Is the President amused?

[Trish]

Calif. Rep Hit on War Comments

By ERICA WERNER – 6 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House Democrat accused Republicans Thursday of sending troops to Iraq to "get their heads blown off for the president's amusement."

The outburst from Rep. Pete Stark as the House debated a children's health bill drew immediate condemnation from Republicans who demanded he retract it.

Instead Stark, known for his liberal views and volatile temperament, issued a statement saying Republicans should apologize for voting against an expansion of children's health care.

By a vote of 273-156 the House failed Thursday to override President Bush's veto of legislation to expand the popular State Children's Health Insurance Program.

Stark, who's in his 18th term representing the liberal East Bay near San Francisco, took to the floor to accuse Republicans of funding the Iraq war but not children's health.

"You don't have money to fund the war or children," Stark declared. "But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the President's amusement."

A White House spokesperson was not immediately available Thursday afternoon to respond to Stark's comment.

A clip of Stark's remarks was quickly posted to YouTube and e-mailed around by Republicans.

"Congressman Stark's statement dishonors not only the commander in chief, but the thousands of courageous men and women of America's armed forces who believe in their mission and are putting their lives on the line for our freedom and security," said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio. He called for Stark to retract his statement and apologize.

Instead of retraction or apology the statement Stark issued in response to Boehner just offered more criticism of the "chicken hawks in Congress who vote to deny children health care." Stark did also express respect for the troops.

It was just the latest provocative comment from Stark. On one occasion in 2001 he and then then-Rep. J.C. Watts of Oklahoma had to be separated after Stark claimed all of Watts' children were illegitimate. In fact only two of Watts' six children had been born out of wedlock.

Earlier this year, Stark became the first member of Congress to publicly proclaim himself an atheist." http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ifc9ATNAgcr4tfkoAW2ZXonnf6jQD8SBTDE80

Comments?

[Drocket]

It was just the latest provocative comment from Stark. On one occasion in 2001 he and then then-Rep. J.C. Watts of Oklahoma had to be separated after Stark claimed all of Watts' children were illegitimate. In fact only two of Watts' six children had been born out of wedlock.

Ignoring the main issue, this amuses me. Hey, not all of my children are bastards! Only a third of them!

[ECW]

Finally, a Democrat who fights back. A Democrat with a spine who has had enough Republican crap. I doubt Bush is "amused" by the dead soldiers on his watch but nothing like a little incendiary rhetoric tossed back at the folks responsible for so much of it themselves that they live by their rhetoric. Nothing like watching Republicans squirm under the "chickenhawk" banner once again and being held to account for ignoring the needs of the lower middle class who cannot afford health insurance for their children.

I got one thing to say to Rep. Stark: :thumbsup:

[ViolaLee]

I think violating the constitution amuses Dubya. He does it often enough.[hr]
Finally, a Democrat who fights back. A Democrat with a spine who has had enough Republican crap. I doubt Bush is "amused" by the dead soldiers on his watch but nothing like a little incendiary rhetoric tossed back at the folks responsible for so much of it themselves that they live by their rhetoric. Nothing like watching Republicans squirm under the "chickenhawk" banner once again and being held to account for ignoring the needs of the lower middle class who cannot afford health insurance for their children.

I got one thing to say to Rep. Stark: :thumbsup:

Tell him. http://www.house.gov/stark/contact/index.htm

I'm telling him right now.

[ECW]

And Boehner can take a flying leap as well. Screw him and the horse he rode in on. I'll tell Pete Stark to apologize when Republicans apologize for their rhetoric. They never do and neither should Mr Stark. Karma is a bitch, Boehner.

[PatrickHenry]

The rhetoric is a bit incendiary, true.

But when Republicans obstruct health care for the poor while supporting a failed President's failed war, I think a bit of steam could be excused.

Now, Democrats: How about defunding the war? All it takes is a simple majority...

[Drocket]

Now, Democrats: How about defunding the war? All it takes is a simple majority...

Actually, all it takes is a minority. 40 senators would be all it would take to block all future spending on the war, effectively ending it.

[Trish]

I wish I could say I am surprised by the comments so far - but I'm not. They've been running as I thought they would. So much for a more civil Congress, huh? Civility apparently only matters when folks are being uncivil towards "you" - if the shoe's on the other foot - it's excusable. Ain't politics grand?

[Elrathin]

I wish I could say I am surprised by the comments so far - but I'm not. They've been running as I thought they would. So much for a more civil Congress, huh? Civility apparently only matters when folks are being uncivil towards "you" - if the shoe's on the other foot - it's excusable. Ain't politics grand?


I could give a rats ass if they are civil to each other as long as they get the job done. They aren't and that is what I am pissed at the most. They can call each other motherf*ckers for all care, just do the job you're paid to do.

Although I will say its funny that the president has no money for children, but has plenty for the Iraq war.

[Wndrtch]

The rhetoric is a bit incendiary, true.

But when Republicans obstruct health care for the poor while supporting a failed President's failed war, I think a bit of steam could be excused.

Now, Democrats: How about defunding the war? All it takes is a simple majority...


Bush should challenge Stark to meet him in the Rose Garden to "discuss" it like men. Them's fight'n words!

Regarding de-funding the war, effectively to kill more US soldiers and make Dems look good, would require BIG stones! These Dems are wearing panties, and will never do it.

I'd have a better shot at convincing you Iraq was necessary. :love:

[ECW]

I wish I could say I am surprised by the comments so far - but I'm not. They've been running as I thought they would. So much for a more civil Congress, huh? Civility apparently only matters when folks are being uncivil towards "you" - if the shoe's on the other foot - it's excusable. Ain't politics grand?


A more civil Congress may have occured back in 1994 when the GOP took over and they had a plan to change business as usual. Unfortunately, all that meant was to nakedly grab power and tell the Democrats to shove it. I don't think you want a recitation of the high-charged rhetoric, namecalling, and spurious allegations that the GOP made towards the Democrats that they not only never apologized for but defended long past the news cycle that brought it to our attention.

The fact that anyone is squawking about what Pete Stark said means they haven't been paying attention or that they think it's OK to sit silently by while your political opponents make hay at your expense. John Boehner is one of the worst for this kind of stuff and he wants Stark to apologize? I got two words for Mr Boehner:



you first

[BoogyMan]

All I can say is that I hope that Pete Stark is now moved into a frontline position for all majority party communications. Liberals, please, please, please put this man out there to represent your party.

[Wndrtch]

All I can say is that I hope that Pete Stark is now moved into a frontline position for all majority party communications. Liberals, please, please, please put this man out there to represent your party.


I wonder when these Democrats will realize that George Bush isn't running for office agian. They are soooo focused on ruining him, they forgot that they were elected to pass laws.

Don't get me wrong, the fact they can't get anything accomplished, is a good thing to me. The best two words in Washington Politics is "Grid-Lock".

[Drocket]

All I can say is that I hope that Pete Stark is now moved into a frontline position for all majority party communications. Liberals, please, please, please put this man out there to represent your party.

I absolutely concur. The biggest problem Democrats have is that the public views them as being wimps, because sadly they usually are. It's way past time that someone with the balls to say what he feels is put front-and-center, instead of pussy-footing around every issue.

Issue 1: Impeach Bush, followed by trial for war crimes.

[Wndrtch]

All I can say is that I hope that Pete Stark is now moved into a frontline position for all majority party communications. Liberals, please, please, please put this man out there to represent your party.

I absolutely concur. The biggest problem Democrats have is that the public views them as being wimps, because sadly they usually are. It's way past time that someone with the balls to say what he feels is put front-and-center, instead of pussy-footing around every issue.

Issue 1: Impeach Bush, followed by trial for war crimes.


I hate to do this to you Drocket, but what are the Impeachable offenses and war crimes?

Seriously, you need to step away from the Kool-aid. I think I saw John Kerry put something in it. :dizzy:

[Drocket]

I hate to do this to you Drocket, but what are the Impeachable offenses
Wiretapping American citizens without a warrant.

and war crimes?
Authorizing torture.

[BoogyMan]

All I can say is that I hope that Pete Stark is now moved into a frontline position for all majority party communications. Liberals, please, please, please put this man out there to represent your party.

I absolutely concur. The biggest problem Democrats have is that the public views them as being wimps, because sadly they usually are. It's way past time that someone with the balls to say what he feels is put front-and-center, instead of pussy-footing around every issue.

Issue 1: Impeach Bush, followed by trial for war crimes.


This individual, if pushed to the front lines, will sink his party Drocket. Rhetoric claiming that the president takes amusement from our soldiers being killed is asinine and those who give it the rhetorical high-five should be ashamed.

[Wndrtch]

Wiretapping American citizens without a warrant.

Oh please. Who have had their rights violated?

Terrorists. Imagine that.


Authorizing torture.

Yeah, sleep depravation is such a horrible thing. :dizzy:

[Tsky]

Reading a thread like this reminds of why the world is so screwed up.

We have Democrats on here who are usually very ‘liberal’ in their moral views and yet are disgusted by things like war and torture.

Then we have Republicans who are usually very ‘conservative’ in their moral views who have no problem defending and joking about things like war and torture.

What is really going on?

[PatrickHenry]

What is really going on?
Polarization and manipulation by the media flacks.

Inability to see through the smoke...

Trust in the system, as if some part of it were trustworthy.

Partisan bloviation.

[Lazarus]

Re: is the President amused?

I would say so.
It is his opportunity to live vicariously thru those he has ordered to fight.

Hell, he even got to play dress up in his Chimpy Mcflightsuit.

And he gets to experience the thrill of victory, while avoiding the agony < death > of defeat.
( h/t to ABC Sports )

Yes, this quagmire surely brings a smile to his face.

[ECW]

All I can say is that I hope that Pete Stark is now moved into a frontline position for all majority party communications. Liberals, please, please, please put this man out there to represent your party.

I absolutely concur. The biggest problem Democrats have is that the public views them as being wimps, because sadly they usually are. It's way past time that someone with the balls to say what he feels is put front-and-center, instead of pussy-footing around every issue.

Issue 1: Impeach Bush, followed by trial for war crimes.


This individual, if pushed to the front lines, will sink his party Drocket. Rhetoric claiming that the president takes amusement from our soldiers being killed is asinine and those who give it the rhetorical high-five should be ashamed.


Just as ashamed as loud mouth comedians who allege that troops who do not march in lockstep with the Republicans in their views on this war are "phony soldiers" ought to be. Yep. Got it. :thumbsup:

[potter]

Although I will say its funny that the president has no money for children, but has plenty for the Iraq war.


I think "tragic" better describes it.....

[preservanation]

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- Bay Area Representative Pete Stark told KCBS he refuses to apologize to Republicans after accusing them of sending troops to Iraq “to get their heads blown off for the president's amusement” during a debate over a children’s health bill.
Pelosi, D-Calif., said Stark's remarks were "inappropriate and distracted from the seriousness of the subject at hand."
Stark initially refused to apologize despite condemnations from GOP lawmakers and others. Moments after Tuesday's vote, however, he addressed the House to apologize to his colleagues, "to the president and his family," and to U.S. troops offended by his remarks.

"I hope that with this apology I will become as insignificant as I should be" in the continuing debates over Iraq and health care, he said. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/23/AR2007102300779_pf.html

He caved, barely though.
What a feeb.