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You Have To Know When To Fold ‘Em…And When To Draw Your Colt
PipeLineNews.org ^ | July 24, 2003 | Willaim A. Mayer

Posted on 07/24/2003 12:12:32 PM PDT by johnqueuepublic

You Have To Know When To Fold ‘Em…And When To Draw Your Colt

By William A. Mayer

Ok, let’s put our cards on the table.

California Congressman Bill Thomas’ - July 23 - weepy-eyed apology over last week’s little dust up involving foul mouthed, millionaire playboy CA Democrat Fortney Stark and other Democrat bullies is so disgusting that it makes us puke.

Here’s the afternoon AP headline, which screamed across the pages of the San Francisco Chronicle.

“Mighty chairman is humbled: An emotional speech on House floor”

If this is what the Bush administration means by setting a new tone, you can absolutely – 100% - count us out, we want no part of it.

We want no part of a Republican Party that is constantly asking for, and in our case actually getting - campaign contributions and then whimping out like a bunch of senile old biddies at the first sign of confrontation.

We are tired of seeing the Grand Old Party getting rolled – today in the House – over the previous many month in the Senate by a “proxy” filibuster of all things – what the hell is that all about?

Is this is some weird ritual kabuki dance - a gentleman’s game - in which if you receive a note from an opponent that says bang, you are obligated to keel over and die?

No thanks, pal.

If they want a filibuster force them give to us a one, a real fire and brimstone barnburner – heart attacks and fistfights on the floor.

If they want war, let’s give them a taste of Blut Und Eissen.

When was the last time a Congressional Democrat apologized for anything?

Did KKK Byrd break down on the Senate floor crying uncontrollably like a little girl, pleading for forgiveness after his Niggergate comment?

Absolutely not.

The Senate Democrats circled their wagons hunkered down and defiantly toughed it out, the controversy passed. No retreat, no mea culpa’s repeated a thousand times over ala Trent Lott.

Did Ted Kennedy turn tail and leave politics after he killed Mary Jo Kopechne? Hell no, he ran for president and then became friends with that little weasel Orin Hatch.

Did traitor Jim Jeffords apologize to the American people for changing the outcome of the 2000 election?

Of course not, he turned his back on his Vermont constituents, struck the best deal that he could with his Democrat partners in mischief and told the GOP to go kiss his ass.

Did California Assembly lefties caught only days ago over a live public address system plotting how to do away with Prop 13 and the 2/3s tax rule just shrink away, terminally embarassed?

You’re kidding, right?

They just launched on warning, charging the Republican minority with stealing food from poor kids’ mouths.

Now, Mr. Bush is being unmercifully savaged by nine Lilliputian half-wits who are criss-crossing the country, suggesting that his claim that Saddam may actually have been in the market for African uranium constitutes an impeachable offense.

Imagine that, this band of jackals - who contorted themselves into Origami figures explaining away how it was just fine with them that their 1996 Democrat candidate was bought and paid for by the Red Chinese Army - finally find behavior which “rises to the level” of an impeachable offense - and it materializes as a mere bit of rhetoric that is most likely factually correct.

Un-be-lievable!

This is not a game we are playing, it is grim reality, we are at a nexus. If this nation is to survive – literally not figuratively - we desperately need a functioning two party system, something not now in evidence.

We need a process of debate that features impinging ideas not flaccid apologia by people who would apparently be more comfortable running country stores.

We need a process wherein inferior ideas end up as dead as Odai and Qusai Hussein, where the current crop of lefty losers’ [including that of that swamp thing, the Junior Senator from New York - if she decides to stop playing coy and enter the race] reputations will need far more than dental charts for identification by next of kin.

Until there is a solidly reasoned, genuine antithesis to the liberal Democrat thesis we will continue to lose a sickening war of attrition simply because our leaders lack the moral fortitude to fight for that which they say they believe.

We are tired of it, will no longer countenance it and from what we hear - from those to whom we talk every day - the vast majority of conservatives are similarly disposed.



TOPICS: Editorial; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: conservatism; liberalism
Good rant, if you ask me.
1 posted on 07/24/2003 12:12:33 PM PDT by johnqueuepublic
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To: johnqueuepublic
Pushed all my buttons.

Wish I had said it.

2 posted on 07/24/2003 12:17:55 PM PDT by Madame Dufarge
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To: johnqueuepublic
The apology is a curiousity. I would have gone up to apologize, then told the Demorats to kiss my a$$.
3 posted on 07/24/2003 12:22:34 PM PDT by TheDon (Why do liberals always side with the enemies of the US?)
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To: johnqueuepublic
California Congressman Bill Thomas’ - July 23 - weepy-eyed apology over last week’s little dust up involving foul mouthed, millionaire playboy CA Democrat Fortney Stark and other Democrat bullies is so disgusting that it makes us puke.

'Zactly! I watched Thomas crying and groveling.

All I could think is that, while Thomas may not be a c***sucker or a motherf***er as Stark called him, but he is certainly too weak kneed to be a committee chairman, probably too weak kneed to be a congressman, period.

Freakin' baby. Stark called me a c***sucker and I'd still be beatin' him with my cane.

4 posted on 07/24/2003 12:24:09 PM PDT by metesky ("Let us go among them." Rev. Capt. Samuel Johnston Clayton - Ward Bond, "The Searchers")
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To: johnqueuepublic
Folks will have to finally acknowledge -- that the "Democrats" play for keeps...
The "rules" don't apply to them...
Only the "opposition" is obliged to compromise.

If we don't put/keep them in their place...
We will not like the "place" they lead us to...

I view the radical leftist "Democrats" as the "Enemy Within", and fully expect that we will literally have to fight them one day....
With weapons - not words..

Semper Fi
5 posted on 07/24/2003 12:26:39 PM PDT by river rat (War works......It brings Peace... Give war a chance to destroy Jihadists...)
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To: johnqueuepublic
My sentiments exactly... except:

"If they want a filibuster force them give to us a one,..."

Huh?

6 posted on 07/24/2003 12:26:44 PM PDT by Hatteras (The Thundering Herd Of Turtles ROCK!)
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To: johnqueuepublic
Good rant, if you ask me.

The dangers associated with having an acronym the same as Group Of Pansies would hopefully serve to stiffen the spine. Alas, it seems not to be the case.

7 posted on 07/24/2003 12:29:09 PM PDT by LTCJ
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To: johnqueuepublic
These GOP fools in D.C. had better get a clue in a big hurry. Who do they think they are dealing with? Did the leadership on the other side of the isle gain any respect for GOP leadership from this? Consider this list:

Nancy Pollosi: Mean, bitter old hag who's knees will fly up and smack her in the chin if she gets another face lift...think "really mean 7th grade math teacher".

Henry Waxman: Is there a more abrasive little twerp on the eastern seaboard?

Charlie Wrangle (A.K.A. Gargles the Clown): Here we have one of the chief pushers of the lie that Republicans want to starve school children and murder senior citizens.

Harold Ford: I don't even know if this guy has teeth, because I've never seen him smile.

Fortney Stark: "Fruitcake" was the only word he used that could be repeated on television during his little dust-up...and not one word of contrition from him.

These are the people who that doddering old fool was crying to for forgiveness. They are laughing at the GOP...and they should! How can you expect any kind of respect from those kind of people when someone embarrasses an entire political party by balling like a little girl on the House floor?!
8 posted on 07/24/2003 12:37:55 PM PDT by Orangedog (Soccer-Moms are the biggest threat to your freedoms and the republic !)
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QUESTION OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE -- (House of Representatives - July 23, 2003)

[Page: H7351]  GPO's PDF

---

   Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to a point of personal privilege.

   The SPEAKER. The Chair has examined the press accounts that have been submitted, and it qualifies as a question of personal privilege under rule IX.

   The gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) is recognized for 1 hour.

   Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

[Page: H7352]  GPO's PDF

   Mr. Speaker, I have always considered the time spent in this institution, the people's House, as one of the highest honors a person can be provided by this country. Each of us is elected by the people to be a Member. Each of us has an equal right to be here. But what we do here, what position or responsibilities that we have, we owe to each other.

   Last Friday in the Ways and Means Committee while conducting a markup of a bill as a result of decisions made by members of the committee and by me as chairman, there was a breakdown of order and decorum. To reestablish order in the committee, I requested that staff place a call to the Sergeant at Arms. That decision, in my opinion, was proper and appropriate. A second decision to instruct staff to see if the Democrats that had occupied the library would go to room 1129, which is a room reserved for the Democrats for meetings and caucuses, and to enlist the support of the Capitol Police to do so if necessary, that decision, in the words of Norm Ornstein in a column today in Roll Call, was described as ``just plain stupid.'' I agree with him.

   Every Member has as much right to be here and to be heard as any other. In hindsight, calling the Sergeant at Arms for help in the committee room, I still believe, was good judgment. My instruction to use the Capitol Police, if necessary, in the library was not. I learned a very painful lesson on Friday. As Members, you deserve better judgment from me, and you will get it. Because of my poor judgment, those outside the House who want to trivialize, marginalize, and debase this institution were given an opportunity to do so. Because of my poor judgment, the stewardship of my party as the majority party in this House has been unfairly criticized.

   

[Time: 14:15]

   Because of my poor judgment, I became the focus of examination rather than the issues. The visions that each of us have for a better America, different as though they may be but equally entitled to be heard, were not focused on.

   It has been said that our strengths are our weaknesses. Or as my mother would have put it, ``When they were passing out moderation, you were hiding behind the door.'' I believe my intensity has served useful purposes, fixing problems and passing laws that otherwise may not have made it. But when one is charged and entrusted with responsibilities by you, my colleagues, as I have been, you deserve better. Moderation is required.

   For the remainder of my time in this, the people's House, I want to rededicate my efforts to strengthening this institution as the embodiment of what is best about us. I need your help and I invite it.

   Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.


PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY -- (House of Representatives - July 23, 2003)

[Page: H7352]  GPO's PDF

---

   Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to respond in a positive way, and I make a parliamentary inquiry. Would this be the proper time to ask whether my privilege of the House motion could be heard?

   The SPEAKER. The Chair will continue to take that timing under advisement.

   (Mr. RANGEL asked and was given permission to speak out of order.)


RESPONSE TO QUESTION OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE -- (House of Representatives - July 23, 2003)

[Page: H7352]  GPO's PDF

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   Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, I first want to thank the chairman of my committee for what had to be a very difficult task for him in coming before this august body and expressing regret for poor judgment. All of us at some time or the other have had poor judgment, and it is always difficult for us, especially as politicians, to say publicly that we made a mistake.

   The reason I asked to respond is because I know that each and every one of us love this body and recognize that we are privileged, if not blessed, to have the opportunity to represent the people of the United States of America. But whether or not it is a Thomas-Rangel dispute, a Republican-Democrat dispute, the only question that we have is that we leave this place in no worse shape than we inherited it. Each Congress tries to improve the quality of civility, the partnership, the working together, the mutual respect and saying, as my chairman said, that we all want a better America, indeed a better world.

   But we have diversity in this country. It is our biggest strength, and to respect the American people, we have to respect each other. It is not a question of personality. We cannot afford to be personal about it. There has to be respect. Yes, the majority has the responsibility to lead and to get their legislation through, but the minority has the right to be respected, to be heard, and to know, in a timely fashion when that legislation is coming up, to know what is in the bill, to have time and to be able to use not the rules that we make up as we go along but the rules of civility that allowed this body to exist for over 200 years. These were not Republican rules. They were not Democratic rules. They were rules to say, notwithstanding your emotion, this will guide you for a better Congress and a better America.

   I hope, Mr. Speaker, that out of this, because our parents have always told us that out of the worst day of the worst situation, if you commit to it, you can find some good to come out of it. So do not look at it as being a Thomas-Rangel, Committee on Ways and Means issue. Let us look at this as being a House of Representatives issue. Let us see whether every committee and every Member can say that in this House we have got to respect each other no matter how much we differ. We should try to believe that the best of us is to do the best job for our country.

   Chairman Thomas, I thank you for coming forward and giving us the opportunity to say can we not take this House to a higher level? Can we not go back home and make the people proud of us? And whether we win or lose in terms of legislation, whether we respect each other is what I think those that we leave this Congress to would respect us for. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

9 posted on 07/24/2003 12:44:31 PM PDT by michigander
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To: johnqueuepublic
Yup. Conservatives are getting more and more unhappy with the GOP. Rummy better start giving "How to be a man" lessons to the GOP.
10 posted on 07/24/2003 1:31:37 PM PDT by MattinNJ (As soon as we could see out of our big black eye, man, we lit up your world like the 4th of July)
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To: Madame Dufarge
and lovely buttons they are ms defarge......
11 posted on 07/24/2003 1:41:30 PM PDT by johnqueuepublic
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To: metesky
Where did you get the transcript of Starks foul language?????
12 posted on 07/24/2003 1:42:26 PM PDT by johnqueuepublic
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To: Hatteras
whats a little type in the middle of a rant??

lol
13 posted on 07/24/2003 1:43:32 PM PDT by johnqueuepublic
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To: LTCJ
You were charitable with the Pansies part.....
14 posted on 07/24/2003 1:46:27 PM PDT by johnqueuepublic
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To: Orangedog
when you look up arrogant limousine libby they have pictur of Stark.
15 posted on 07/24/2003 1:48:45 PM PDT by johnqueuepublic
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To: MattinNJ
I hear Rummy is passing out "30 Minute Warrior" as fast as he can get them.
16 posted on 07/24/2003 1:50:49 PM PDT by johnqueuepublic
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To: michigander
Rangle is a piece of work, thats all I can say and not get bounced for language.
17 posted on 07/24/2003 1:51:47 PM PDT by johnqueuepublic
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To: johnqueuepublic
Where did you get the transcript of Starks foul language?????

Well in all fairness, Fox actually had "C***sucker" on their special report and said that they couldn't clean up the second epithet for TV, which I assumed to be "motherf***er".

18 posted on 07/24/2003 5:19:03 PM PDT by metesky ("Let us go among them." Rev. Capt. Samuel Johnston Clayton - Ward Bond, "The Searchers")
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To: johnqueuepublic
Thank you, kind sir.

The groveling apology was inexplicable.

This guy isn't cut out for politics.

19 posted on 07/24/2003 5:57:22 PM PDT by Madame Dufarge
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