Tomorrow at the Uptown home of David Voelker, local liberals were set to pay big money for the chance to meet Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). This fundraiser was going to boost the re-election coffers of the Majority Leader, who is facing a tough opponent in Nevada. While regular tickets cost only $1,000; co-hosts had to pay $4,800.00 each. Quite a haul for beignets!
The main hosts of the event were Democratic operative James Carville and U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA). All might have gone smoothly, but local tea party activists learned about the event and planned a protest rally. In fact, the event was generating a storm of controversy and protesters from around the country were planning to descend on New Orleans to march against Reid.
It was also going to create an uncomfortable situation for Landrieu, who likes to champion her centrist positions. Yet, she was going to be raising money for one of the most liberal members of the Senate. Reid has been a very partisan Senate leader who has shut out the GOP in negotiations for the healthcare bill.
After Republicans complained about his partisan tactics, Reid compared them to supporters of slavery. He said, "Instead of joining us on the right side of history, all the Republicans can come up with is, 'slow down, stop everything, let's start over.' If you think you’ve heard these same excuses before, you're right. When this country belatedly recognized the wrongs of slavery, there were those who dug in their heels and said 'slow down, it's too early, things aren't bad enough.'" Of course, Reid is about as correct on his historical analysis as he is on the healthcare issue. It was the Democratic, not Republican, members of the Congress who supported the continuation of slavery.
After such an outrageous insult, Republicans will be even more energized to defeat Reid in next year’s election. Nevada voters are already turning against Reid and his GOP opponent is leading in the polls.
Hopefully, Reid will not be able to run for re-election on the healthcare issue. It is imperative that the protests and opposition continue during the holiday season. Reid is hoping to use the distraction of the holidays as a way to push his bill forward. He is hoping that tea party groups and conservatives will tire of opposing this 2,074 page government monstrosity.
The opposite is happening across the country, as voters are staying motivated and refusing to back down. For example, tomorrow, from 1-3 p.m. at the Gallery in Slidell, 137 Taos Street, the Northshore Tea Party will gather for its fourth rally. Everyone is invited to participate. The great line-up of speakers will include State Treasurer John Kennedy and former Governor Buddy Roemer. For more information, check out: www.NorthshoreTeaParty.com
While Reid has had to cancel four fundraisers, the tea party events continue to attract big crowds. While Reid is trying to wear down the opposition, the criticism is mounting.
Landrieu and Reid say that this weekend they “will be working on the health care legislation” on Capitol Hill. If they really wanted to help the American people, they would abandon this bureaucratic mess and start from scratch with a new, limited bill focused on real reform.But, don’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen.
Jeff Crouere is the Host of “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. He is the Political Analyst for WGNO-TV ABC26 and a Columnist for selected publications. For more information, visit his web site at RingsidePolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com.
"Degree" matters. On deficit spending, Bush the 2nd had a record deficit for our country his last year in office. Obama multiplied this by four, but "promises" to cut that in half in a few years. In other words, Obama's "best case" scenario is to continue having annual deficits 2 or more times what the largest ever deficit was in fiscal 2008. THAT is WAY MORE than the eight years of George Bush's deficits; more than the 200 plus years of our country's existance accumulated deficits in just 6 to 8 years. This is his and Bennanke's "fix" - got news for ya buddy - it isn't going to do anything but make things worse long term. BTW, there are MANY people (Ron Paul, Sean Hannity, etc. etc.) who were VERY vocal speaking out against Bush the 2nd's deficits. I guess you weren't listening. Written by kpf
on 12/14/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
And the rank and file white democrats who silently opposed integration are now the victims of it. Hopeless children in failing educational systems, welfare recipients, meth heads, gang members, government dependents watching Jerry Springer for inspiration. Liberalism does not discriminate in its victims, it destroys all people of all races. It only discriminates in who must finance the failure. Written by
on 12/14/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
You may be onto something there G n' G....... Written by
on 12/14/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Jeff, I thought you were supposed to be a pretty smart guy, with a least a little knowledge of political history. The "Democrats" (primarily Southern) aka "Dixiecrats", who worked so hard to block civil rights legislation are now called Republicans. Same attitudes, just a different name. Written by Gritsngumbo
on 12/12/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Congress is the problem and has always been the problem. It seems pretty obvious that neither party is fiscally responsible. And as long as we keep re-electing folks like Mary we are screwed. Written by CN
on 12/12/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Simple question- Where were the North Shore & Red River party goers when Bush,Frist& Hastert were spending the country into a 10 trillion dollar debt? We had 8 yrs. of deficit spending and their lips were sealed and protest was not in their vocabulary. It's like they believe our problems started this past January with the coming of the new goofball. Written by Jake
on 12/12/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
I think Mary Landrieu's Centrist Mask has been lifted at last. This lady loves to pretend that she will buck her party on issues important to Louisiana. The HC debate has proven that if her vote is needed she will vote party first. If Reid's compromise to buy votes passes, Louisiana will be hit with a huge bill in additional Medicaid entitlements. The whole thing should be scrapped and start over. Written by Sharon
on 12/12/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Health care reform should start with a 100% tax credit on all medical expenses, including but not limited to insurance premiums, over the counter drugs, prescription drugs, visits to doctors, nurse practitioners, dentists, physical therapy sessions, and any other medical treatment.
In this way, even people too poor to pay taxes would get all medical refunded when taxes are filed. Yes I know some provision needs to be made so they can get care in the first place but this is not ment to be the total package, only the beginning of how to do it right.
Bonus, no extra federal clerks needed, no one between you and your doctor. Written by T Lee Horne III
on 12/11/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
You've been drinking too much tea again Jeff. Written by David Quidd
on 12/11/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Ha, Ha, Ha, At least KJ won't be caught trying to crash the gate. Written by
on 12/11/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
