Breaking new ground in the use of props on the floor of Congress, Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) dispensed with Robin Hood quotes and cartoon dragons. Instead, he took the even classier route of holding up a baby and putting words into her mouth (via NPR):
As member of the House debated the health care reform bill on Saturday, one Congressman used an unique approach in opposition of the bill's passage.
Holding a baby, Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) spoke for her, saying that she does not want government-run health care.
"This is Maddie. Maddie likes America because we have freedom here and Maddie believes in patient choice health care. She has come here to say she doesn't want government to take over health care. She wants to keep her plan," Rep. Shadegg said.
"Maddie knows if this bill passes, she knows her mom's health care will go away and won't be around for five years. If the bill passes then no more health care for her mom because it has to change. Maddie wants patient choice," Rep. Shadegg said.
"She doesn't want her mom's premiums to go up. She doesn't want her mom's taxes to go up by $730 billion, do you, Mattie?"
"She wants America's health insurance companies to have to compete with each other. She believes in choices, but most of all, she says, don't tax me to pay for health care that you guys want. If you want health care, pay for it yourself, because it's not fair to pass your health care bills on to me and my grandchildren," Rep. Shadegg said.
I don't think Shadegg wants to be Speaker -- I think he wants to be Jeff Dunham:
PS Maddie, I'm sorry!
It's so undignified to have someone on the floor of Congress who's in diapers, drooling and spitting up. But enough about Senator Byrd . . . .
Posted by: Rob | November 09, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Scandalous!
There are a million and one reasons why Americans should be disgusted with the passage of the House bill, but this dramatization of ignorance may take the cake!
Posted by: Khephra | November 10, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Support John Shadegg's opponent,
visit www.hulburdforcongress.com
Posted by: Dan M | November 11, 2009 at 10:49 PM