Illinois Democrat on O-Care: “I don’t worry about the Constitution on this”
posted at 7:30 pm on April 1, 2010 by Allahpundit
Note well: He doesn’t mean “I don’t worry about it because I’ve studied the Commerce Clause and I’m confident we’ll win in court.” When pressed, he flatly says he doesn’t know which part of the Constitution justifies the law, which is his way of saying he doesn’t care and hasn’t thought about it. In fact, the best he can do by way of legal authority is to cite life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — which of course comes from the Declaration of Independence. His response, when corrected? “Doesn’t matter to me. Either one.”
All things considered, this clip’s more depressing than the already legendary Hank Johnson clip from last night. Like Madam Speaker, not only does he regard the novel and crucial constitutional issue involved to be beside the point, he almost seems irritated to be asked about it. Reason 8,293,511 why Americans now feel such utter contempt for their representatives.
Oh, and he might be surprised to know that O-Care really doesn’t insure everyone. I didn’t realize that point was still in dispute, least of all for a guy who’s read the bill, ahem, three times.
Update (4/2): Fox News’s report on Hare claims that I was the one who questioned Hare. Not so; someone sent me the link to the vid and I posted it. Apologies if there was confusion on that point.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »
Is it a sickness? Can there be just one comment of yours, on any post where you actually discuss what the topic is about?
Just once, is that too much to ask?
Blarg the Destroyer on April 1, 2010 at 9:52 PM
“You know you know you know. I want to bring health insurance to every person in America.”
He may have lied about reading the bill. But he does not lie about what he was promised – the “if you like your insurance and doctor you keep your insurance and doctor” is a bunch of BS and this was meant to destroy the private insurance industry and put every citizen (every citizen but Congress) on the same governmentally controlled plan. So he speaks the truth there.
Marcus on April 1, 2010 at 9:53 PM
Phil just got onta the Constitution aspirin freight train too. And don’t never tell me dat youse is innocent.
MayorDaley on April 1, 2010 at 9:58 PM
Jackpot baby…
Better find a job…
Priceless
tommylotto on April 1, 2010 at 9:59 PM
He certainly knows “Nut-ting!”
tommylotto on April 1, 2010 at 10:02 PM
Read the bill three times? Yeah right.
I doubt if this guy has even read the constitution three times. Let alone a 2500+ page bill.
Bet he’s been to McDonalds more than three times over the last week though… just sayin.
RedbonePro on April 1, 2010 at 10:12 PM
I urge people with video cameras coast to coast to seek out their Congressmen and Senators and ask them the straight up question about where in the Constitution Congress is given the authority to do healthcare reform (or 90% of the other crap they hide behind the Commerce Clause). Then someone create a montage of Democrat after Democrat saying the same core thing: “We don’t care about no stinkin’ Constitution – we do what we want.”
It would be a nice reminder for voters come next November of what the Democrats believe.
in_awe on April 1, 2010 at 10:18 PM
I beg to differ. The idiocy lies in that mass of apolitical people that cannot define the difference between Right and Left, do not know anything about the Constitution and its relevance, and think that voting is primarily about getting what is due them.
These drones, the ones that vote anyway, are where elections are won. The political advertisers understand this. That is why campaigns dumb down and focus the advertising money on them.
The most laughable part of this is that most that fall into this category usually call themselves “independent”, though they could not coherently describe what they are independent of.
Saltysam on April 1, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Philistines in control and they want your tax money, so that they can control the people.
NEXT Rep for his district, prerequisite knowing the diff between the two documents, and repealing this shiznet.
mdetlh on April 1, 2010 at 10:26 PM
I seriously doubt that the “pursuit of happiness” phrase was meant to include: to waylay and rob.
OldEnglish on April 1, 2010 at 10:30 PM
It is that timeless sickness of the heart based on fear, hatred, and ignorance.
Saltysam on April 1, 2010 at 10:41 PM
These bastards took an oath of some sort to the Constitution did they not?
Yakko77 on April 1, 2010 at 10:43 PM
“I don’t care about the Constitution!”
He apparently gets his talking points from the White House.
Dopenstrange on April 1, 2010 at 10:47 PM
The three Rs of learning are, reading, writing, arithmetic. Phil Hare’s academic accomplishments would reveal much of which of the aforementioned he did quite pass with flying colors I’m sure. I’m thinking he studied the other three Rs a lot more extensively. Leveling the playing field Reading, possible incidences of Racketeering, and Union Building Arithmetic wise guys. Not that I’m accusing poor civics deficient Phil here, or have any proof mind you, but boxes of rocks and bags of hammers brain capacity comes to mind for Philly. No doubt, the last thing that guys like Phil Hare want is national exposure.
[SIDEBAR] Former congressman Eric Massa was unavailable for comment on my comment.
Phil Hare probably has quite an interesting past being that he’s a democrat and more importantly, from Illinios. You don’t get to congress by accident in Illinios unless you’re willing to look the other way when your told to do so. If a search were to be exercised concerning this congressman from Illinios, what would turn up? Who knows? How much of the $787 stimulus package has made it to Phil Hare’s district? How many union jobs and how much local government intervention has been pushed by men like Phil Hare? No, Phil Hare probably doesn’t want to have his life examined or his informal deals made in the past investigated.
Phil Hare’s handlers would have told Phil that less said the better when taking to the fourth estate. It’s a prerequisite for maintaining a low profile on the national stage. Will the press now prepare a ‘Phil Hare’ “This is you Life” follow up articles for the tax paying public? Maybe, maybe not, but Phil shouldn’t of raised the national interest of just what is the difference exactly in the wording between the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. It will be a good civics exercise for everyone, do you all agree?
God forbid our congress members go on Jeopardy and respond to Alex Tribec. Such comedy would ensue, but also the panic of the people of America finding out just how much mental impairment their representatives have may bring about the kind of awakening we need to remove all the dirt by 2010 and 2012.
Americannodash on April 1, 2010 at 10:57 PM
My previous comment was not spell checked or grammar proofed. Pardon my poor writing.
Allahpundit, please delete my 10:57 comment.
Americannodash on April 1, 2010 at 11:03 PM
We are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…and also double cheese burgers, obviously.
flyoverland on April 1, 2010 at 11:09 PM
In all fairness to Hank Johnson, folks ought to read this. It seems that Willard and Johnson were having a bit of fun.
SilentWatcher on April 1, 2010 at 11:27 PM
Is it me, or is this guy a dead-ringer for John Wayne Gacy?
Jim-Rose on April 1, 2010 at 11:39 PM
The RNC can save millions of dollars…just run this video in every district in the country until November.
Jim-Rose on April 1, 2010 at 11:42 PM
But you haven’t exactly shown yourself to be the brightest light in the legal firmament, either.
ddrintn on April 2, 2010 at 12:12 AM
“I believe that it says we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
And somehow this gives the government the power to force me to buy insurance?…at the point of the gun that comes to arrest me?… fine and jail me for non-compliance?
Where am I?…
Are such things done in America? apparently so…hopefully not for long though.
Army Brat on April 2, 2010 at 12:12 AM
Oh, it is late, and I need night-night. But I just watched this and something really, really positive occurs to me…sorry if it’s a reiteration of someone else’s post…just kinda’ skimmed em.
We have learned to question our leaders…with proof! When we put our cell phone video cameras in their face…out in the open, when we blatently say to them, “I’m recording you Senator/Congresscritter, so tell me, where in the constitution…”, we show them for the know nothings they really are.
A whole slew of us are educating and engaging ourselves like we never have in our whole lives. Don’t you think that would make our Creator rejoice? Don’t you think He would be doing the celestial equivalent of a Snoopy dance if he thought we were standing up and fighting for the liberty that he wanted us to have?
We do have the power. Perhaps the reason they were able to ram the health care bill through is because of…not in spite of…our increasing power.
Now this sounds oh, so negative on the surface…but just the opposite.
They were so desperate…they called in so many chips to force members to fall on their swords…and dems were (many have admitted) too afraid to vote their consciences against it. If it were a more benign environment, the heavy handedness wouldn’t have been used, the bill would have been defeated, and the hope of socialized health care would live to resurface another day.
Now, since it passed, we have to rise up, fight the good fight and defeat it for good.
The good news? God never said it was going to be easy! But it is do-able.
Chewy the Lab on April 2, 2010 at 12:22 AM
Obesity Alert! Obesity Alert!
tbear44 on April 2, 2010 at 12:32 AM
Screw it, I’m calling it. Armed march on the Capitol and environs. Every Congressman and staffer who fails a 1965 6th-grade Civics final exam gets strung up.
rayra on April 2, 2010 at 12:48 AM
Speaking of civics lessons, it’s teh Congressional Oath of Office. Quite similar to the Presidents. And the military’s -
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
Been that way for 126yrs.
rayra on April 2, 2010 at 12:51 AM
So when these political animals violate teh Constitution, or falsely pose as a ‘Constitutional Professor’ while spouting crap about ‘negative rights’, they’re violating their oaths of office.
rayra on April 2, 2010 at 12:52 AM
Should IQ tests be mandatory to run for our representation? Who elects these people? Us. We are the dummies.
Schadenfreude on April 2, 2010 at 1:06 AM
I have so many smart poor friends. Maybe if we were stupid morons we could get elected to office.
Mojave Mark on April 2, 2010 at 1:16 AM
This notion that keeps getting repeated about government run care, or ObamaCare giving more insurance or healthcare to someone is a fantasy! Every freaking time some parrot like this spouts that crap it needs to be dealt with!
They are rationing care! Fewer people will receive care as opposed to now! Fewer! Not more! It’s a lie! A complete freaking lie!
There will be less care! More people will die! More people will go without!
JellyToast on April 2, 2010 at 1:28 AM
Oh my Gawd…. I think the country is about tip over and capsize into the sea.
Now wonder they think Obama is smart…. he’s Fredo smart
roflmao
donabernathy on April 2, 2010 at 1:30 AM
sheesh…I thought it was about Obie. But then again…I
HATE Illinois Nazis.
Fighton03 on April 2, 2010 at 1:42 AM
Remember..only dumb criminals go to jail, the smart ones get elected.
Fighton03 on April 2, 2010 at 1:44 AM
Without some framework established between the people and the government, the government can and will do whatever it wants.
The left doesn’t give two craps about the constitution.
The supreme court isn’t acting as an adequate limit to congressional power and upholding the constitution.
The government is doing whatever it pleases.
We don’t just need to take back the house and senate, we need to fundamentally fix our government.
jhffmn on April 2, 2010 at 2:04 AM
“If I was half the man I was five years ago, I’d take a flamethrower to this place!”
Fighton03 on April 2, 2010 at 2:07 AM
Politics is a game that’s never really won and never really lost, it is simply a lifelong fight. We fight for morality and freedom, they fight for amorality and the tyranny of big government. For me it’s worth the fight if it’s only an occasional win at the water cooler meetings. This year’s different though, November 2010 will be a good month.
Mojave Mark on April 2, 2010 at 2:14 AM
Or, as Bob Dylan once sang, “Steal a little and they throw you in jail / Steal a lot and they make you King”.
Tuning Spork on April 2, 2010 at 2:43 AM
Congresscritter
justltl on April 2, 2010 at 4:16 AM
I can hardly wait to see the ads coming out this November election cycle which use snips from Phil Hare, etc, or along these lines:
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/Obamacare-was-mainly-aimed-at-redistributing-wealth-89725302.html
Lockstein13 on April 2, 2010 at 6:27 AM
Wish I’d been there.
Read it three times? Then please explain Subtitle B, section 1102 to me. Don’t recognize it? OK…it creates the “Reinsurance” subsidy. [$10 says he still wouldn't know what it is.]
OK, how ’bout telling me what the federal role will be in the SCHOOL HEALTH CLINICS PROGRAM established in the bill. [$20 he couldn't answer that one either.]
jeanneb on April 2, 2010 at 6:32 AM
It will never engage in honest debate because it is an immature moron. And the people around here who engage it on a regular basis make the atmosphere pleasant for it by feeding that immaturity.
csdeven on April 2, 2010 at 6:49 AM
You do realize that artical was an April Fools joke right?
csdeven on April 2, 2010 at 7:07 AM
Another stupid Illinois Democrat trying to take my money…
FABULOUS…
Remember in November; IT’S ON!!
Khun Joe on April 2, 2010 at 7:37 AM
Every “independent” I know is somebody that did not register to vote as a party member. The thing I find laughable are all the people that declare anyone outside their party as stupid or ignorant people only looking for a handout.
RagTag on April 2, 2010 at 7:54 AM
I have a strong feeling that these reps are the ones who cheated off of us in civics class.
Osis on April 2, 2010 at 7:56 AM
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and other people’s money. The Founders just forgot to put in the last part.
orlandocajun on April 2, 2010 at 8:13 AM
We’re doomed. He has no clue about the Constitution, hasn’t read the bill once, but “I know this wittle sick boy…..” I blame when the candidates for the office of President of the United States started to pander to Oprah Winfrey and her audience, and we let them.
Marcus on April 2, 2010 at 8:13 AM
Congress is a circus with too many clowns.
Disturb the Universe on April 2, 2010 at 8:20 AM
Fascists do not care about the rule of law, they only want the rule of man — provided that they are the man.
rbj on April 2, 2010 at 8:44 AM
This dolt swore an oath, so far as I know a legally binding one. He stands self-incriminated as being in violation of said oath. Perjury? At the least I would think.
quikstrike98 on April 2, 2010 at 8:57 AM
Politics is a game that’s never really won and never really lost, it is simply a lifelong fight. We fight for morality and freedom, they fight for amorality and the tyranny of big government. For me it’s worth the fight if it’s only an occasional win at the water cooler meetings. This year’s different though, November 2010 will be a good month.
Mojave Mark on April 2, 2010 at 2:14 AM
I sure hope you’re right, but I don’t see a single shred of evidence that we haven’t already lost. The only fight left is over the scraps.
runawayyyy on April 2, 2010 at 9:00 AM
This dolt swore an oath, so far as I know a legally binding one. He stands self-incriminated as being in violation of said oath. Perjury? At the least I would think.
quikstrike98 on April 2, 2010 at 8:57 AM
If this oath were legally binding, the lot of them would already be in jail. They only take that oath for purposes of theatre, nothing more. And even if there is some legal weight to it, who will enforce it? You? Me? Anyone?
runawayyyy on April 2, 2010 at 9:02 AM
Unfortunately the majority of them don’t so brazenly disavow their oath of office in public. There’s got to be an enterprising constitutional lawyer or legal group out there (Landmark Legal?) willing to take this pr!ck to court for repudiating his oath of office.
quikstrike98 on April 2, 2010 at 9:09 AM
We The People have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…
Not The Government
BDU-33 on April 2, 2010 at 9:19 AM
“Are you calling me a liar?”
That’s one of those lines, usually uttered by a liar, that is meant to put the attacker on the defensive and stop the attack.
To be effective, it usually requires the attacker to have at least a modicum of respect for, or fear of, the attackee-or to at least trigger the “backing down reflex” in the attacker.
“Er…yes, yes I am calling you a liar.”
Beautiful.
justltl on April 2, 2010 at 9:55 AM
“Doesn’t matter to me. Either one.”–”Neither” one, maybe.
His authority flows from the Constitution; if he’s not “worried” about the source of his own authority, why should we respect it?
Noel on April 2, 2010 at 9:58 AM
aggressive stupidity … it’s what’s for dinner!
max1 on April 2, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Aside from the fact that this guy doesn’t know the difference between the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence (and apparently doesn’t care), he drives off in an SUV, one that presumably doesn’t get 35 mpg? CAFE standards for thee, but not for me (I know they don’t kick in until 2016, but I couldn’t help note that he’s not driving around in a smart car or a Prius).
College Prof on April 2, 2010 at 10:15 AM
It’s for the children.
Lets clear this up,,, if this moron actually cared about “the children” he would not want to force them into a system where their care will be rationed!
If this moron actually cared about “the children” he would not want to force them into a system that has “death panels!”
Government run care equals less care! Not more care! It is a freaking lie and myth that when the government takes over our health care people will be better off! No they are not! They will have less of everything!
If he cared about “the children” he would care about the constitution! He would care about it a great deal! He would understand the risks and dangers to a child who grows up under a socialist system, or a Fascist system of government! He would want those children living in a free society! He would realize that historically more people have died at the hands of their own governments than in wars!
Bottom line! If you really love “the children” you will love and uphold our constitution!
JellyToast on April 2, 2010 at 10:16 AM
When you cut through the inanity of this exchange, it’s a classic example of two sides talking past each other:
Q: What gives you the authority to do this?
A: I don’t want to talk about the legal authority, I want to talk about the good things I believe I’m doing.
Q: But your legal authority is important. You’re not a monarch. You have to recognize limits on your powers.
A: You’re not hearing what I’m saying about why I think this was really important to do.
It’s almost like a classic dyfunctional marital relationship. One wishes someone would step in and say, “You aren’t listening to each other. First let’s agree to talk about what one side wants to talk about, then let’s agree to talk about what the other side wants to talk about.”
It would have been nice to be there to say to the Congressman, “I hear what you’re saying about wanting people to get good health care. Let’s debate that, and we can explain to you why we think your way is substantively the wrong way. We’ll disagree, but you need to understand that other people can care about health and still strongly beieve you’ve got this flat wrong. After that, we need you to address what we want to talk about, which is that regardless of your views on health care policy, you only have the power that the constitution gives you. Do you agree with that? And if not, where do you think your power comes from?”
Chuckles3 on April 2, 2010 at 10:28 AM
The most laughable part of this is that most that fall into this category usually call themselves “independent”, though they could not coherently describe what they are independent of.
Saltysam on April 1, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Your arrogance is exceeded only by your ignorance.
gitarfan on April 2, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Happiness is a triple cheeseburger with triple fries and a thick-shake!
joe btfsplk on April 2, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Is it just me, or does anyone else think this guy looks like a John Wayne Gacy stunt double?
Atlas Five on April 2, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Upthread someone suggested we should simply start ignoring these mandates, and I can’t help but agree. The problem is that there will be consequences. There will be examples made, and those examples will be utterly destroyed publically and completely. This is how things work. Which means you have to be prepared to be made an example of, and then HOPE the country will rally to your defense in such overwhelming numbers to matter. How many of us here truly believe that will happen?
runawayyyy on April 2, 2010 at 10:54 AM
I’d like to rip that mustache right off of his fat snarky face.
UltimateBob on April 2, 2010 at 11:02 AM
1. This man has violated his oath to defend the Constitution of the United States and needs to be recalled.
2. If people are “dying every day” because they don’t have health insurance, press charges against the hospitals who refuse to treat them, since they are required to do so by law.
3. He’s willing to ignore the Constitution because “this is about real people”? Guess what pal, the Constitution was put in place by “real people” to protect “real people” from an abusive government.
Putz.
Bobbertsan on April 2, 2010 at 11:57 AM
We needed John Wayne and we got John Wayne Gacy.
Seriously, even with the best intentions, the people loaned him their sovereign power through the Constitution. Without the Constitution, he wouldn’t even be sitting there. What would he think if the law was violated because people “weren’t worried” about his Constitutional right to pass laws?
For him to tell his constituents he’s not worried about their Constitution is beyond arrogant.
This isn’t “ticking time-bomb” emergency where you might have to worry about the law later. They’ve been planning this for decades and working on this bill over a year.
The congressman has it precisely wrong; because it is so big and so important is exactly why the Constitutional considerations must come first.
Noel on April 2, 2010 at 12:04 PM
What was that? Rhetorical salvage? You had no relevant response or point to make, but you somehow had to respond! So, you thought you’d hitchhike a ride on this thread by heaving your little pile of garbage at everyone else?
That is the essence of childishness. And in your case, it sadly seems to be a very persistent theme. Some here are annoyed by it; others are amused by your inanity. But trust me on this one . . . no one (other than you) misses the point.
Trochilus on April 2, 2010 at 12:10 PM
What a marvelous clip
Watching him lie like a three year old caught with his hand in the cookie jar was downright amazing
Lie, lie lie. The lies came out with zero hesitation
Three times a liar
entagor on April 2, 2010 at 12:36 PM
Using his logic…if he were sitting on the Tiller the Killer’s murderer’s jury, he would let the guy go. The murderer was a dreamer (no aborted babies) and he didn’t beleive the law should thwart that dream. This ELECTED dreamer doesn’t beleive he should adhere to the law of the land (Constitution) that he pledged an oath to uphold, because of his dream for universal health care. WTF?!?!?
He should be recalled immediately!
ihasurnominashun on April 2, 2010 at 12:54 PM
Irritated, sure- because we’re just supposed to shut up and trust them with complete, unfettered authority. Not bother to remind them whence that authority comes. (hint to Dems: It’s not your big-ticket donor list.)
evergreen on April 2, 2010 at 1:21 PM
His stated reason for ignoring the Constitution was that he was more concerned about a little child not being able to received care or his parents being stuck with a large bill (which, btw, Obamacare now mandates on them.) Okay, fair enough. Then Rep. Hare should have no problem showing where he has donated $8K – $10 each year to any number of hospitals an health care providers over the years, no? If not, then it’s clear that his concern is as bogus as his claim that he read the entire bill.
This guy really ought to be turned away from office.
Sailfish on April 2, 2010 at 2:02 PM
I was thinking Sgt Schulz.
Fighton03 on April 2, 2010 at 2:23 PM
Click
jimboster on April 2, 2010 at 2:45 PM
I don’t see how. Most independents seem to be feathers on the wind. They loved them some Obama in the fall of ’08.
ddrintn on April 2, 2010 at 3:00 PM
That pathetic, lying fat bastard is typical of the diabolical liberal freak who must be voted out in November.
JackM on April 2, 2010 at 3:02 PM
As somebody once noted, it only promises the pursuit of happiness. You gotta catch it yourself.
mojo on April 2, 2010 at 3:37 PM
It wasn’t accidentally left out. They (and I) feel that the SCOTUS doesn’t have the guts to overturn the entire deal.
Nathan_OH on April 2, 2010 at 4:56 PM
To his credit, making it through the preamble was probably quite an achievement for him. Is it really fair to expect Congressmen with learning disabilities to make it through all the actually legislative text that follows? I mean, it’s hard.
Blacklake on April 2, 2010 at 5:37 PM
It doesn’t even promise that. It simply states that the people who signed the document considered the pursuit of happiness an important value, and lists it as one of several reasons behind their writing the prescriptive measures which follow the preamble. The preamble itself is not prescriptive or legislative in any way, shape, or form. Only the articles which follow have that power.
Blacklake on April 2, 2010 at 5:40 PM
We should all be ashamed of letting a buffoon like this get elected. The closer you are to him the more blame you share but we are all guilty. We let it happen.
TheBigOldDog on April 2, 2010 at 7:47 PM
jimboster on April 2, 2010 at 2:45 PM
Hahahaha!
That was excellent!
justltl on April 2, 2010 at 10:50 PM
I still don’t understand why Congressman Hare isn’t in handcuffs and an orange jumpsuit as I believe it is a crime for a congressman to deliberately go against the constitution. What am I missing here?
ranzofola on April 3, 2010 at 9:25 AM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »