Why LePage's 'Gestapo' Comment Is Different
There are a number of ways in which Governor Paul LePage's claim that, under Obamacare, the IRS is a "new Gestapo" is different from and worse than his previous outlandish statements.
First of all, this wasn't some off-the-cuff remark to a reporter, or an off-script moment in a speech. This was an official part of the Governor's address to the state, vetted by his office, widely distributed in print and audio formats and played on radio stations across Maine.
Second, this can't be downplayed as an offensive yet lighthearted remark, as have some of his other statements. He wasn't telling someone to "kiss his butt" or joking about toxic chemicals causing women to grow "little beards," he was knowingly and deliberately comparing President Obama's signature health care legislation to an act of Nazi Germany.
I don't care what kind of point you're making; unless you're discussing another systematic genocide it's not even close to being within the realm of rhetorical reason to equate something with the holocaust.
Third, while some of his previous extreme remarks have exposed his ugly thinking on important issues, none have done so as clearly and on such a hot-button national issue as has this statement.
Following the recent Supreme Court ruling, health care reform is currently one of the most high-profile issues in the nation. There's no question that his remarks will be a national story. By making the reference he did, when he did it, the Governor deliberately placed himself within and validated the worst rhetoric of the extreme Tea Party fringe. It's as if he pointed at the guy at the rally holding a sign with Obama covered in swastikas and said, "You know what? He makes a good point."
Fourth and finally, LePage made the statement in support of a truly indefensible policy. The actual legislative sentiment the Governor was expressing may get much less attention than the words he used, but in the end it may be much more important. In his remarks, LePage declared that he opposes the creation of a health care exchange and will refuse to implement the Affordable Care Act, including the expansion of Medicaid.
Expanding coverage for these groups is 100% paid for by the federal government for the next three years. In short, LePage is saying that he will deny health care to people who need it, not because of any financial reason, but because of his own extreme political position against the law. He's willing to deny care out of spite.
Up to this point, Governor LePage has avoided making a real apology for any of his offensive remarks. It's time for that to change. The egregiousness of this statement and the worldview it represents require an immediate apology to the people of Maine.
The views expressed on this Web site are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the views of Down East Enterprise or its employees.
- Mike Tipping
- Login or register to post comments
The most popular this year
The most popular this year belong to the Japanese handmake glasses wooden spectacle frames, as well as semi-permeable spectacle frames and sheet metal spectacle frames. A lot of stars like fashion oakley.
the IRS is a "new Gestapo"
the IRS is a "new Gestapo" is different from and worse than his previous outlandish statements click here .I just want to say,all the policy should be good for the citizen.We can support them.FFXI gold
LePage is somehow a very
LePage is somehow a very different person. This is why people think that his comments are also different. Well maybe this is what he is.
get facebook fans | buy facebook fans likes
Thanks for sharing nice
Thanks for sharing nice information with us. i like your post and all you share with us is uptodate and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job.
jocuri fotbal
I am definitely enjoying
I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories.
worthingtonmillwork.com
Thank you so much for
Thank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read.
Relationship Tips by HKT-DHM
Well, he doesn't know
Well, he doesn't know everything that much. Let him put a security equipment on his mouth. Just a slight warning though.
Gov LePage is right on
If you think the IRS are not like the Gestapo, then you've never dealt with them. They can confisctate your property without due process; throw you in jail after a "trial" in an administrative court-where all the judges and prosecution are employees of the IRS; rip people from their family on the most outrageous interpretations of the law...I could go on, but anyone who thinks Governor LePage's comment is offensive had better do some serious research on the IRS, which is nothing more than the collection arm of the Federal Reserve. NEITHER agency is part of the federal government. The IRS is not listed as a department under the Department of the Treasury, and was created at the same time as the Fed.
While I think LePage makes some moronic remarks, I fully support him getting the federal government out of our hair and out of our state, cutting back the socialist programs which are bankrupting us all and making too many dependent on the state instead of taking responsibility for themselves.
Reply to Comments on "Gov LePage is right on"
Yes, I have dealt with IRS. I had a tax issue, I misinterpreted the rules, they declared some additional money ordinary income, and they took payments over a year for the extra tax. Not bad.
They are not a Department under the Dept of the Treasury, they are a Bureau under the Dept of Treasury. The IRS is definitely a part of the Federal Government. They are not connected to the Federal Reserve at all.
As to wanting the Federal Government out of Maine, my question to you is, what do we do with all the uninsured people in Maine. I'm sure you know people who don't have health insurance. Unless they have more money then most Maine people in savings account, they are one car accident away from free care (paid by you and me) at one of our hospitals. Or, as was mentioned during a Republican Primary debate, just let them die as they don't have health insurance. Let Gov LePage propose legislation the would allow Maine hospitals the right to deny care due to lack of the ability to pay for it. I wonder how Maine people would react to that?
LePage
Thank you for writing this. LePage is more than close to a tyrannical dictator.
LePage Gestapo comment
I am actually grateful that he allows his ignorance to hang out so strongly. He will NEVER be re-elected and he shows just how narcissistic these tea party folks are.