As we've long known, the GOP has no problem writing blank checks for Bush's indefensible war. But as soon as it comes to domestic spending on anyone but the ultra-rich, they pretend to be the party of fiscal responsibility. Indeed, it's a pretension they relish whenever it gives them the opportunity to stick it to the less well-off.
This familiar story played out once again in the debate last week over H.R. 1227, a bill aimed at helping victims of Hurriance Katrina return home by providing more money for affordable housing. But the retrograde reactionaries from the mouth-breathing wing of the Republican Party can't abide helping people, so Rep. Tom Price (GA-06) offered an amendment to weaken this bill - all in the name of "fiscal responsibility."
Fortunately, Democrat Gene Taylor (MS-04) had no problem calling Price on his bullshit:
"Mr. Price, I wish you would have the decency if you are going to do that to the people of South Mississippi, that maybe you ought to come visit South Mississippi, and see what has happened before you hold them to a standard that you would never hold your own people to, and that you failed to hold the Bush administration to."
In typical GOP fashion, Price couldn't handle Taylor's criticism and cried to the parliamentarian, whining that Taylor's remarks should be stricken from the record. Apparently, you aren't allowed to question a fellow Congressman's "decency" on the floor of the House. How could we ever abide such harsh rhetoric! What will we tell the children?
Taylor's remarks were indeed stricken - obviously a purely symbolic measure, given that you're reading them here right now. (Perhaps Price isn't familiar with the series of tubes?) Taylor's right to speak for the day was also stripped, but was soon restored by his colleagues. After his reinstatement, Taylor was unapologetic - as well he should be:
Taylor confirmed he declined to apologize to Price, explaining that he did not feel that he had misspoken. ... "I didn’t feel the need to apologize to him," Taylor told The Hill....
While he may have offended the genteel sensibilities of some Republican WATBs, Taylor's courage in sticking up for Katrina victims earned him praise back home:
Gene Taylor had to apologize to a congressional colleague last week, but he certainly does not owe his constituents one.
...
What we do appreciate are Taylor's passionate efforts on behalf of his constituents. Whether it is beating back "benign" attempts to hinder our recovery or championing legislation to provide more insurance coverage for coastal residents, Taylor has enhanced his stature in South Mississippi - and beyond.
We take pride in his passion, even if a certain gentleman from Georgia does not.
And this story even has a happy ending. Taylor's well-justified passion carried the day - HR 1227 passed, 302-125. Meanwhile, Tom Price's crybaby routine got him nowhere. His amendment tanked, 333-98, with even a majority of Republicans voting against it. Just another example of how whining will get you nowhere, but passion, fortitude, and standing up for what you believe in can make all the difference.
UPDATE: In comments, Denny in Seattle points us to this YouTube clip of Taylor's remarks.