2009 at 6:01 PM

“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.” — Far-Left “historian” Howard Zinn

“No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.” — Leftist Barbara Ehrenreich

Del Dolemonte on July 8, 2009 at 6:07 PM

Pretty simple.

orange on July 8, 2009 at 6:01 PM

Yes, you are.

fogw on July 8, 2009 at 6:10 PM

This is more than just stupid, which it is by the truckload. It’s also dangerous.

Yes it is. Draw the line a little further and it becomes
“Belonging to any party other than the Democrat party is treason.”
“Voting for any President other than Obama is treason.”

JellyToast on July 8, 2009 at 6:13 PM

Waxman, many Republicans, and most in this thread think there is a time to say that people who honestly disagree with your policies are un-American.

I do not.

Pretty simple.

orange on July 8, 2009 at 6:01 PM

I guess that depends on what your definition of “is” American, is.

kg598301 on July 8, 2009 at 6:14 PM

Every time I see that pic I can’t help thinking that Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny must have hooked up somewhere along the line…

taznar on July 8, 2009 at 3:21 PM

Every time I see any picture of Waxman This is what I think of.

Oldnuke on July 8, 2009 at 6:19 PM

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