Grayson remains defiant on 'die quickly' remarks
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/09/30/art.grayson.gi.jpg caption="Rep. Alan Grayson finally apologized - but not to Republicans."]
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Under fire for his claim that the GOP health care plan calls for sick people to "die quickly," Rep. Alan Grayson finally apologized - but not to Republicans.
"Last night, I gave a speech, and I'm not going to recount everything I said, but after that speech, several Republicans asked me to apologize," the Florida Democrat said in a defiant speech on the House floor Wednesday. "I would like to apologize."
Grayson then pointed to a Harvard study that reported more than 44,000 Americans die yearly because they lack health insurance. "That is ten times more than the number of Americans who have died in Iraq and who died in 9/11," he said. "But that was just once. This is every single year. That's right. Every single year. Take a look at this. Read it and weep."
"I apologize to the dead and their families that we haven't voted sooner to end this holocaust in America," he concluded.
House Republicans initially wanted to introduce a resolution condemning Grayson for breaching House decorum with his remarks on Tuesday night, but the resolution's sponsor, Rep. Tom Price of Georgia, decided on Wednesday not to introduce the resolution and instead asked for Grayson to apologize to House GOP leadership.
Grayson refused to do so, and Republicans were quick to blast him for it.
"Alan Grayson not only refuses to apologize, he is doubling down on his despicable remarks and he is dragging his party with him," said Ken Spain, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, which is targeting Grayson in next year's midterm election. "This is an individual who has established a pathological pattern of unstable behavior. He is derailing the national debate on healthcare reform and embarrassing his constituents as a result.
Spain also called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to "end her silence and demand an apology."
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Gooo Grayson! I hope your courage is contagious and the rest of the Dems grow a pair. Defense is good but offense is best! Someone has finally stood up and pointed out that the emporer (GOP) has no clothes!!!
These Republicans apparently have a ten minute memory.
Give em 'heck' Congressman Grayson,
I'm am with you 100%!
The local (Utah) Gentry hasn't a clue!
You made a point but dont go overboard. Fame is a dangerous thing. You did a great service but you will get burned if you keep grandstanding on all the shows like you are doing. I have been burned, just dont back down and be cautious. You could be the voice the people who need health incurance reform needs, my family and my specialneeds children. Thanks
Thank you, thank you, thank you Rep Grayson for telling it like it is and bringing it home with real statistics! The numbers of uninsured who die each year because they cannot get adequate care is shocking and appalling - you're right to call it a "Health Care Halocaust."
God bless you for standing up for what's right and ethical!
For those Republicans who wrap themselves in the flag with patriotic fervor, think about this: more Americans die every month for lack of insurance than 9-11 killed!! Republicans don't have a plan about Healthcare and never did !! the only time they talk about it is when Clinton or Obama brings it up!! otherwise ziltch!!! what did they do for the last 8 years under Bush?? nothing. . . . their inaction kills more than 9-11 did, who are the real terrorist?
let all the repugnants face the DEATH PANELS, what a wonderful world it would be, thank you Congressman Grayson, yes indeed, what a wonderful world it would be, YEAH!!!!!!!!
Time for the complaining Rethuglican pus.sies to call for a
WAAMBULANCE
What a bunch of hypocrits republicans are. Hell no Grayson should not apologize to the GOP. They've said much worse and have knowingly lied about proposed health care reform. At least what Grayson said was factual. The GOP should apologize to the American people; first for the mess they put us in, and second because they refuse to even try to help fix it.
Not knowing how to lose does not mean constituents should suffer. For months now we have watched in amazement as the GOP, after losing an election, use all sorts of scare tactics to cover up the real issue behind health care reform: That the biggest advanced democracy has worst outcome with health and it is time to overhaul. It is time also to see a courageous congressman stand up for the rest of us, with the truth to back up his courage. Kudos, Mr. Grayson.
A democrate with a spine? Wow. It's about time.
My written comment said, or should, Rep. Grayson did NOT encourage anyone to kill a Repulican.
The people responding in support of this guy are idiots as well.
The United States has the Best Health Care in the World. People come from around the world to be treated by doctors who know what the heck they are doing. To say that the Republicans are for Senior citizens dying quickly is the most laughable comment I have ever heard. This guy will be booted from office, not be promoted to speaker.
All of you radicals who want big daddy government to pay for everything need to move to Canada and see how rationed health care really works. Please, Move!
Grayson should have first asked Republicans to apologize for the Death Panel remarks before giving his apology. Democrats do not stand up for what they believe in. They let Republicans get away with anything.
Somebody dies from heart disease after a lifetime of eating butter and sugar, smoking, and avoiding exercise, and their death is equated with 9/11 and Holocaust victims?
Way to go! Refreshing even. Great idea...FLIP THE SCRIPT!
Please explain to me how this is in any way different than a "death squad" remark made by a much more famous politician?
The Grayson man reminds me of Glen Beck, the Cowboy Clown, onlty this elected official is the Floor Clown. He has a sign whereas Beck has a chalkboard. They both play to the base when we reside in a real world. However, insurances for some people really deny them the opportunity for betterhealth benefits, One man said on Cavuto we all need to face it children in proverty will not be airlifted and admitted to the Mayo Clinic. Who won't make this recommendation and why not?
Someone should tell the Democratic Party that their spine has been located. They should ask to borrow it back once in a while.
This Texan just donated $20.10 for your 2010 election.
We need more Dems like you, you have a SPINE!
Do not dare apologize to the neo-con LIARS!
This is what the Republican's REAL problem is: They admitted that healthcare is broken and needs to be addressed – but did NOTHING about it when they had the power for 6 years. That makes them either in bed with the insurance lobbyists or hypocrites. Either group is not one you want deciding healthcare for America. Their solution is to not let bureaucrats get between you and your doctor – let insurance agents and your banker get between you!
Grayson's right. And we need a nationwide insurance program similar to the "Bismarck" model used in several European countries and Japan. Profit needs to be taken out of the insurance equation NOW!
Oh, wait. That's right. My bad. The difference is that Grayson's remark is based on evidence.
If he spoke his views inside Congress where he was voted to be in and is paid to represent his constituency, he cannot be censured at all, and cannot be forced to apologize once this is the right time and forum to do it.
Debate him if the GOP have better arguments...
That is the sole reason that building is built for...
I thought he hat a point in make those analogies, very clever, I Just hope the Democrats do not shy away from the loud minority...
Very nice response...
Leo
DON'T YOU DARE APOLOGIZE!!! Finally a democrat standing up for the people who cannot stand up for themselves. With all the crap the republicans have put out there and NEVER apologized. The dems want to pull the plug on grandma, the dems plan creats death panels all of which are so much more insulting than the comment you made. In fact your comment was right on the money. I wish you were my congressman, just know that I support you 100% I only wish the other democrats would show as much gumpshun as you did.