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'Chill out,' Graham tells critics | |||
2009-10-14 | |||
![]() Graham returned the fire with a grin, at times shouting over his most boisterous critics and telling some who questioned his Christianity and party loyalty that their minority conservative views wouldn't succeed without the political
One man told Graham he had "betrayed" conservatism and made a "pact with the devil" by working with Democrats, and asked when Graham would switch parties. Graham said he's not going anywhere and instead would grow the party, defending his conservative credentials on such issues as abortion and guns, and calling the view of Libertarians who believe President Bush was a war criminal "nuts."
A woman who had been carrying a sign that condemned "unconstitutional, anti-Christ, socialist, federal, deficit-spending programs" told Graham "God does not compromise" and that he had violated his oath of office by supporting federal ideas, including health care reform that overstep states' rights. Graham rejected the idea that the federal government should stay out of health care, saying few people want to get rid of Social Security and Medicare, and he defended his Christianity. He drew some applause by saying he opposes Obama's government option for health care because he said it would drive private enterprise out of business and add hundreds of billions of dollars in debt. He said he's not afraid to ask people who can afford care, like himself, to pay more, and that more competition, deregulation and tort reform are all ways to lower costs. "If we do nothing, we all lose," he said. He handled other questions:
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Posted by:Fred |
#8 Graham needs to stop talking and start listening. |
Posted by: AutoBartender 2009-10-14 15:02 |
#7 The people I talk to don't realize it's a Ponzi scheme, Ebbang Uluque6305, but we all trust that we post-Baby Boomers won't get a penny back, that it's all been a quiet way to support the retirements of those born earlier while we have to take care of ourselves. As an aside, it is nice to see all the people who were away for the summer. Welcome back, y'all! |
Posted by: trailing wife 2009-10-14 14:32 |
#6 Compromise might be a good thing sometimes. But when the Democrats are leading the country into a disaster the smart thing to do would be to stand up and tell them to stop. Graham rejected the idea that the federal government should stay out of health care, saying few people want to get rid of Social Security and Medicare Oh, really? People I talk to generally understand that Social Security is little more than a Ponzi scheme. They resent the hell out of Big Brother not trusting us with our own money and giving us back pennies on the dollar. |
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 2009-10-14 12:36 |
#5 Jack is Back!: In this case, no. The founding fathers intended that Senators be appointed by their individual States, to give the States leverage against the federal government and maintain the federalism and anti-federalism balance. But this was stupidly overturned in 1913 with the creation of the 17th Amendment, the direct election of senators; which was needed to fully implement the also stupid 16th Amendment, the Income Tax, and gave the federal government its first direct control over the people. |
Posted by: Anonymoose 2009-10-14 10:33 |
#4 This is the Senate. Always has been and always will be. Our founding fathers constructed our legislative system this way to calm extremism on either side. Regarding the primary; who is going to run against him? Who has the big money to do the job that is required in a primary to beat a sitting senator? Mark Sanford? Hah! |
Posted by: Jack is Back! 2009-10-14 10:24 |
#3 "I can hear him on the phone with McCain afterwards: 'those crazy Republicans need to get out of our big-tent party'" |
Posted by: Frank G 2009-10-14 10:11 |
#2 He's having fun being a "maverick." |
Posted by: Fred 2009-10-14 08:39 |
#1 Graham, so you think your are safe in your seat? The voters don't want this bill and you are playing with fire. I see a fight against you and your safe seat in the future. |
Posted by: Gloluger the Great5876 2009-10-14 00:33 |