Washington (CNN) – Republicans on Monday were quick to pounce on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, for comparing the battle over health care to the battle over the legacy of slavery.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee purchased a Web ad on the popular Drudge Report asking readers: "Do you agree with Harry Reid?"
Those who click on the ad are taken to an NRSC Web site called "Health Care Task Force," which asks readers to sign a petition and "stand up to Harry Reid and his insulting remarks."
Reid, who is in danger of losing his re-election bid next year, made the remarks Monday morning on the floor of the Senate.
"Instead of joining us on the right side of history, all Republicans can come up with is this: slow down, stop everything, let's start over," Reid said.
"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, let's wait, things aren't bad enough."
From CNN Politics
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Republicans are once again trying to deflect the focus of what should be important. I can't even understand how people like this belong in office. Rather than go after the insurance companies for their ever-crazy profit practices they would rather twist and amplify the words from a person trying to do good for the masses. Shame on you Republicans. Don't worry people will remember next year. You got your butt handed to you in the last elections. Guess you haven't learned yet. Maybe you will after the 2010 elections.
Does the truth hurt? is the Repub's goal to stir up mishief because he used the word "slavery" in the same vein as Republican? Any sensible person gets Reid's comparison. Those old, Repub, slow dogs need a new trick if they want to attract attention. Go Harry!
If you'll look closely at US history, you'll see that the Democrats were the ones who wanted to continue and keep slavery. The Republicans wanted to stop it. It's funny how Senator Reid mixed that one up.
As a democrat, I am very disappointed that Mr. Reid would make such a comment.
The Dem's were the dissenters on the wrong side of history in the debate over slavery, and are again on the wrong side of the debate when it comes to healthcare. Of the 45 million uninsured Americans, about 15 million are truly uninsured. That number will not change when the "sweeping" program is enacted insuring 96% of Americans. 4% uninsured Americans = 15 million!!!
Harry Reid seems to forget that it was southern democrats who wanted to keep slavery as part of their economic system.
The south didn't want to give up their slaves since wages cost money.
Amazing how no one holds lunatics like this accountable.
Harry Reid is correct, if it wasn't for the courage of Abraham Lincoln fighting the political establishment, we would still have slavery. It was the same story back then as it is now, Republicans stopping progress.
Hello.....it was the Democrats in the early south that wanted to continue slavery. Think about it folks, it's the Democrats that still want to keep a sense of slavery alive... the government wants to own you....Wake up people.
Harry Reid has sunk to a new low. This is EXACTLY what this nation does NOT need. People should be able to disagree on policy without being insulted in the disgusting way. I truly hope the people on Nevada do not re-elect this pathetic individual!! He is embarrassing!
Reid is correct.
We are being enslaved by the big health insurance CEOs who are choosing who to insure and who are raising premiums ad infinitum. The insurance companies have made us their slaves because we are powerless to do anything about how they treat us. Anybody who opposes health care reform is supporting the slavery that the insurance companies have put us under.
Reid is absolutely correct!
He was making an analogy. It makes sense. If we were to wait for every person to be on board with everything, nothing would ever get done. He's right, if we would have waited for everyone to agree on slavery, we would still be waiting, because there are still racists and bigots, who do not believe that blacks should have the same rights as a white man, or that women should have the same rights as a white man. Once again, the Republicans acting like there is something to get all up in arms about.
how do morons like this get elected? the republic is broken. voters need to flush the system.
'dirty harry' is history...good for America.
Harry, may have forgotten that it was the Repblicans (Lincoln, Grant, etc) who pushed for reform after and during the Civil War. I it was the Democrats who were not only dragging their feet but also using violence against freedom for the slaves. This is basic high school U.S. History.
What an officious jerk. Why can't Sen. Reid understand that the MAJORITY of Americans, in poll after poll, continue to OPPOSE the Democrats plan to remake our health care system in their own, socialist image. The Congressional Democrats are a disgrace and an abject failure.
Reid is a liar.
The republicans were the ones that led congress to institute the civil rights laws.
The Democrats were the ones that fought the changes.
It is amazing how blatant the Dems are and how the play the race card each time.
NO REID ... HEALTCARE does not equate to the civil rights suits.
IT COMPARES to the communism that Barack is trying to push.
It Compares to the LIES in Cap and Trade...
LIARS like AL GORE that make up data and hide data to prove their points.
Republicans, Republicans Boo...Hoo...Hooey! Perhaps Senetor Harry Reid D-Nevada Just Got Caught Up In Some Rhetorical Flourishes. It Isn't Even Mild In Some Of The Most Reprehensable Things That Come Out Of Republicans Mouths Daily.
There is absolutely nothing wrong in the analogy Sen. Reid made on the floor of the senate. To oppose health care reform now after all the boogey men and scary tactics have been put to rest is nonsensical. To oppose health care reform now when its need is so very evident for those of us who are unable to get, keep or choose an affordable health insurance plan is myopic and inhumane. Reid has not called anyone racist. What he has said is the GOP party of no, with no ideas, no suggestions, no compromises, no willingness to break a monopoly are as pig-headed as those who opposed recognizing the legacy of slavery in this country in the face of overwhelming evidence.
Funny how Republican lawmakers are so quick to shoot down a comment – which P.S. is not that harmful of a comment – from a Democrat to make themselves look high and mighty. Reid's comments in no way indicated a support for slave. His comments weren't demeaning either. People in this country need to stop getting so worked up over other people's comments and misinterpreting them. Policiticans – Repubs and Dems – are so good at this, twisting things around. Here's a tip Repub lawmakers – maybe before you shoot down someone for a misguided, yet harmless comment you should take a look at your own hypocrisy when it comes to civil rights.
NEver thought I'd see the day that Reid would grow a spine. I am impressed! Now the rest of the Dems should sack up and take on some of these republicans.
I'm sorry, if I remember history correctly, wasn't it the Republican Party who were against slavery and the Democrats pro slavery????
I listened to his speech in it's entirely .To me he was not comparing health care reform bill to slavery . The point he was making was this.When slavery was being debated there were those who said no not now,slow down ,let's do it later.When debating a woman's right to vote there were those who said no not now, slow down, let's do it later. When the Civil Rights Bill was being debated there were those who said no not now,slow down, let's do it later.These are the same age old excuses being used now . So go ahead find the speech read and decide for for yourself.
yeah harry
and they were DEMOCRATS the last time I checked
the history books !!
Of course it's a good comparison to slavery. While the complaints 150 years ago were for not ending slavery, today those that are complaining are hoping to keep us from re-entering slavery.
How is 1 trillion dollars = Free???
Fix the problems, don't create more. Contrary to the media, the Republicans actually have several bills proposed that make sense, do not cost 1 Trillion dollars, but somehow don't get receive a refusal for discussion from the Democrats and their "open door", "bi-partisan", "total transparency" committees.
This is another example of repubs taking statements out of context in order to destract the public from the real issue of reforming healthcare. I agree with Mr Reid.