Kerry commenting about Boener's remarks yesterday.

[Mass]

Call Republicans to protest.

[karynnj]

1. Very nice dignified call that the Republicans need to go on record

What did Boehner say?

[Mass]

2. Here.

On Tuesday, House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) questioned whether his political opponents are “more interested in the rights of terrorists than protecting the American people.”

(from thinkprogress.com)

[karynnj]

5. That is pathetic

[ProSense]

3. Maybe

I should e-mail the Repigs this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2826039&mesg_id=2826039

[wisteria]

6. It was a political speech-bottom line.

It was a thinly veiled attack on any one who disagrees with Bush's direction and leadership or anyone questioning our continuing presence in Iraq.

[ProSense]

7. Exactly!

Analysis of what Bush really said:

My fellow Americans, dissent is not allowed! Fall in line, fall in line!

[MH1]

4. GD-P thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2826178&mesg_id=2826178

[TayTay]

8. text of comments

Kerry on Republican Failure to Denounce Boehner: Character Test for United States Senate

Below are John Kerry’s remarks that he delivered on the floor of the Senate this afternoon. In his remarks, Kerry spoke about the comments of House Majority Leader John Boehner and challenged his Republican colleagues to denounce them.

“Enough has been written about the comments made yesterday by House Majority Leader John Boehner.

I’m not interested in asking Mr. Boehner for a clarification or a retraction or even an apology. His statement was very clear, and equally despicable. His words are beyond redemption.

They are, however, sadly, what we’ve come to expect in politics today.

What I am asking, today, is for the Senate to be the Senate. We talk here about “my friend” from across the aisle. We talk about the traditions of the Senate. We talk about civility. But in the last years, I’ve seen things happen here that never would’ve happened in the Senate that I joined in 1985. We’ve come a long way since the days when Bob Dole and George Mitchell refused to campaign against each other. I’ve seen colleagues say in the cloakroom that they thought it was wrong to see the courage of their friend Max Cleland attacked, but on the floor of the Senate – silence.

I think there are good people here who still long for civility. I’ve heard it. I heard the junior Senator from Oregon say just this summer, “"My soul cries out for something more dignified." My friend from Arizona just this spring said that “self-expression sometimes overwhelms our civility.”

This is one of those times – but it is much more. I’m asking for my 54 Republican colleagues across the aisle, to stand up not just for civility, but for truth, and to come here and condemn Mr. Boehner’s remarks in no uncertain terms if they disagree with them.

That is a test of the kind of place we’ve become and the kind of politics we’ll tolerate. It’s a test of the character of the United States Senate, and I think every American would benefit from hearing where each and every Republican stands on Mr. Boehner’s words just yesterday.”

[Blaukraut]

9. Kerry saying it like it is

Talking about senators referring to each other as 'friends across the aisle' when they treat each other as anything BUT friends. Good for him. Call them on it! It is high time that this type of 'friendship' is put up to the cold light of truth. Lets see how many of these republican colleagues across the aisle - these so-called friends- will condemn Boehner's remarks. I'm willing to venture a guess; NONE!

[Democrafty]

11. Thank you, Tay.

I was out when this happened and didn't even know he'd spoken. I'm going to post this at w<3jk, I think.

[wisteria]

12. We all know these are heartfelt words from Senator Kerry, but

we also know that many Republicans will dismiss them as him playing politics. Many of those who behave in the manner of Boehman are part of the Bush/Rove mentality. Honestly, they do not have a clue how to be courteous or respectful. It is a shame the important business of the people and this country is being conducted in what amounts to a playground.

[ProSense]

14. They need to be reminded of the basics!

George Washington's Rules of Civility

From Wiki:

The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation

Remember this is the group that needed ethics training! Now it's time to bring in a kindergarten teacher for basic training in civility!

[ProSense]

13. This is a beautiful statement!

My soul is crying out for the Repigs to get what's coming to them. My mom, a Democrat through and through, though our views tend to diverge when she says "pray for Bush," changed her tone toward Bush and the Republicans this weekend listening to the 9/11 coverage. "They'll get what's coming to them," are her words!

[karynnj]

10. NYT article's strange view of partisan sniping

This article quotes Boehner - but the headline and the tone of the article fault KENNEDY for questioning Bush's 911 speech!
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/13/us/politics/13capital.html?hp&ex=1158206400&en=3e28204d22cff6d9&ei=5094&partner=homepage

One of the 2 authors wrote a biased article on the Senate debate on Boxer's amendment to demand Rumsfeld's resignation. (my comments and link to earlier article: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=273&topic_id=101324&mesg_id=101510 )

[Mass]

15. Sadly, Reid lost an opportunity to reinforce that, He was interviewed on

PBS and was asked about Boener's remarks. He did not even answer, but changed the subject.

Actually, I found he was lousy in this interview, generally speaking, whining and not at all inspiring. I wished it has been Durbin who was there.

[TayTay]

16. I am of the opinion that Sen. Reid, like many others,

thinks he can triangulate around talk like this.

It's nice to know that some people learned that you can't negotiate with people who are trying to bash your brains in (metaphorically speaking, of course.) Sen. Kerry is not letting a news cycle go by without responding to these disgusting smears by the RW lunatics. Sen. Reid is still letting the wingnuts set the terms of the debate.

I read something last year about Harry Reid and how he is supposed to be so tough and doesn't let anyone push him around. When are we going to see this Harry Reid? Rule #1: when attacked, fight back. Some people have stone-cold learned that lesson and it shows. The rest should pay attention. Otherwise the Wingnuts will just assume that you are easy pickings and proceed to pick you off.