AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. Paul LePage said Monday he didn’t mean to offend anyone with his comments calling the Internal Revenue Service “the new Gestapo” after Democrats and others called on the governor to apologize for and retract comments he made in his weekly radio address.
Republican leaders, meanwhile, accused Democrats of making political hay out of a non-issue, and said their calls for a retraction show why Democrats are no longer in power in Augusta.
“I know what he meant. Most regular people know what he meant,” said Charlie Webster, chairman of the Maine Republican Party. “I find it strange that the Democrats have nothing else to talk about.”
LePage made his Gestapo statement in his weekly radio address Saturday, in which he characterized the Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration’s signature health care reform law recently upheld by the Supreme Court, as a law that would make the United States less free.
“We the people have been told there is no choice,” LePage said, referring to the individual mandate portion of the law. “You must buy health insurance or pay the new Gestapo — the IRS.”
Democratic legislative leaders over the weekend called LePage’s statement “intentionally offensive” and “ignorant” and urged Republicans to also condemn the governor’s use of the term “Gestapo,” which refers to Nazi Germany’s secret police force that ruthlessly sought out Adolf Hitler’s enemies.
“This goes beyond political rhetoric,” said Rep. Emily Cain of Orono, the House Democratic leader. “The experience of the Holocaust survivors and the veterans of World War II who witnessed the true terror of the Gestapo should not be trivialized for political shock.”
But Webster and Maine House Speaker Robert Nutting, R-Oakland, weren’t going along Monday in urging LePage to retract his statement.
“A lot of us are not politically correct,” Webster said. “The Democrats want to twist everything and make it evil when, frankly, he made a comment that most people, they understand what he meant.”
“I’m not sure I would use the same words, but it was clear where he was coming from,” he added.
In a written statement, Nutting said Democrats were “carrying on with manufactured outrage” that indicated “that their party is desperately seeking a way to become relevant.”
“This is much ado about nothing,” he said. “Politicians from both sides of the aisle have invoked the word ‘gestapo’ in the past to reference heavy-handed government tactics. I probably would not have chosen that word, but I see this as a non-issue.”
But deciding to apologize for and retract the Gestapo statement “should be a no-brainer,” said Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Grant. It’s telling that Republican leadership didn’t condemn LePage’s use of “Gestapo,” he said.
“You’ve got their party defending his use of the word,” Grant said. “To me, that sends such a strong signal that they’re either not knowledgeable or totally insensitive to the history that’s involved here and, second, that they’ve run out of legitimate arguments to make against the health care law.”
LePage spokeswoman Adrienne Bennett said Monday that LePage added the term “new Gestapo” to the radio address after she drafted it.
“It was not my intent to insult anyone, especially the Jewish community, or minimize the fact that millions of people were murdered,” LePage said in a statement issued by his office. “Clearly, what has happened is that the use of the word Gestapo has clouded my message.”
Bennett said the governor’s office is working on a follow-up radio address and that LePage personally reached out to the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine to make clear that “there was no malintent from the use of the term.”
The Alliance had issued a statement earlier Monday that said LePage’s comments were “deeply offensive to the millions of Jews and other minority groups who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.”
Emily Chaleff, the group’s executive director, said LePage apologized to the Jewish community in a phone call with her Monday. “That apology doesn’t come through clearly in his public statement,” she said.
“This is a fresh reminder of the importance of maintaining civility in the course of these important public policy debates,” Chaleff said. “It is the responsibility for all of us involved in political debate in this election year to reach for words designed to educate and inform rather than to inflame and polarize.”
Bennett said LePage didn’t apologize in his public statement because “it has more meaning for him to reach out directly to someone than to do a blanket statement through the media.”
Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, said he was glad to see LePage “back away” from his Gestapo comments.
“Words do matter,” said Katz, who is Jewish. “Invoking the image of the Gestapo in discussing the Affordable Care Act was wrong.”
Maine Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, said in a statement from her office that she agreed with LePage’s assessment that the health care law “will impose billions of dollars of new taxes.” However, she said, “I am glad that he recognizes that his words were poorly chosen.”
Sen. Olympia Snowe said, “I’m sure the Governor recognized the importance of issuing a statement underscoring that he had no intention of insulting anyone.”
Yes…let’s make a stupid move worse–again–by having the state GOP leadership chime in.
Messers Webster and Nutting: if you feel compelled to say something, how about you say something to the Governor and his staff.
Charlie Webster needs to step down as head of Maine’s GOP. He is a divisive embarrassment every time he voices an opinion to the press.
I agree.
Most regular people know what he meant,” said Charlie Webster, chairman of the Maine Republican Party.
“A lot of us are not politically correct,” Webster said. “The Democrats
want to twist everything and make it evil when, frankly, he made a
comment that most people, they understand what he meant.”
Great. He is telling us that a lot of them- the “Regulars”, (those of us who took offense are not “regular”) are not politically correct? Just who I want in office helping to lead our state to even more embarrassment and shame.
I like him but I can say for certain that Ben Grant needs to step down as head of Maine’s democrat party. He is a divisive embarrassment every single time he speaks or voices an opinion to the press.
Huh??? Relevance?
Ben Who?
Man up and apologize. Quit trying to shift the blame to someone else. You said something stupid. You want to be the party of “personal responsibility”? Here’s the chance to prove you mean it.
Don’t hold your breath waiting for an apology. This drip isn’t capable of taking responsibility for the things that come from his mouth. Oh, and he meant what he said – there’s that too.
He shouldn’t apologize to any Liberal no Liberal deserves any apologies. They don’t apologize to Republicans and Bush for their hate speech. The Liberals in Maine never apologize for the attacks , insults, threats on Republicans, Independents, Greens and to LePage. So they don’t deserve anything. They can go back inside to their little “castles” and find something else to whine and moan about. Because they sure have done nothing here in Maine these last 40+ years but make our lives miserable, taking more of our paychecks, and doing things to destroy jobs here in MAINE.
So you think ‘liberals’ were the only ones that found his statement as stupid as a brick?
Let’s see. My wife and I started a company here in Maine 28 years ago in October. We currently have 18 people on the payroll all of whom receive health insurance at our expense and we pick up 50 percent of the family plan. We also reimburse for successful completion of college or professional courses at 100 percent. In addition we contribute to our employees retirement plans. You have on numerous occasions called me a “Lib” or “Liberal” Darkcat. How many jobs have you created?
Darkcat. How many jobs have you created?
First There are the Doctors , then there are the gaurds, and then there are the administrative staff at the asylum!
I would say quite a few!
How about the rest of us non-liberals (probably at least a plurality) who need an apology? Monothematic rant, as usual. And how does this increase jobs (if that’s your only bottom line)? Who wouldwant to move to this state with a governor like this?
You need to take a break from talk radio.
Don’t even try to pack up Independents and Greens in your Tea Party –
Political correctness is defined and enforced by the Dems, but the real issue is the PPACA.
Obamacare is fascism. The Gestapo enforced fascism. Do you really want the IRS to do likewise?
Obamacare is fascism in the same way that a unicycle is a military vehicle.
The Gestapo were murderers. How old are you, Dannyboy7? Do you actually know anything of history, or only what FAUX News tells you?
At least I get the real news from FOX not like your Misleading News Broadcasting Company!
http://foxnewslies.net/
Call it another Fox News fail. People who
are not exposed to any news know more about domestic and international
affairs than those who get their information from Fox News, according to
a phone poll conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University. In general,
cable news viewers, including those who watched MSNBC and CNN, could
correctly answer fewer questions about domestic and international events
than those who got their news elsewhere—including Comedy Central.
Overall, the survey found that Fox was the
least informative news outlet, while NPR and Sunday morning political
talk shows were the most.
http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/survey_says_fox_news_viewers_least_informed_20120523/
Real news? From Faux News? And what did they say about this issue (or was lePage reading their script)?
You fail Logic 101. Your premises are faulty so that you can’t make that falacious conclusion.
Generally when demagogues use inflammatory language they are trying to distract the less thoughtful of us from an absence of logic in their position. So let’s go behind the callousness of Mr. LePage’s comment and look at the nonsense of his statement.
He is correct that, under Obamacare, if I can afford health insurance but choose not to subscribe, I will pay higher taxes to the IRS.
However with or without Obamacare it is also true that if I choose not to donate to charity, I will pay higher taxes to the IRS. That does not make them “the new Gestapo”.
If I choose not to save for retirement through an IRA or a 401k, I will pay higher taxes to the IRS. That does not make them “the new Gestapo”.
If I choose not to borrow money to buy a home, I will pay higher taxes to the IRS. That does not make them “the new Gestapo”.
If I choose not to buy things that are a cost of doing business, I will pay higher taxes to the IRS. That does not make them “the new Gestapo”.
The government uses taxes to encourage us to do things deemed good for us and good for the country. Now, like encouraging us to donate, save, buy a house, conduct business, it is encouraging us to have health insurance.
Big deal.
It’s time to move on.
Yes it is a big deal, Jayweb. Your reply is the quintessential apology as to why our freedoms have trickled away, all in the liberal mythical quest for making us “better.” Rainbows and unicorns for all!!
Freedoms?
How about your freedom from your health being held hostage by Insurance Companies?
Or your freedom to die in the street rather than to be treated for a prexisting condition?
Darn fools cant even tell when the Government is trying to support your right to “Life” Liberty, from being exploited by others!
So, in the face of these existing tax levies, what made this the straw that broke his back?
The Republicans simply cannot be gracious losers. Remember the 8 years of George W. Bush we had to live through after a close Supreme Court decision awarded the election to the guy with fewer votes? Obamacare is now the law, vetted by every step of the process laid down by the Founders. Implement it and move on.
I seem to remember George Bush inheriting a recession after the dot com bubble broke and then there was the 911 attack that also hammered our economy, However due to his economic policies unemployment stayed in the 5% to 6% range until 2007 – when the Liberals took control of congrees.
If this move towards social equality is so wonderfull; why do I work harded and harder and yet my standard of living becomes less and less.
As far as the Gestapo comment goes, the comparison is made because the IRS has on many occasions SEIZED PEOPLE’S PROBERTY WITHOUT THE USE OF DUE PROCESS. THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN USED TO HARASS POLITICAL DISSENTERS: WITH THE IRS, EPA AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES “YOU ARE GUILTY —UNTIL YOU CAN PROVE YOURSELF INNOCENT!” KIND OF GOES AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION DOES IT NOT?
You must be talking about the first George Bush inheriting a recession. The second George Bush inherited quite a bit of money in the coffers thanks to Bill Clinton. And I don’t care who you are – the Gestapo comment was very imflammatory and totally oout of line!
The liberal poster’s comment yesterday about the “brownshirts” did’nt seem to bother anybody!
From March 2001 to November 2001 was a period of recession with a decline in GDP of 0.3% and a peak unemployment of 6.4%. The policies GW stopped the recession from becoming worse and lead the economy into a period of growth unntil Dec. 2007 — 11 months after Nancy Pelosi and comrades tookover management of congress.
According to the data Bill Clinton inherited an economy that was coming out of recession and it was only after 1994, with the change in congress, that the Federal budgets came under control and lead to surplusses – a Commendable Job by both Bill Clinton and The Congress.
You have examples of the IRS seizing property without due process? Usually, there is a process involved. For example, first four letters are sent requesting payment each becoming more demanding and telling you the timeframe by which you must pay if you wish to end the process; then if you do not pay your taxes a lien will be put on your property and any property you purchase after that as well; if you still do not pay your taxes and the interest, a levy comes next. This allows the government to sell your property to pay your taxes and the interest – it also allows the government to garnish wages and take retirement income as well. The IRS can also take future tax refunds toward your taxes. The way to stop the process is to pay your taxes or arrange to make payments with them.
The IRS is our collection agency and maligned for it.
The Gestapo comment is still inappropriate with respect to the IRS.
LePage = the Quisling Fifth Columnist Vichy Collaborator stooge of the the Maine Heritage Policy Center and the Koch Brothers.
Nutting can pay back the million bucks he owes Maine taxpayers.
Someone please give Charlie Webster a grain sack and tell him to go hunt for more Voter Fraud Snipe.
Yessah.
Where is the value in his statement? When Paul speaks who does it benefit ? So far I see just paul with media attention, and the people such as webster and Nutting who always defend there hero no matter how his words affect others…..Sad is right !
There is a difference between taking offence and meaning offence.
It is an issue because his opponents and other observers say it is. He can’t talk it away; he talked it here. Ih he doesn’t want an issue, don’t say it.
Ya know, I stood there with my hands out, as an Independent, weighing LePage vs. Libby Mitchell vs. Cutler. LePage was the least of all evils (Cutler being a bit of an elitist, and who wants another Anguish the King?). I don’t think the guy bodes well for Maine overall. I am hoping that the pendulum won’t swing as violently the other way next time around, but there’s no doubt he will make it swing. We need some common sense in Augusta, job development, State payroll thinning and bring Maine back to where we should be. But I don’t see that happening with Mr. LePage without a gag and an administrative assistant with a cattle prod, always at the ready.
It’s disengenuous to claim this as a partisan issue. I’ve seen/read both Republicans and Democrat denounce his statement. Certainly some of the Democrats are complaining simply because it was LePage just as some Republicans are defending the statement for the same reason.
Although I doubt he meant offense he still put his foot in his mouth and ought to apologize out of consideration of those who were legitimately offended.
Both Webster and Nutting say there is nothing wrong with what LePage said, yet both put in the disclaimers that they would not have said it. Well fellas if there is nothing wrong with it, why wouldn’t you have said it? Every time LePage opens his mouth he alienates another group of Mainers. I hope this November Emperor LePage gets taken down a peg or two and the Maine Legislature holds him accountable for all the hate spewing from the gaping maw known as LePage’s mouth.
Right about now, I’d be acutely embarrassed and mortified to call myself a Republican. How anyone with a degree of brain activity could support this bunch, I’ll never know.
Vote Democrat.
I don’t think that’s the answer. Vote for intelligence, compassion and common sense. I voted for this maroon, and it won’t happen again.
I don’t think LePage represents anything close to an average republican mainer.
Here’s hoping. Give me a decent, compassionate, intelligent Republican candidate that hasn’t been on the dole for the last 20 years and isn’t on the big $$ bandwagon and I might vote for them. I want lower taxes, less government, 2nd Amendment, etc. But the teaparty is deluded by big money (Koch, in particular) feeding them constant lies. And I won’t vote for anyone that panders to the tea party.
Show me a decent, compassionate, intelligent Republican (or Democrat either, for that matter) candidate that hasn’t been on the dole for the last 20 years and isn’t on the big $$ bandwagon and I will pass out from shock.
you dont have to worry about passing out, because you will not find one from either party.
Buddy Roemer
Wonderful Republican, Margaret Chase Smith is rolling over in her grave at the state of the GOP in Maine and US
“Vote Democrat”. No thanks if they were the only candidate on the ballot, I would leave the space blank , write in someone or if they had a space called NONE OF THE ABOVE. Well none of the above would get my vote each and everytime. These folks are a joke. They only fight for the mooching bums and those who have their hands out looking to be bought and get every handout they can think of. Take our braindead loser of a President he is a good example of buying votes. He knows he is in serious trouble against the worst Republican candidate you can nominate. The fact he has to buy voting blocks from Illegals, WELFARE CASES, Gays and Lesbians etc. proves to me he is a loser. HE is an empty suit who has done nothing in life to get to where he is and since he has been in office has done nothing anything he tries is an abysmal failure a massive boondoggle. The same with the Loser Libs in Augusta they have nothing to be proud of because they are running on a Free Spending, Expand Welfare at all cost , Destroy What Jobs we have left because they know if they ran on the record of the past 40+ years it has been nothing but failure. When you can advocate for higher state income and sales taxes on those who are struggling so those who live off of WELFARE can have even more shows these folks are very ignorant , arrogant and clueless. That these folks are pathologic liars and creeps that they have never cared about the rest of us Mainers and never will.
Don’t you know that dark cats are bad luck? You may cross LePage’s path once too often.
A Non-Issue!!!!!! Ask the little girl (me) who, when she was 6 years old, had these Gestapo types come into her house and ransacked the place looking for Jews who had found refuge in our home. Ask her how scared she was each time when they stormed in, yelled at her mother in a loud voice. A Non-Issue??? These incidents, of which there were many, have stayed with me and to this day can bring me to tears. Shame on all the Republicans who condone this kind of behavior from the governor of the state of Maine. Remember, people, if we do not learn from this history, we are going to be doomed to repeat it. I, for one, do not want to live through that again.
EXCELLENT!!! With the hatred and vitrolity being spread it may come back to haunt us all. More than disgraceful it is SAD that people now take fear, hatred and cynicalism as OK. Wonder where the kids get their bullying from? Open your eyes, Folks!!!
It’s important to understand that if you vote for a Republican this November, you are sending someone to Augusta to support this knucklehead.
Yeah let’s send folks so we can return to and expand the WELFARE State here in Maine and make working Mainers even poorer. Just what we need folks who think going to work and being successful is a bad idea. That instead depending on Government for Handouts and them to hold your hands everytime you want to do something is good. Let’s support folks like Emily Cain, Peggy Rotundo, Ben Grant, Justin Alfond etc. who think that anyone or any couple making $49,000 a year is rich. That people who make those wages should pay a 10 to 15% state income tax and pay 6 0r 7% sales tax on everything. If that is what you want you can have it. But if we return to that forget about bringing business and jobs to Maine because noone would ever move here with those economic policies.
Darkcat jobs and businesses are not coming to Maine now.
As long as the liberals reign, Maine will be in the doldrums. I know if I was a business owner outside of Maine I would never relocate to Maine for fear the Dems would come back to power and undo every good thing LePage is doing to get new businesses started and existing ones to relocate.
and LePage can’t seem to change that fact.
You’re diverting from the current issue. There’s a pschological tem for that.
what is the tem for that?
And what is a “tem?”
No, he is he responding to the unfair comments made by the two previous posters.
How dare you use the term “welfare state” when describing our state. I was once almost forced to use food stamps because I dropped out of high school. It was so embarrassing seeing people point at me in the grocery line. These incidents, of which there were many, have stayed with me and to this day can bring me to tears. Shame on all the Democrats who condone this kind of behavior. Remember, people, if we do not learn from this history, we are going to be doomed to repeat it. I, for one, do not want to live through that again.
Democrats…!?
Zactly – the shame is on Republicans!
Mr. Cat33 – You have my permission to not vote at all.
Yeah, liberals who accused others of suppressing votes want a one-party rule so they never have any opposition. Watch if they don’t try to wipe out the Amendments to the Constitution.
The only ones trying to scuttle the Constititution are Republicans!
Mr. Well –
Sorry to hear you are feeling a little low and surpressed. I can understand how that could happen given the way things are going for your side these days. Take comfort in the fact that it’s just a brain chemistry thing. There are simple prescriptions your doctor can help you with if the distress grows too much to bear.
Best wishes for a quick recovery.
And if you vote for Obama in November, you vote for taxation without representation.
Are you talking about the Democrats who are making a disgraceful and untruthful accusation of insensitivity towards the good Governor? Come on! You and folks like you are turning morality on its head. That is paramount to an assassin turning the tables around by accusing an innocent witness. Wake up folks, those Democrats are acting very desperately. It’s sickening and the height of insensitivity on their part, if you ask me.
Dems didnt make the comment..your Famous Wannabe Governor did. Why does it not surprise me that you are on his side…LOL
Excuses, excuses. The governor attacked an ill-conceived law and Dems turn this into a personal attack. I’m so happy to no longer be associated with the Dem Party, the Machiavellian party of immoral causes.
Have you seen any of the recent attack ads of the Obama campaign? Hatred, fear and cynicism are just the beginning.
A non issue, come on, GET REAL , this guy could have used PIG, RAPIST, MURDERER, but he used Gestapo. He used the name of people (and I have a hard time calling them people, because they acted like demons) that was one of the most intolerant groups on earth.
Even if he won’t apologize, I will 5oethier for the painful memories our Governor’s remarks have brought up for you, and, I am sure, for many others. I am truly sorry you and your family had to experience such horror, and that our Governor is so insensitive to the memory and reality of it. I cannot even imagine what it must have been like, but you have my sympathy and support, and my sincere apology.
The Gestapo were animals, but they were German. Does that mean all German are animals?
I had heard that 90% of all Germans were Nazi in 1938
She doesn’t say that. Are you saying that?
From what I read 90% of the German population were Nazi in 1938
Suspicious data to say the least. Where did you read this? Cite sources.
So, you are saying that!
Maybe in 1938 they were don’t know
They weren’t animals at all. They were people. Please don’t talk about animals like that.
Deleted for fear of political repercussions.
Wise move, unlike your previous statments.
I knew veterans who were there in the liberation of Germany. The regular German army were men of honor and integrity. The SS and Gestapo however were human in physical form only and were not to be trusted. They were the lowest form of sub-human life to ever exist on the planet. This from a WW2 vet now deceased.
I think that this veteran may have believed what you say, but the facts tell us something different. Plenty of regular German men killed prisoners of every kind – German and Polish Jews, Gypsies, Russians, slave workers, Polish people, Communists, etc. They did this at the order, and they did it quite willingly. Also contrary to popular belief, the German people were well aware of what was going on in concentration camps, but chose to look the other way.
I recommend the book Ordinary Men by Christopher R. Browning which details how ordinary German men murdered Jews and other prisoners designated for disposal. They were essentially programmed psychologically by the systematic demonization of their victims. It was mainly German and Polish Jews, but Communists, Gypsies, homosexuals, the deformed, mentally ill and retarded, all fell victim to the death knell. One could ask how is it possible, but it is actually pretty easy to make perfectly normal people hate and despise others who they deem not quite like them, therefore not having the same right to life as they do. Even perhaps inhibiting them from having the good life.
One can see it today, in for example, the rhetoric that was used after the legislature passed the gay marriage law in 2008. Gay people were somehow trying to take something from heterosexuals because they want to be treated with the same respect and protected by the same rights that heterosexual couples have. Or in the Governor’s demonization of state workers – they are lazy, corrupt, greedy, etc. It is all in keeping with the methodology used to target certain individuals and make them seem not like the rest of us. Not worthy, somehow underhanded or doing something to us. This is part of the process whereby we become desensitized to the humanity of others.
Once those prisoners that the ordinary men were asked to kill became less than human, it was easier to kill them. And, contrary to popular belief, their lives were not under threat if they did not obey the order to kill their hapless prisoners. Some commanders asked if they did not want to participate and those who refused, were not forced to do so, nor were they punished for refusing. In the end, though, even some of those men killed unarmed and defenseless humans because the pressure from their comrades became too much. They were resented for not bearing the same burden of guilt as the others.
The regular German army may have had men of integrity and honor, but it also had plenty of men who killed innocent and unarmed civilians. The Nazis and Gestapo were not the only monsters that wore the uniform. Unfortunately, the real monsters are often difficult to see since they look like us, live next door to us, and often seem to be quite pleasant people.
This is nothing new in history, nor is it exclusive to Germans or the German army.
Great post, the terrifying part to me was the fact that all these atrocities were committed by average people not monsters for the most part. Genocides may be initiated by horrible people but are often carried out by otherwise normal people just following orders or some other rationalization for their actions. Genocides occur constantly, Rwanda, Darfur, Serbia
Just remember…”Oh, get over it already!” Says it all.
50ethier didn’t say that. Not all Germans were Gestapo. And not all Republicans agree with LePage, Webster or Nutting. Instead, repulsed by them.
I am so sorry for what you suffered.
It’s horrible that some of the other Republicans are sticking up for what LePage said. It makes me ashamed to live in a state with a bigoted governor and his followers.
Also, I guess I am not a “regular” person as I took offense to what he said and did not know what he meant, so Charlie Webster can add me to his list of irregular people (regular must = republican to him…)
” Most regular people know what he meant,” said Charlie Webster, chairman of the Maine Republican Party.”
How can we learn from history if you make words like Gestapo forbidden? They are not your personal property because you were there. Maybe debates like this is how people learn?
Are you kidding? What is there to “learn” from this except how ignorant LePage is. Over the top rhetoric doesn’t help anyone.
Well we have alot of ignorant statements that come from Liberals such as Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Debbie-Wasserman Schultz , Liberal Talk Show and TV hosts like Ed Schultz, Rachel Maddow, Stephanie Miller, Chris Matthews. So it works both ways both sides do it. We can go back to the Warm and Fuzzy BS and destructive policies that makes from wanna puke from idiots like Baldacci and King.
You haven’t come out and actually said it so I will ask. Do you feel using the gestapo reference was an appropriate thing for the Governor of the State of Maine to do Darkcat?
He will never answer, it’s the “liberals” and the “welfare addicts” fault 4mer…….It’s never the Tea Party consolidated self destruction plan…….never
You have got to admit, he Is pretty clever!
I don’t know how he does it but getting out of that straight jacket and pass the gaurds to the asylum office computer is surely quite a feat!
LOL
If you ever have to actually deal with the IRS you will understand that the governors comment was more accurate than you know.
I’ve been audited and penalized, taxed and numbered by the IRS. The IRS representatives were professional and polite. As much as I didn’t like the experience, it was nothing like the events 5oethier experienced.
What do you mean “if you ever have to actually deal with the IRS”? I have dealt with the IRS numerous times I forget the fellows name, I think it was Lenny and he acted in a professional manner. It was in a brick building on Harlow St.(not the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building but a single story one) . He never wore jackboots, or an arm band with a swastika. I didn’t see any “Iron Crosses” or pictures on the walls of The Fuhrer. In fact the only picture I happened to notice on the wall was one of George W. Bush. He never once made any threats. I never felt in fear of being loaded onto a cattle car and being transported off to places similar to Auschwitz-Birkenau, Belzec, Chelmno,Majdanek, Sobibor, and Treblinka. We had several meetings in fact. Some at the IRS office, some at my company’s offices and a couple at our CPA’s office. It was kind of a complicated matter and it was resolved peacefully without any storm troopers smashing down any doors. I never once saw a badge or a weapon of any type. I did see a helicopter overhead one day when I was standing outside the IRS office talking to my CPA after one of the meetings we had. It wasn’t black, it was greenish and had a large red cross on the side. Of course I or my company had not violated any laws. From the sound of what you said you also have had experience with the IRS or at least implied that you have. If your dealings with them were different then mine could it be because of the fact you might not have been following the law?
I accepted a position as general manager of a small company near bankruptcy. The previous owner had not paid income tax, including withholding from employees, for 5 months. I had a grand total of under $10,000 in the company checking account and over $365.000 in overdue bills. I immediately went to the IRS, ( as well as all other major creditors), to explain the situation and how I was going to correct the situation.
The IRS was very “professional”. They never raised their voices or drew weapons. They were also the only creditor who came right out and told me they didn’t care about my problems or any other creditors. They wanted their money NOW and did not care if I didn’t have any. I was told that the company had equipment and it was suggested to me that I could sell that equipment to pay them. Of course, that ignored the fact that selling that equipment would also end all income coming into the company, forcing it into bankruptcy immediately and putting 11 people out of work. I was also informed that now that I was in charge of the company, and had legal authority to write checks and make financial decisions, that the IRS could now legally come after me and my personal assets. Including my personal home, checking, savings, etc. (This was not something I was aware of before accepting the position.)
One year later I had paid off everyone and the company survived. Despite the IRS and the position it placed me in.
Deflection again. Getting stale.
Glad to see you acknowledge LePage’s statement was ignorant, DC, LOL
Yes we do, and you recognize them as ignorant as evidenced by your own post. Why can you not also recognize and acknowledge an ignorant statement by LePage?
Don’t forget Ann Coulter, Allen West, Rush Limbaugh, MICHELLE BACHMAN, Newt Gingrigh and Andrew Breitbart!
If you were serious about “learning from history” you’d be incensed at he comment.
50ethier never said to make the word “forbidden.” Instead 50 said to remember the word for what it was and what the people who used it were all about — hate and evil. And, you’re right, debates like this — as unfortunate as it is being started by LePage — is how people learn. As 50ethier said, let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself — then and now.
You are totally missing the point. Forbidding words is not the issue. Trivializing words like Gestapo is the problem. LePage is showing his ignorance by using Gestapo to describe something that is in no way even close to the reality of the Gestapo. Those people killed millions. As bad as we perceive the IRS, they can’ even come close to the horror of the Gestapo. I suggest that you study the history of WWII before you make such stupid comments! It is ignorance like yours that condemns us to repeat history.
No the real problem is people like you who try to control the speech of others to satisfy your own guilt.
And you are the pot calling the kettle black.
Use wisely, and in the appropriate context. This was not appropriate.
The word “Gestapo” is not forbidden. Its use by a public official in this context is inappropriate. Understand the difference?
Oh get over it already! You know perfectly well what he meant!
Do you want to tell the veterans who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam to “get over it” when they have flashbacks? Do you scream that at veterans when they march is parades to standing ovations? There is hate speech and there is free speech. People fought and suffered so that you have a chance to spew “get over it.” And he knew what he meant when he chose to use an emotionally charged, evil word. He sought an audience like a toddler wanting attention. And like a toddler, he needs to be educated once again about right and wrong.
And the definition of hate speech is opposite if what you speak, right? Thought so.
No. Don’t make assumptions.
I thought that was one of your traits.
Oh whatever! You have ALL the answers.
You have no idea if the poster’s story is true or not! But because it feeds into YOUR thinking, you take it as Gospel. You dismiss any personal experience when it comes from someone you think is on the Right, but believe everything your read from someone on the Left. Very mature!
You know perfectly well what LePage meant, you just choose to make a big deal out of it because you support Obamacare.
You’re making some serious assumptions here. And you know what they say about assuming…
Abby – I know for a fact the poster’s story is true. And I also know it has not a darn thing to do with politics, Left or Right. Looks like you missed the point to of the post.
Amen, friend.
Asinus asinum fricat.
Dolium volvitur.
I know the poster. The story is true. Abby — may you one day never experience terror. May your small town never be bombed. May you one day quit making middle-school-playground-like assumptions. And if — God forbid — you ever need help during a horrific experience, your statements are taken as fact instead of being viewed as make believe. May you never be “the girl who cried wolf.” And — I say this with all sincerity. Be well.
How old is the poster?
Yeah, we know what he meant. Purely political, and an invalid analogy for shock value.
Mature, like telling someone to get over it? Or answering with “whatever”?
He is telling the facts about the NOBAMACARE and the havoc that Americans and Mainers can expect from the 16,000 new IRS agents that will be hounding these folks if they don’t buy the Emperor’s Healthcare plans.
16,000? You are WRONG!
Thank you. ForMoreInfo! And while our ignorant governor was spewing more hatred, he forgets the price our veterans paid for his right to do so…but then again, he spent the ‘Nam years in Canada, so what do we expect?
Hate speech? Are you kidding? You make me laugh but we should all cry…go burn some books!
How about if he called them the new paedophiles, would that have been ok?
Who knows, they may be!
=======
What kind of thing, I will not use human being, could possible be so careless to tell a holocaust survivor to “Oh get over it”. It was attitudes like that that allowed the holocaust to happen in the first place.
Again—stunningly rude. Dear “God” (no paucity of ego there, I see): there is a huge difference between poking fun at someone (like my moustache comment) vs. having the gall to take a survivor of a traumatic event to task. Wow. Shame on you.
Nice drama post, I could hardly hold back the tears. The IRS is as bad as the gestapo in many ways and I am certainly sorry for your situation but you have taken the comment way to far. But you did get a lot of likes.
So how many people has the IRS taken to death camps? Please enlighten us as to how many people they rounded up and loaded onto RR cars designed for cattle.
And so 5oethier should have. Drama post? A sarcastic post from you yes – I would call that your drama moment
No matter what one’s political views are, the callousness of some of these posts is really enlightening. Entitled, is it dark in your cave?
You need to quit living in the past and move on. The Governor had a valid point.
Nope.
I would come in from the outdoors and catch up on your history. Quit living in the past? You really made that comment?
Whatever his point, his comparison was plainly ridiculous and in making, he sank his own argument.
That is stunningly rude.
Unless you are willing to condemn Jerry Seinfeld for his “soup nazi” character, this is political correctness gone wild.
No. It’s not.
Senior Susan Collins, I salute thee!
Very well done and said. Hats off to you for once again showing more courage than most (in your delegation) to make the elemental point: Too Much Government Is Too Much!
Gov. LePage – think of your party before you make any assertion, please.
TMGITM!
Too Much Government Is Too Much!
Too Much Government Is Too Much!
Yeah! And the first thing they do is want to be PART of it!
He just made a comparison. Seems to me it was a rather apt one. The ransacking will not be physical, but economical. The ‘loud voices’ have already started.
There is nothing, I mean, nothing offensive about LePage’s comparison. No one, absolutely, no one is hurt but those who choose to be hurt. LePage did not by any means minimize the sufferings the Jews underwent with the Gestapo. This is just the usual hyperventilating by Democrats who have either completely lost touch with reality or are using this accusation of insensitivity as a ploy to gain political advantage. They appear to be willing to turn Mainers against each other for their own selfish gains.
Let me tell you who is being insensitive: It’s the Democrats who are using this accusation to assassinate the character of the Governor. Shame, shame, on them for doing so. By my standard this is very sinful behavior. It’s called calumny. I hope most Mainers see it for what it is. If not, it’s a sad time for Maine.
You have some serious comprehension issues if you actually think LePage using the word “gestapo” is somehow insulting to Jews.
I think you are a liar.
PS – I was attacked by a dog once and almost lost my arm. Should I also feign offense every time someone uses the term dog?
Nobody in their right mind would lie about experiencing a horror like that. What kind of sponge-brained psycho are you to even suggest that? You may not have lost your arm, but you sure sound like one seriously brain-damaged individual.
Were all you leftie people this upset when Dick Durban called our soldiers “storm troopers” acting like Nazis?
It is possible that they were. Calley was certainly not the only officer and his men were not the only men to commit henious warcrimes. The IRS is not the Gestapo and Lepages stance on taxes is as absurd as his comment.
“Nutting can pay back the million bucks he owes Maine taxpayers.” Talk about FRAUD!!
They would say it’s a non-issue now wouldn’t they?
The one thing you can count on with the Republicans, when they’re pointing an accusing finger
at someone or something, it will be their next move.
Accusing others first is their version of meat tenderizer to soften the impact when they pull the
trigger on more of their heavy ham handed tactics.
if it walks like a duck it is most likely a duck.The unaffordable careless act does just what Mr lepage say’s it make the I.R.S the new brown shirts for the democratic party.A party rejoicing for mandating the biggest tax increase ever should not ever be reelected.Taxation without representation is what democrats are all about.The only thing i regret about Mr Lepage comment was he did not go far enough.It should have been Gestapo pickpockets.
If I don’t have to pay it, how is it a tax increase? Do you understand the law at all? I’m not big on the “penalty” mandate, but you do understand that the law prohibits denial of benefits just because the insurer “says so” or denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions, right? Or are you just on the bandwagon? Or do you actually support denial of benefits when it suits the insurer? I’d love to go back to the ’60’s when we simply paid the Doctor. But Nixon and his buddies came up with this “insurance” idea to make billions. 1972 as I recall. Now you’ve got a money sucking machine between you and your doctor. But that’s the Republican way, ain’t it? And the damndest thing is I vote Republican when I see one with some common sense.
The taxes will be in your premiums and prescription costs. You don’t really expect insurance and pharmaceutical companies to eat $500 billion in new taxes. Bureaucrats get to pat each other on the back and say “See we punished those evil insurance and pharma companies”. And the “Cadillac” plans are indexed against overall inflation not medical inflation so in the end expect to eat that one too.
Explain why I should have to support the healthcare insurance industry when my doctor and hospital are just down the street. WHY is there a giant, money-grubbing monster between me and my Doctor? WHY, when I pay cash, does it cost a LOT less for medical care? WHO benefits from the insertion of greed between me and my Doctor? My premiums are over $15,000 a year. For crap with a fairly stiff deductible. America continues to get shafted, but doesn’t seem to see the monster created circa 1972 that is simply in the middle to provide “profits” to someone who would just as soon cut off your coverage at the first sign of an illness.
You go ahead and debate all you like, but the Court has ruled. Oh by the way, Roberts was a GOP Prez appointee.
Not sure what you mean. I’m not debating, just wondering if the follower-of-all-Paul is simply on the bandwagon or doesn’t understand the law, as written, and as reviewed by the Supremes. And yes, Roberts was appointed by Bush in a Court stacking attempt. Had the vote been up to Scalia, it would’ve turned out differently, since Scalia is more of a political animal. However, Roberts voting this way concerns me for some reason. Is there an ulterior motive for the far right Justice?
The individual mandate tax penalty (that’s what Rmoney calls is) affects only 1.3% of US taxpayers – the ones that have the means to buy health insurance but don’t.
The maximum penalty is 2.5% of annual income – hardly the biggest tax increase ever.
These are the wagon riders that abuse the healthcare system and pick our pockets.
If you have health insurance, there is no tax penalty.
10,000 Maine people will receive health insurance premium rebates of ~$463 this summer thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
Obama cut taxes for middle class families by $3600 over the last 3 years.
You already have “representation” if you can vote – something that LePage, Charlie Webster and Charlie Summers want to take away from many Maine citizens.
Please try to keep up.
Yessah.
Actually most Middle Class families will see an average of $3,000 tax credit for health insurance. That is actually a tax cut.
Explain how getting a $3000 tax credit to “help” pay for being FORCED to buy a $12,000 to $15,000 health insurance policy is going to put the average family making $40,000 or even $50,000 ahead?
Try reading the bill instead of watching Fox News.
A family of four earning $40,000 is going to get financial help from the Federal Government to be able to afford insurance, along with a tax credit for what money comes out of their pocket.
Get to the CAMPS wear your STAR Come to Maine open for buisness and have a job just take a shower, YES, thats the answer just take a shower, no worries no health problems just get in shower, thats the answer yes yes yes thats good
“A lot of us are not politically correct,” Webster said.
Yes, we’ve noticed.
Augusta needs to be purged of the far leftist whiner Cain and her pit bull Grant
I would suggest a purge of LePage and his apologists.
I have a few Jewish friends in other states; one said “no problem what so ever” another that said “dont care” and others that view words like Nazi & Gestapo are not exclusive to those of the Jewish faith.
Nobody said that ill-use of Gestapo was excluivly offensive to Jews. It was offense tomany of the rest of us.
I have a few Jewish friends in other states; one said “no problem what so ever” another that said “dont care” and others that view words like Gestapo are not exclusive to those of the Jewish faith.
Heil LaPage
Ooh Ooh – Nazi reference – throw him in manacles, just for a few hours!
I think you mean Sieg Heil mein Fuehrer.
Heil Obama.
Either way, I’ll bet “GestaPaul” won’t be inclined to give up his “benefits for life” for being a non-term governor…voter mandate or not!! (even though he could)
“This goes beyond political rhetoric,” said Rep. Emily Cain
ALLL cain ever does is spew political rhetoric. i understand the D’s jumping all over this becuase the last year and 1/2 we hear nothing original on how they would do things differently then the R’s, just plain and simple political rhetoric to try to take the voters eye of the ball. let’s hope the maine voter is smarter then this.
The Ds are jumping all over it, and Cain is shameless as ever. But I can’t blame the shark when the governor deliberately cuts his own hand and waves it around in the water.
Perhaps, the governor should start to think about what he says before he says it and then no one would have anything to jump on him about. He seems to enjoy saying things that make people cringe. If he didn’t, he would stop doing it. He also seems to think he is exempt from manners and good sense. All he or his stand-ins have to do is invoke the “…I’m not politically correct…” card and the idiots come crawling out of the woodwork to defend him.
Mr. LePage is an adult and we are told he was a businessman of sorts. He is the governor of the state, not some old geezer on a bar stool running off his mouth about things without anyone noticing. And he is an adult and should, by this time, have learned some impulse control. So far, we seem to be out of luck.
A Non Issue? Now if dems said this the republicians would be outraged. Keep going right along with everything LePage says. You’re showing you’re true character. It is an INSULT. And if you think its acceptable, go back and read the history books about WW2. Go and ask people that had family die in the camps why this in an non issue. All of you that think this is a non issue. I hope none of you are re-elected. This is a disgrace for a governor to come out and say that. And for you to stand behind him shame on all of you!
Pauline probably thought those camps had swimming pools, judging by his selective grasp of history.
I truly meant ‘Paulie’, but my touch pad got the better of me, I swear. Ducking iPhone.
Gov the sheep hate it when you tell it like it is.
They only understand libberish anyway and can’t
comprehend what someone who doesn’t speak
just libberish means.
Assuming all of his legion followers are indoctrinated as you, he won’t be getting my vote again. I was hoping he wouldn’t turn out the way he has, but I guess he has to pander to what appears to be his base.
Do you consider that a good response to “libberish” is to equate the IRS to torturing, genocidal death squads? Don’t you think such comments help undermine the possibility of thoughtful, meaningful communication? The reasoned exchange of views is the genius of the American republic’s ideal. I’m certain that you can find many examples contrary to this ideal among liberals, but LePage’s comment surely counts as one too.
Did you libbers go crazy when Pelosi referred
to ICE as the gestapo? Probably not so stop the whining
over something trivial and go get your welfare check.
Your unbridled anger has interfered with your ability to comprehend my comment.
Of *course* it’s a non-issue . . . to them. How many of them lost relatives in the Holocaust?
I did and it is a non issue.
It’s hard to get excited about voting for a democrat these days, but angry republican simpletons like Lepage and Webster give me reason enough.
I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.
—Abraham Lincoln
LePage makes Maine proud AGAIN ….. National TV tonight, can’t wait to see what the rest of the world thinks of his fool hardy comments?
These hypocrites! And the Republicans like to think they corner the market on faith…
To the people of many faiths who lived through World War II, and had the Gestapo come and destroy their homes looking for people of Jewish faith that may have been hidden, and to be threatened with death or killed if a Jewish person were found — the Gestapo is AN ISSUE! Thousands of people were murdered!
And for the GOP to say or back that word to criticize a federal health care mandate to support their position that Americans have no choice in the matter, WHAT ABOUT LePage and the GOP saying it’s perfectly fine for them to mandate a $4 per person per month mandatory tax on private health insurance as part of LD1333? Hypocrites!
millions of Jews and Catholics and others were murdered; Gestapo is a word that engenders feelings of that era
Agreed.
Making an issue of nothing. The fact is the Gestapo were of the Nazi Party in Germany. I read that 90% of the German people were in that party 1938.
I’ve come to expect idiotic statements from this governor. Although this one does go beyond anything that he has said publicly before. I wonder what he might have said in private? The real disappointment for me is that Speaker Nutting doesn’t have the guts to condemn the governor’s comment. I believe he is up for reelection this year. Let’s get rid of him this fall. Lepage will have to wait a couple more years.
Steve – you must have worded your comment about idiotic statements better than I did!
There’s nothing manufactured about my outrage. I am pi$$ed for real.
The guy probably thinks this is okay according to the new fireworks laws which allow shooting off things in Maine. But I don’t think the law means it’s okay to shoot off one’s mouth. He is constantly embarrassing us. Summers and other GOPs need to distance themselves from him.
Tell it like it is
LePage!!!!! Not afraid to speak the truth!!!
Yes the truth will set you free …. but you might not like the outcome!
go to the gas chambers NOW!
Where was all this outrage back when President Bush was being compared to Hitler?? When hypocrisy gets cloaked in righteousness there really is a problem, and that’s worse than anything LePage has ever said. http://michellemalkin.com/2009/02/17/nutroots-suddenly-hypersensitive-about-nazipresident-comparisons/
It is an issue because it is a treasonous thing to say for a US governor, It is an insult to the memory of men like my father who chased the Nazi’s out of Europe.
It is a fact 90% of the German were Nazi in 1938.
Further evidence the man’s an imbecile. “Open mouth to exchange feet.”
After he gets done exchanging feet – maybe he will get to work establishing the health insurance exchanges – like he should.
Yessah
I think they just changed the headline? Didn’t it previously say something like “LePage says Democrats are making too big a deal out of the Gestapo remark?”
Much ado about nothing.
Pick any day of the week and I will come up with at least three slanderous Nazi references made by Democratic politicians against Republicans.
Oh well, at least is sells fishwrap, ur, um, newspapers.
I would have to agree with the Governor on this one. The IRS will indeed become America’s worse nightmare and comparing the IRS to Gestapo is putting it mildly. Leave it to the DEMs to fabricate a headline out of nothing, all while defending the hiring of 16,500 new IRS agents with the sole intent of attacking our American freedoms.
If you pay your taxes and obey the tax laws you will have no problem with the IRS.
Only stupid tax cheats or those that hide their money Swiss Bank and shady Bermuda/Cayman Islands accounts would have trouble with the IRS.
Or Mainers that fraudulently claim residency in Florida to avoid taxes.
Yessah
But what about the people who can’t afford health insurance who will be forced to buy it or face JAIL TIME? Aren’t the new IRS Gestapo agents the ones who will be sending our friends and family to JAIL for being poor? LePage is RIGHT!!!
/////
But what if our fellow Americans can’t afford to pay the fine? Are the new Gestapo agents going to haul our fellow Americans off to JAIL?
…..
You’re asking the impossible. Ain’t gonna happen. Information conflicts with rhetoric and with these right wing imbeciles rhetoric trumps fact.
If there is no enforcement, they why hire 16,500 new Gestapo agents?
To prevent the cheaters from cheating.
Duh
But noone cheats………… so again, why all the new agents?
Check that figure you got from the Maine Heritage Policy Center against real facts and get back to us.
There are no criminal penalties for not buying health insurance under the ACA.
None.
No one will go to jail for not buying health insurance.
There is no such language in the act and no stipulation for “jail time” sentences in the act.
This is another hysterical GOP Fairy Tale – just like the stupid made-up “Death Panels”.
Yessah
Er, you need to get a grip on reality. This is set up to help the poor and make those that can afford pay their fair share, that’s all. If I had the $$ I wouldn’t buy health insurance on a bet. THOSE are the people the penalty is aimed at. Those that can afford but won’t contribute.
There is no civil or criminal penalty for not buying health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
In addition, there are exemptions and tax credits in the ACA for those that can’t afford coverage.
No one will go to jail for being poor – but people will most certainly die if they do not have adequate health insurance coverage.
The CBO estimates that the individual mandate tax penalty (that’s what Rmoney calls it) would affect only 1.3% of taxpayers that have the money to buy health insurance but don’t.
These wagon riders would be subject to a maximum tax penalty of 2.5% of annual income.
Low income Americans that can’t afford health insurance (up to 133% of poverty income) will be covered by an expansion of Medicaid – something LePage opposes – even though the federal gov’t will cover 100% of the cost to the state for the first 3 years and 90% after 2020.
It is LePage that wants people not to have the health care coverage they need – not the IRS.
Please try to keep up.
Yessah
There is nothing in the law that allows people to be put in jail for not buying health insurance. That is just another lie from Republican’s about the ACA.
Where in the ACA does it say anyone will go to jail!!! You should know what you’re talikng about before you speak!!
Like most politicians.
Unbelievable
get to the train for the camp! Now leave your belongings and children and drink your your pee until you arrive at the labor camp get into the showers then pay your taxes THANKS LEPAGE you stooge
Im sure you libbers were just as upset when Dick Durbin called our troops Nazis?
Nutting thought ripping the State off for $1.3 was a “Non issue”
“They’re carrying swastikas and symbols like that to a town meeting on health care.” ~ Nancy Pelosi, describing American citizens in 2009.
Heard the crickets chirp back then.
Child says to Teacher “She said a bad word first”
Teacher “That is right! Two wrongs do make a right” puts her hand on child’s shoulder “You are growing up so fast”
The things we teach our children are not replicated within adult society.
Pelosi was correct – the screeching Teahadists were carrying swastikas etc. into town hall meetings in 2009.
They – like LePage – were playing the Gestapo card – not Pelosi.
Yessah
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2009/08/07/jonah-goldberg-goes-in-search-of-swastikas/153018
Maybe you should stick to making sandwiches, your facts are kind of weak.
Okay. I’d like to order a dozen tripple bacon cheeseburgers for the Governor.
Everyone does understand what LePage meant – the government is a dictatorship which will use the IRS to torture, maim, and murder US citizens. We haven’t had Governors in office who hated the Federal Government, the US Constitution, and their place in the administration of law nearly so much in 150 years. We won a Civil War to get rid of this type of bully. Let’s not have to do it again.
///
From the citizen uproar in the comment sections of several online papers, if the Repubs think it’s a non-issue and “much ado about nothing” they are way out of touch. The Nazi’s and Gestapo killed millions of innocents in an attempt at genocide. Sounds like we’re going to be wanting apologies from more than LePage before this ends. Republican desperation.
Governor LePage has a right to discourse, he can say what he wants, whenever he wants. LePage is championed by some Mainers for always speaking his mind. I do not have a problem with him saying anything no matter how derogatory his remarks could become and most likely will become. I am a very strong supporter of our 1st amendment.
His language is meant to confuse, control and subjugate his opposition, which I believe is happening as I write this. His championed language, referencing events that would draw ire from opponents is exactly what he wanted or so it is assumed by me.
This Governor bothers me, because he is championed for burning political bridges, he is further championed for adding controversy and poor polemical debate within already polarized environment. He sets political fires with his behavior and non flexible attitude and due to these behaviors — people applaud or rage.
What is this man going to accomplish? Popularity? Infamy? More rules and regulations to an already overburden system? What work can one accomplish if they piss everyone off that they work with? Do people even hear the issues or do they hear their heart pounding in their chest for or against? This man does not do anything but bungle an already complex and polarized political machine. His words, his person, his politics are nothing more then, “I have it and you don’t and you are not my problem” everything that comes out of his mouth is based on himself and not his office nor his community.
I am not surprised by infighting, I am surprised that some champion a man who acts like a child, because that means, they want to act like him and probably do. By demonstration our Governor only requires impetus. No forward thinking, no compassion — “I want, I can, therefore I will” <– It is madness to support a man who only supports himself and his wants. A child who plays king in our sand box.
Governor La Pudge his Ignorance is garnished Liberally with hate and lies.
Gestapo, a government organization which seeks out and detains anyone who doesn’t conform to the governmental policy or rules. We live in the USA . shouldn’t we be free of such com-formality expectations that require the government to inject itself in our every day lives?
When you were kids how many times did you go “aw-mom??!!” . Now we are out of the house perfectly capable of making our own decisions and guess what, Now we can’t. someone has made that decision for us and on top if you don’t comply a $1300 “fine ” will be assessed. Apart from the violence of the ss gestapo I think the shoe fits. Democrats as usual are trying to be relevant. in short a pre teen pfffft! is in order for all this grandstanding.
Very well said!
Would the Founding Father’s have tolerated the IRS? ‘Nuff said!
They tolerated slavery and were intolerant to women’s suffrage too.
And yer point is?
An idealized image of our forefathers is a discredit to our government and our history. They were just men of their time, who had wealth, land, and were educated not suffering the plight of those that were beneath them. They were pot farmers, some slept with black women while married, others engaged in drug use. I am not saying their behaviors were bad, just that you may be unaware of their full extent of self and behaviors. I would suggest reading about them and or researching them, before just accepting the ideal image of them.
Why didn’t they get a comment from Sen. Roger Katz who himself is Jewish and has spoken out against the Gov. before? I find it interesting he hasn’t commented.
This was his comment posted in the article above…..Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, said he was glad to see LePage “back away” from his Gestapo comments.
“Words do matter,” said Katz, who is Jewish. “Invoking the image of the Gestapo in discussing the Affordable Care Act was wrong.”
Obama cut middle class family taxes by $3600 since he took office.
How is this “reaching into the working mans (sic) pockets”?
It ain’t.
Yessah
That is such BS.
What did he expect would happen when he compared the IRS to the Gestapo?
Is he so out of touch that he thought no one would be offended? Or is he showing just how over his head he is?
LaPage is one of the greatest Governors the state of Maine has ever had. If it was not for LaPage and the Republican led Senate and House Maine would never have gotten on track to fiscal responsibility. The Democratic party under BaldacciS watch as well as Angus Kings led Maine to the brink of financial disaster. So what if he says things that turn people off, at least he is trying and doing more to keep more money in our pockets, which is more than I can say about prior Maine Governors!!!
Load the Train!
Drink much Kool-Aid?
Obama has cut taxes for the Middle Class and small business over 18 times since he was elected. Only in GOP land is that raising taxes.
What a quick turn around for Lepage. He went from raging loony to shame spiral blob in less than a week. His mood swings are getting closer together. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.
Has nothing to do with Lepage. He mischaracterized the Gestapo in relationship to the IRS, but he believes the Gestapo were criminals and monsters and he used the characterization in that context.
Are you his speech adviser? Or just another one of his relatives he promised a job?
Another tempest in a teapot promoted by far left organizations and individuals as a way to attack the governor.
The current administration (headed by the worst president in my 78 year lifetime) is using every part of the US Government in an attempt to move it as far down the socialist path as possible before it is thrown out in November. The fact that governor LePage used the word Gestapo to define any organization that is much hated by many should be a non-issue.
And no, I have never had a problem with the IRS or any other part of the US or state government. But I certainly have a problem with the direction the Obama administration is attempting to take the USA by totally ignoring the US constitution when it gets in the way of their objectives! I also have a problem with those who profess to believe in the first amendment to our constitution until someone says something that offends their personal sensitivities or something that they can use to mount a counter attack.
This is simply another far left attempt to regain relevance in a state that is (finally) being moved by the governor in the direction of repairing decades of mismanagement!
Governor LePage John Wayne said; “don’t apologize, it’s a sign of weakness!” The current administration is apologizing to everyone in the world – QED!
I voted for the guy and I firmly believe you are completely wrong. But hey, don’t let a Supreme Court decision and reality get in the way of skewering the truth. LePage does not have the intellectual capacity of any kind of leader, as evidenced by his many foot-in-mouth events. Wait ’til late night TV tonight. “The Governor of Maine . . .” will figure into quite a few jokes. Great. Brilliant.
Thankfully each American is still entitled to their “firm” beliefs and opinions. While some consider the governor’s comments foot-in-mouth, others think it past time someone had the courage to openly say what needs to be said.
As for the late night TV, I haven’t watched it since Johnny Carson retired! From some of the quotations I have heard late night TV is the ultimate “vast (left-wing) wasteland!”
He clearly doesn’t understand the law as written, and apparently neither do you, nor the fact that the Supreme Court, even stacked with all the Bush I and II appointees, upheld it. The majority of Americans, whether they like it or not, agree with most of the healthcare bill. I don’t agree with all of it, but I don’t knee-jerk react because Beaner and Rush come up with this lie or that. The mandated purchase, which is for those that can afford, but refuse, will result in a penalty payment if they don’t carry healthcare. Won’t affect me and over 95% of Americans, but hey, don’t let the facts get in the way. “Fair and balanced, fair and balanced, fair and balanced, awwwwwk!” Say it enough times and there’s a contingent that will swallow it. They drank the tea.
If you think the majority of americans agree with most of Abomacare, you have been (or maybe not) reading some polls that are different from the ones I have seen!
Believe what you want, but I believe that the CBO said that Abomacare will add a trillion or more to the deficit over the next few years. If you think that taxing only the “rich” can cover that, I have a unused steel bridge over the Penobscot river at Bucksport that I will gladly sell you!
Wow, you could probably retire on that scrap. Your whole crew could retire. I’ll bet Cianbro got it for free.
How’s your socialist/marxist/Democrat (sic) Party Medicare coverage and Social(ist) Security benefits working out for you?
Medicare and Social Security – are they part of the dreaded “socialist path” you hate too?
I don’t use Medicare or Medicaid since I am still gainfully employed – and providing employment for 35 others whose average tenure with my manufacturing company is 19 years because they get 2-4 weeks vacation time a year (depending upon length of service) and can accrue up to 520 hours of sick leave they can use at full salary if they are actually sick. They also have medical insurance and life insurance as a percentage of their annual salary, a clean, safe working environment with free coffee they can use any time in the working day. Finally, each person gets a competitive salary that is reviewed annually with adjustments as warranted for cost of living and performance. In this economic disaster of the Obama administration (to the “blame it on Bush” folks – save your breath) we have not laid off even one person.
Despite all of the above, the company is profitable, but not wildly so and pays state and federal taxes at a level that would make you gag!
As for social security – I paid in the maximum amount required each year since I began working after school and I am one of those that your “socialist/marxist/democrat” (no sic!)administration would like to throw out of social security. I do not feel guilty in taking whatever payment the law allows since I could certainly have done better by investing the amount of my social security payments myself either in the market or in my own company!
So Obamacare doesn’t affect your business or your employees.
So how is it an “economic disaster”?
You are s Secure Socialist – I knew it.and sorry – it’e the GOP and their stupid Ryan Plan that wants to end Social Security and Medicare.
Not Obama or the Democrats.
Yessah
Obama care or “obamascare” as you put it has not really been implemented nor has any impact on my business. It is the oncoming avalanche of beauracy that will make the difference in how I relate to a group of employees that are very happy with what they have in employee relations.
Nothing in any of my posts would suggest that I propose to end either Social Security or Medicare.
I am not a “secure socialist.” My entire net worth is on the line every day of every week. What do you risk in return for whatever income you have?
Nossah!
Thank you for your opinion. However, opinions are like noses, everyone has one! My opinion is that your opinion is B******t right out of some conservative parrot piece. Post something intelligent or don’t insult others on the thread!
Whats wrong with comparing the IRS (Or our entire government) as the Nazi Gestapos? The IRS is taking everything we’ve got! We are forced to work more just to have them take it all away! I’m sick of it! I want my damn life back!
Whats wrong with comparing the IRS (Or our entire government) as the Nazi Gestapos? The IRS is taking everything we’ve got! We are forced to work more just to have them take it all away! I’m sick of it! I want my dang life back!
Whats wrong with comparing the IRS (Or our entire government) as the Gestapo? The IRS is taking everything we’ve got! We are forced to work more just to have them take it all away! I’m sick of it! I want my dang life back!
Do they kill you if you don’t pay what they want? No? Well, that’s what’s wrong.
Rmoney pays only 13.8% of his $42 million dollar income (at least the income that’s not hidden in Swiss Bank accounts and other Richey Rich hidey holes) in taxes.
I guess they didn’t “take everything he got”.
How much do you pay?
don’t blame the IRS. Blame congress
They are going to jump on him for anything they possibly can because that’s the popular thing to do right now.
The governor who tries to offend as many people as he can…Some kind of mental issue…is cheered on by the one third of the voters who elected him….Please, Mainers, no more minority governors….We need leaders elected by a majority who then respect the minority….not folks elected by a minority who disrespect themselves and the majority..
…” Most regular people know what he meant,” said Charlie Webster, chairman of the Maine Republican Party.” This is nearly as bad, if you think about it. Republican leaders obviously believe that all people must be one kind of “regular” to be considered. Why does such a wonderful state as Maine have such willfully ignorant people in government office? *perplexed*
Wow this went off the rails faster than a drummer in a golf cart.
This man is an embarrassment to our state and needs to go. He never looks at the big picture and what his words and actions cause.
Much ado about nothing? Why did it make the national news?
Anything can be used against the republican party or conservatives will make the national news!
Thank you for your opinion. However, opinions are like noses, everyone has one! My opinion is that your opinion is B******t right out of some conservative parrot piece. Post something intelligent or don’t insult others on the thread!
It was never meanth to offend> Why does everything have to be explained. The government does not shoot people who owe money. A gestapo does not fit the IRS. Is this the new brand?
It was in a prepared speech. It wasn’t some off the cuff comment caught on a hot mike somewhere. He meant it. I don’t need an apology. I want him to expand on it, let his constituents know how his mind works.
Governor LePage is a self-made man who as a boy walked the streets of Waterville with no shoes.
Through his own hard work and talent, he rose to be the Governor of Maine.
He should be an example for every American.
Instead he is despised because he said the word “gestapo.”
You see, no elected conservative or Republican official can refer to the gestapo, Hitler, or the Holocaust.
But the phrase I heard most often on the streets of Queens, New York was “Bush is Hitler.” “Republicans are Nazis. Republicans are Fascists.”
I heard that phrase ad nauseum. “All Republicans are Nazis.”
No one complained or sought to silence that message.
Clearly, there is more going on here than meets the eye.
Governor LePage got too close to the truth, and now his political career is over. I fully expect LePage to leave office before his turn is up.
And let me assure you, many people will tell you LePage did the wrong thing, but they are inwardly smoldering with resentment over the fact that political correctness can take down even a governor.
Trust me, this incident isn’t the only reason he’s despised.
No! Another reason is that he proposes to require the lazy bums to get off their back sides and earn a living! Right?
Sounds like the Gestapo.
I disagree with only one thing in your post. Governor LePage’s political career is not over. Thus far he has done exactly what this state has needed. When next November comes, the real thinkers – not the liberal/progressive/democrat/knee jerkers will prevail!
In this case, how would it be different if LaPage referred to the IRS as the KKK? The Gestapo may not create a powerful offense to everyone still, stop for a moment and think about the atrocities committed at the hands of this Nazi government organization. Why not then make it okay to refer to the IRS as Al Qaeda, or (insert your terrorist organization here). Do we want our politicians to lead or incite? I simply cant understand how any respectful and intelligent person, from any political persuasion, would consider this kind of rhetoric good.
GOD BLESS GOVERNOR LEPAGE!
DON”T BACK DOWN GOVERNOR, AND DON’T APOLOGIZE.
THERE IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR.
THIS IS A SCAM.
Guess how many time I heard Jews in NYC call Republicans ‘Nazis?”
How many? When, where in NYC? Names and dates articles, books please. This falls into the ‘anybody can say anything’ department.
LOL!!!!
When a Jewish person calls the Republicans ‘Nazis” does it minimize the Holocaust?
i guarantee that if a democrat had said those that the republicans wouldn’t say it was a nonissue. Typical response from that bunch though. Bunch of hypocrites
The IRS is notably THE most brutal collection agency in the world. I can see whee one could draw a parallel between the methods used by the IRS today with those used by the Gestapo although today the IRS doesn’t actually shoot anyone themselves, they just leave it as a personal option. Never the less they have the force of the government behind them and they will bankrupt anyone they wish. My father said roughly the same thing over 60 years ago. ( in fact, he ran off an agent who had been “rude” to my mother. It was definitely a good thing that the particular agent mentioned here never ever returned again.) (Nor were there any further inquiries.)
Pay your taxes like the rest of us and the IRS won’t be rude to yer mommy.
Yessah
Oh you’re so big and bad, you wouldn’t last two seconds with the real Gestapo.
“The IRS is notably THE most brutal collection agency in the world.” Isn’t this the lead for an advertisement for taxresolutions.com that regularly advertises on Mr. Beck’s and Mr. Limbaugh’s radio shows?
This broke national yesterday, New Mexico friends were asking me about it last night. It isn’t just that LePage sounds like a nutcase, but what we look like for electing him. What do we call him for denying 23,000 Mainers healthcare even before this ruling? Simon Legree?
Should LePage retract his Gestapo comment? Of course!
CAN he retract it? No–it would be as difficult for him to do that as it would be to retract any of his chins. His evil is as intrinsic to the man as his fat.
Anyone with any common sense would realize what Governor LePage was saying. The IRS has hired many more “agents” and will have to hire even more with the Obamanoncare being in place. He was right on target, knowing how this right hand of the government is working now and speculating about the future of it.
maybe we should remove the word from the dictionary then it will be a non word and the history behind it will be lost
You might want that but we’ve taken a vow: NEVER AGAIN!!!! got it?
I expect as much from LePage, but would like to see Republicans have enough integrity to repudiate his remarks and his actions.
Every blog here on this paper is about energy and corruption. Except for the closed minded.
Your Birkenstocks are 3 sizes too small.
I’ll bet those republicans who are hitting the campaign trail cringe every time LePage opens his mouth.
He doesn’t seem to have learned the difference between right and wrong. He stretches the boundaries of political incorrectness to new levels at every opportunity just to see his name in the paper. We don’t need a foul-mouthed thug. We need someone who listens to the people – ALL the people. LePage listens only to his Tea Party buddies.
Here’s the problem. Le Page is a calculating racist/ anti- Semite. He doesn’t give a crap if the Jewish Community is offended, in fact he will win political points if they are offended. His anti-Semitic constituents (teabillys) don’t like Jews. Why do you think he told the NAACP to ‘go to hell?” Because he’s making points with the racists who support him. Why do you think he said that the French have been discriminated as much as blacks? He knew we’d all go ballistic and he was counting on that. Then the French would see just how much we denigrate and disrespect their tragic history. That sets blacks against the French and that’s just what Paul wants. When he made that statement , I think it was MLK Day, I immediately reassured Franco Americans that I certainly was aware of their suffering and as a black person, identified with their pain. This is a divide and conquer bigot and he’s an expert at pushing our buttons.
You Libs sure do have thin skin! Unless of course it’s someone on the Left speaking their mind, then there is NEVER any disagreement!
You all know what LePage meant, you are just choosing to make a big deal out of it because you live to hate him! Grow up!
The offensive language and insensitive behavior of a public official in this instance, and the covert legitimization of such language-behavior through acts of minimization and denial by the officials political party, associates and colleagues, is nothing less than cover-up, denial and distortion of truth. What kind of role modeling is this for our young citizens? For Shame! These verbal bullies in the woods have no idea of what they are about other than bullying people and institutions with hyper-loaded language to gain traction in the arena of public and political submission using public-speak of intimidation and fear. If I remember my history correctly it was this very kind of language and the intention of bullying behavior to foster submission, that was employed by the very Gestapo being bandied so recklessly about the Maine public landscape. For Shame! We deserve more than denial from our elected representatives and their political party, and we deserve much better from our elected officials, including the Governor of the State of Maine. A public apology is indeed warranted.
Thank you for your opinion. However, opinions are like noses, everyone has one! My opinion is that your opinion is B******t right out of some liberal parrot piece. Post something intelligent or don’t insult others on the thread!
That goes for your opinion too.
Agreed!
LeRage is a bully. Bullies like to threaten, demean, humiliate, and belittle their victims. And when they are told how offensive their words are, bullies deny any intention to threaten, demean, humiliate, and belittle their victims. They’ll tell the victim to “get over it”, “take your medication”, “develop a back bone”, etc. But a bully will never rescind his words, issue an apology, admit to his intention to offend others, or at least, admit to being an ignoramous. But since Governor LePage fits my description of a bully, by the way he walks and quacks like one, HE IS A BULLY! I expect nothing more from this buffoon for the duration of his term. The GOP party would be well advised to find someone else to endorse and distance themselves from LePage as they did once before.
Thank you for your opinion. However, opinions are like noses, everyone has one! My opinion is that your opinion is B******t right out of some liberal parrot piece. Post something intelligent or don’t insult others on the thread!
That goes for your opinion too.
Agreed! That is what makes America great!
I guess if people really dislike someone, they can make a major issue out of the way they tie their shoes. So common today it in itself almost becomes a non-issue.
Well said!
Don’t worry, our Governor will stop having verbal tantrums after his tribe wins control of the IRS in November.
You people who condem a good man Like Mr. LePage for speaking the truth… It’s a sad world when your fondness for the liberal voice in your heads can’t see it….
You think you are exempt for the distruction of the country because you are doing OK Today… When the kaka hits the fan please wear you liberal pin on your lepal so I know who not to help.
When everything hits
the fan, they will not wear anything identifying themselves since they will be the ones you had better be prepared to defend yourself from!
John Wayne once said: “Life is tough, but it’s tougher when you’re stupid. ”
Wise up.
Have you looked in the mirror lately?
By the way many think Green Peace is a terrorist organization. . .
I know a lot of people who think Lepage is a terrorist.
people should be calling for resignations over these comments any one who belittles,threatens,humiliate other people should be reprimanded or asked to step down like all the other state officals in the past,but again the good old boys club shows thru thereps. say it was nothing but i wonder what would have happened if the dems had made the same statments
If a liberal had said this it wouldn’t be on the front page.
But it wasn’t …. that’s what happens when you get too many wingers on the ice and no blue liners. …….. It puts you in a position much harder to defend.
Nothing to apologize for, Governor. Thank you for having the backbone to speak the truth.
So all those times Bush was likened to Hitler were in poor taste?
That’s different since Bush was a Republican.
Which governor did that?
There was a Congressman from Minnesota and political ads by moveon.org. Senator Byrd compared him to Goering. I guess its only inappropriate for Governors to make those references. Thanks for the clarification.
People are too worried about words. Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
It is a big deal. He is the example of our state. This is not something someone in his position should say. His comments on anything are outrages. Have a little class. I am a state worker and was offended when he called us all corrupt. The only corrupt people in state governor is Lepage who can exempt himself from all the rules he makes not to mention find jobs for all his family and friends when many Mainers are out of work. Federal & State government workers are only trying to make a living like all other workers. The legislatures make the laws we just do the paperwork that goes along with it. So if you don’t like the rules put down the lawmakers not the little peons just doing their jobs. Hitler was a bully sound like anyone?
Why forgive someone that is just ignorant? If we forgive him, he will continue to do it and expect he will be forgiven again. GET A LAW IN MAINE FOR RECALL! Or at least let’s start standing up for The Way Maine (Life) Should Be (not the but of jokes from around the world). Get up, get out and start the movement to remove him and his party from office.
If he were smart he would retract…………… but he won’t……. I think that about covers it.
I almost liked you for a minute Mr. LePage, “Say what you mean and mean what you say”. Backing down just makes you look weak and not leadership material.
As John Wayne said; “never apologize, it is a sign of weakness!” The governor should have told the left wing democrat organization that took offense to “kiss my butt!”)
How many elected positions did John Wayne hold? How many states did he govern?
The same number that Obama is qualified to “govern!”
Great comment Shakespeare.
Mr. LePage needs his lips sewn shut, his phone and internet cut off and someone standing over him making sure he does his job.
How is it that the latest apologist hasn’t come out and done a press conference yet, saying that Paulie didn’t mean what he said? Is Adrianne Bennett on vacation? Did Patrick Keliher suddenly decide he needed the day off? Where are all Paulie’s keepers today?
What an embarrassment he is to this great state…
Out the DOOR in 2-0-1-4!!!!!
still doesn’t apologize as much as our democratic leader in DC
Please! I presume you mean the democrat (not democratic) leader in DC?
You’re certainly not going to hear any apologies from Congressman Eric Cantor, TeaPary Republicans don’t make no stinkin’ apologies.
OK, it’s unimportant. That’s how Republicans think (?)
(Heavy) Sigh. I feel like a broken record when I say that we should be focusing on injecting civility back into our public statements. I certainly disapprove of Governor LePage’s comments, and it’s not the first time that I’ve been embarrassed by them. And Charlie Webster admits as much when he says, “I probably would not have chosen that word.” But neither would I choose some of the vitriolic phrasing of some of the posters below to describe someone in public life. Having said that, I certainly wish Governor LePage would choose his words more wisely, especially in a scripted speech. This isn’t about political correctness; it’s about using reasoned arguments to state one’s case. Invoking the Gestapo, as far as I can see, is always going to lead people to think about Nazi Germany. No matter how I feel about the IRS (and my feelings are decidedly mixed), no American government agency deserves to be linked in such a way.
LePage needs more saturated fat in his diet.
Here is what these liberal rags should be reporting: a recent survey found that 83% of doctors are considering quitting over Obamatax. This is a real problem.
You have hit the real danger in Abomacare. The future of medicine in the USA depends upon having a sufficient number of primary care physicians to care for those that need it. Already doctors are getting only a fraction of their billings paid by insurance. Hospitals are getting only a fraction of their billings paid by the state that requires them to treat anyone who walks through the door. If there is anyone who thinks that Abomacare is going to correct that, I have a unused steel bridge across the Penscobscot river that I will sell them (If the sucker I offered it to earlier doesn’t beat them to it!)
What’s Abomacare?
Maybe those poor physicians will be able to afford 2 vacation homes instead of 3.
“Abomacare” is an abomination alternately called “Obomacare” or “ACA.”
“Abomacare” is the abomination commonly called “Obamacare” or “ACA!”
Actually can the Republicans just stop the BS the original
initiative for “no free riders” was created by the Heritage Foundation which is a
conservative republican “think tank” (1) promoted by the Republicans through the 90’s mainly by Newt Gingrich and implemented first by non
other than Governor Mitt
Romney….Republican, upheld as constitutional by a republican swing
vote in the Supreme Court……the truth of the matter is it was entered
into the affordable health care act as an olive branch to the
conservatives to ensure full enrollment as the only way to keep
insurance companies would be able to maintain their
profitability…………so quichabitchin. (1) Republicans do not have the required equipment for this sort of tank.
Other than an incoherent post, what do you really have to contribute to this thread?
6 million jewish people/victims rolled over
in their graves
good going gettin the country mad at us lepage!
What happens when you don’t pay your taxes for long enough?
Jail time.
and people can hardly afford the taxes we pay now.
the IRS is becoming much like the feared gestapo, where you’d better have your papers in order or else.
Our current democratic administration now adds another tax onto the citizens, that we all have to pay.
you can only squeeze the people so much…
How many concentration camps does the IRS run? How many people has the IRS sent to the gas chamber?
ps: He is such an embarrassment to this State.
Think before you speak Mr. LePage! This isn’t the first time you have stuck your foot in your mouth with your comments/actions and then apologized to the residents of Maine. Perhaps you should should go back to you comic strip character Peter Griffin from Family Guy!
uncanny resemblance!
Let this be a lesson the next you all decide to elect a junk store manager as Governor of a state.
I am thinking that the GOP loves this guy right now and he should be out speakifying every day.
say what you want of him I miss John Baldacci
he was such a gentleman and fine representative of maine and mainers
Yeah, a gentlemen who left the State of ME FLAT BROKE! Under Baldacci, the state pension went into a 4.5 billion dollar deficit. Baldacci froze wages to state workers along with imposing mandated furlough days. The transportation budget got cut and as a result our Maine roads are horrible, all while the State of Me expanded welfare. Baldacci was the perfect example of failed leadership!
Baldacci was a gentlemen. he rode with us bikers from time to time
And that made him a gentleman? Did he remove the mufflers from a Harley Hog and disturb every neighborhood as most “hog” riders do?
You mean once a year during the annual UBM toy run. Of course, he did this just for political gain. How much riding has Baldacci done with you since he doesn’t need your votes? None, because Baldacci is no biker!
You must be completely blind if you think LePage is not doing anything for political game.
Hi,
I voted against Baldacci and disagreed with many of his policies but lets get the facts straight. During the Baldacci administration the Pension unfunded liability shrank not grew. This was due to a Maine Constitutional amendment requiring that (which I did vote for) rather than any virtue of the Governor of legislature. Nevertheless the pension debt was shrinking during that time not growing. I agree with you that a period of relative prosperity was wasted by expanding operating costs for entitlements when those resources would have been better spent on infrastructure to support long term economic competitiveness. My point is that he has enough failures without we as critics losing credibility by asserting misinformation.
LOL!!! a gentleman huh?
He looked out for everyone else’s interests except for the citizens of Maine.
In Who-ville they say
That the governor’s small heart
Grew three sizes that day!
At first, it was Labor , then the Unions, now its the Jewish folks. I was happy when he started taking on the state agencies as they needed to be downsized and management replaced for a long time. I just hope he can keep quiet and keep reducing in house fraud, mismanagement and stupidity. Maine Government needs a lot of cleaning up if we are going to retain any working families. I speak to families daily who are seeking employment outside of Maine and ones’ who already have left. Am I the only one who see’s this taking place ?
you forgot ‘working people’ in your list that lepage has screwed over
if you are working and lose your job…you have to wait an additional
period of time to get your first unemployment check because of lepage
legislation …
if you work in the morning, you got to put up with the welfare settin
off fireworks til10.11pm at night…because of lepage legislation
What can you find to say that the governor offended “jewish folks?” The organization that professed offence is a left wing democrat supporting organization that is making a self serving issue of a statement the governor made – just as many on this thread are doing.
Most of your post is complementary toward what the governor is doing! Stick with it! Your vision of Maine government and employment migration is correct. Let’s do what we can to support the governor as he tries to correct the real problem.
All you have to do is to scroll through this long thread to see how or Governor can distract the issues from what the political leaders should be doing. Having adult conversations on the real problems. But he would rather be divisive and crude…some good ideas but no leadership skills. His base loves it, we all get hurt by it.
wonder what lepage thinks of the irish? he must
hav an opinion ….lets hear it
Keep insulting us, Mr. LePage. We are counting down to days until you are out of office and the people of Maine run their state, not the Heritage Center or the American hating T-Party!
Up here in Alaska we’re always shaking our heads and groaning with the latest Palinism. Thank you Maine for taking the heat off us with you’re own embarrassing knuckle dragger..makes Palin look almost rational. Bectha wish you hadn’t split the vote between the Independent and Democrat…
You got that right. Libby Mitchell shoud have quit. She probably even thinks so now.
How does one refer to an agency in a democratic country as being like the “Gestapo” and not mean to offend? LePage must think we are all as callous and unthinking as himself.
16000 new IRS agents weren’t hired to be our friends. They are here to jail you for the least infringement on that hundred thousand page tax law that they send every year. If you used 5 IRS agents to do your taxes you’d get 5 totally different bills. It’s un-understandable. They make it that way so they can jail anyone due to the impossible complexity of the “law”.
That’s why I’m going on welfare forever. Screw it, gimmee the section 8 and the food stamps, and the other free crap… I’m vegetatin’ !
There is a difference between punishment for tax evasion and punishment simply for being Jewish.
Are you sure it’s 16,000? Research it some place other than Fox News and get back to us.
Problem is that in actual fact exactly Zero, none, zip IRS agents have been hired to enforce the tax/penalty in the ACA. Making stuff up to spread fear and hysteria does nothing to either solve the Health Care issue or to keep Americans free.
//////
I am sure you read all 2700 pages of the ACA before coming to your conclusion. Right?
Nutting said Democrats were “carrying on with manufactured outrage” that indicated “that their party is desperately seeking a way to become relevant.” ,,,,,,,,, I guess that in order to be relevant you need to cheat medicare out of a couple of million and then declare bankrupcy to avoid paying it back… Along with the other examples of Maine GOP “leaders” playing the system and cheating the rest of us we certainly have a great group to look up to.
Gov LePage—- Angus Kings best campaign tool !!!
according to the liberals.
King is just another slimy politician that got rich off the backs of the tax payers and continues to do so.
This was not an off the cuff remark. This was a written and vetted speech. The comparison was intentional. He doesn’t have a clue as to what he has done and sees no need to apologize. He is an embarrassment to Maine.
The original headline published earlier today read, “Republican leaders say LePage’s Gestapo comment a non-issue, accuse Dems of making much ado about nothing.”
So does this new headline mean he’s walking it back now?
Try Charles De Gaulle.
I guess Gov. LePage can’t “post” on the Bangor Daily News because your “Guidelines for Posting” state, #3 “…or joke about tragedies.” I would like to joke about a tragedy, though: the fact that Mainers elected such a fool as Governor. Mainers used to vote with both their brains and their heart. Electing LePage Governor brings new meaning to the phrase, “It’s the economy, Stupid!” Forrest Gump covered this topic very well…”Stupid is as…”
So I’m not a “regular” person? That’s OK, Charlie, I don’t want to identify with you anyway.
Much ado about nothing? Just like Nutting’s financial gaffes (and fraud)?
At least Bennett has somesense, unlike LePage.
Why does this new policy make theIRS any more Gestapo-like than any taxcollection in the last century? Looks like a politcal ploy only (what did we expect?)
IT JUST GOT WORSE!
WABI TONIGHT, RELEASED EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF LEPAGE SAYING TODAY:
“…GODDAM IF THEY GET MAD”
I’d rather have a leader that is rough around the edges but will get things done for the people than a leader that smiles and shakes your hand while stabbing you in the back and robbing you blind.
I would rather have a leader who tells the truth and gets things done through tough respectful conduct. Does anyone think Eisenhower was a smiling backstabber or an arrogant blowhard. I reject both of your choices for a higher standard of elected official. Could you imagine Bill Cohen or Margaret Chase Smith (one of the toughest plain speaking senators ever) acting this way. Its a poor day when the best that you can say about our governor is “well at least he isn’t a thief”. If we keep setting our standard that low we will keep getting elected officials like this.
Well if the comparison was intended to show a secret police equating to the IRS then the govenor is the head of a similiar agency “Maine Revenue Services.” Same mission as the IRS. Tax compliance and deposit holder of revenue. Think about it gov…
wait til the mainers buying fireworks at the
new hanpshire fireworks stores get audited
by lepage’s gestapo …to use a poor choice of a word
Wow! It’s too bad all the condemners here did not get on their high horses when George Bush was called a Nazi. I guess it only matters when you want it to matter.
Tonight, reading the comments, has shown me many things. Some, not so good. Many facets of human beings. Bravo 5oethier – I am proud to be your daughter. Good Job for standing up to someone who makes bigoted comments without even first thinking of the repercussions. I love you!
Yikes. I’m watching the news on WABI. First, Adrienne Bennett saying “[Governor LePage] was clearly talking about the NEW Gestapo, not the OLD Gestapo” with a straight face is kind of funny – but then again, I’m kind of tired. But (and I know this will thrill some folks that he said it) it makes me cringe to hear our governor tell a reporter that we should be “goddam mad at the federal government” if we’re upset about Gestapo references in his speech. So I have to ask a question: should we support “plain speaking” in our political leaders if what they say would have gotten my mouth washed out with soap by my mother if I’d dared to say it?
Governor, I understand and appreciate the comparison of the IRS to the Gestapo. You have made a strong comparison. Anyone who has ever dealt with an audit understands. In that massive legislation, Obamacare, 160000 IRS agents will be hired. Hired to do what??? Do they plan to get in all of my business? The health care legislation needs to be GONE.
Your number is wrong, try doing some research.
I mistyped—whoops—-the actual number is sixteen thousand-five hundred. But, that is only those reported thus far. Others have also been hired to go after those who do not comply with the new TAX. Others are being hired to monitor abortions which will be provided—gee, need I go on and on???? This legislation is massive and intrusive and damn expensive.
You can see how the slip of the key happened—I do research as I am sure you do. I just may have a different take on the NON-transparent present administration.
Actually if you fact check this you would find that exactly 0 (zero, none, zip) IRS agents have been hired to go after those who do not comply with the new tax/penalty for those recieving free health care. There are plans to hire about 2000 IRS workers to implement the health insurance tax credit subsidies to those newly eligible for such in 2014. I do not believe this law is the best way to address the health care problem in this country but I see no benefit in making up or spreading outright lies about it.
If you think I am wrong about the hiring of IRS agents simply provide a link to verifiable documentation of any such hiring. If you can not provide such be a grownup and withdraw you accusation.
Wrong again!!!
Amazing ! one little word is enough of an excuse to get every liberal whinning at full extent!
If you stop and look hard at this obama care foolishness you will find that it will cost the American tax payer alot more money,among other things.
History tells us that every time government gets bigger,we loose more of our freedoms.obama care requires that the I.R.S. hire many more officers to enforce this useless tax on the citizens,government is getting bigger.
I.R.S. agents are required to carry firearms,so what are you going to do when they pound on your door in the middle of the night ? they have reason to belive that you have not paid your health care tax and they need to see your papers.
Gestapo ? maybe not to far off in the future of America.The Germans never belived it could happen in their country.
They’re collecting taxes, not people to be killed. There is a huge difference. You want to talk about whining? Whining is comparing paying your taxes to what happened in Germany in WWII. That’s whining.
Money = time.
so therefore, if the irs takes more of your money away from you, they are taking away time.
time out of your life.
If might not seem like a lot, but it adds up.
so if you knew the exact day and hour you were doing to die, the irs could accumulate all the time stolen from you and execute you a year before your destined expiration date.
just remember that time = money.
so go ahead, be happy that the irs is taking your money, and by extension your time away from you.
Incredibly pathetic. You’re grasping at straws. There is no way you can compare having money collected from you by the IRS due to your own tax evasion to what happened to people during the Holocaust. What a stupid and ridiculous assertion.
come on now, there’s no need to be insulting.
But it’s still true regardless of your opinion.
Money=time
Let’s just say that you work for 8 hours.
that’s 8 hours you’re not out living life to its fullest (unless your job is your life)
so let’s just say that you make 100 dollars for 1 days work, (8 hours)
now the irs takes all that money in form of taxes.
therefore, you have not lived for 8 hours because the irs took that time away from you in the form of taxes.
so, figure it up on the other end.
you’ll spend how many hours working over your lifetime to pay the required taxes?
that’s time out of your life that you could spend doing other stuff like living, travelling, slacking, etc.
just saying.
time=money
Money=time does not equal genocide. Period.
no, taxes = slavery.
Then you admit this is nothing like what happened during the holocaust.
Try selling that to anyone who has experienced true slavery and prepare to be laughed out of the room. If you really believe that then you believe any tax whatsoever is slavery. the level and type of taxes would simply be a matter of degree. If you truly believe that then you would have to oppose the United States Constitution and thus the very basis of our system. Remember those fighting for independence and the establishment of our nation were never oppossed to taxation in principle rather they opposed taxation without representation. You I and everyone else who do not support the Affordable Care Act have the means through the ballot box to do something about it. On the other hand if you simply oppose the very concept of a republic embodying the principle of government of, by, and for the people then I would invite you to be true to that belief and seek a country where you can live in the anarchy of lawless individualism.
Governor LePage offended many loyal Americans other than the Jewish community. The Internal Revenue Service is as honorable and law-abiding as any other group of Americans. I know that might sound strange to a lot of ears, defending tax collectors, but taxation is a necessary function for a civilized society. Regardless of how distasteful the task, we should be grateful for people who carry out those tasks with respect for the law.
Governor LePage is the cheapest sort of politician. He tries to lead not by urging us to be our best but by trying to appeal to our worst instincts.
I bet he really meant his apology too.
Do any of you wonder if Lepage stays awake at night wondering what slanderous remark he can state for the entire country to see? I wonder if this will somehow get him noticed by the GOP on the Federal Level and therefore give him a place to go when we VOTE HIM OUT of office? I remember when this story first came out, i posted a comment about Jewish people being offended and it was removed. Its nice to see that the BDN are finally seeing the light and allowing people to show their disgust.
Paul Lepage is a sick sad man. He has no regard for anyone but himself and should just move back to Canada where he belongs.
You can bet it won’t be Florida. With his comment’s how long does he expect to stay before he start’s getting the not so subtle hint that Florida doesn’t need his kind of racism ?
I must have missed the part where lepage is racist.
enlighten us please.
Hate mongering has become the Republican way, look at Rush. Of course the Republican Leadership has no problem with itt, it is part of their agenda.
Lepage’s comment was an insult to America. The fact that the Republican leadership are still supporting this vile traitor is a indication of how little respect they have for the Americans who liberated Europe.
I get the same creepy feeling when I see the word “Volkswagen”. Hitler personally called for the creation of the VW and used slave labor to produce them. They should either be renamed or the company should be destroyed.
I am so sick and tired of the P C of people today. why should anyone be offended unless they support Gestapo tactics. The Gestapo are the one who came storming into private homes and terrorized the people . Sounds like IRS to me
Maybe they’re offended because it’s idiotic to compare collecting taxes to a time in our history when millions where collected to be killed through no fault of their own.
Sounds like LePage to me.
Notice every time the governor comes up with one of these remarks, some other destructive outrage seems to slip under the radar? Note the story that he froze the grant money for local construction/development projects last week. Coincidence? These remarks were not spontaneous; he purposely inserted them into the speech the day before it was were released. And achieved the desired result.
Heil LaPage
you know what get over it. so know we cant talk about gastapo. because of world war 2 well its time to move on and try to turn this country around and i for one think lepage is doing a great job.it was 60 years ago
No, YOU get over it. Korean War was 60 years ago. WWII was SEVENTY years ago, but it makes no difference. If you can’t learn from your past, then you are truly lost.
And what, specifically, has LaPage done so far that has been so great?
What has he done? Other than heading for Canada during the ‘Nam years? Nothing.
The IRS has the same type of power to do so much with out court orders and now being expanded to force you to have insurance ..WHERE WILL IT STOP…..they can invade your privacy, bank accounts and remove ahy item they see fit….now what would you call their police function?
Lepage Is from the streets him self. Doesn’t know how to address people at all. Not Impressed with him one bit… Come on Lepage, your working for us now. Not Mardens anymore wake up!!!
I read the comments…….Looks like EVERY LIB in Maine responded…..Bunch
of hypocrites…..The only reason there is a problem is because
there is a R next to his name. If it was a D the comments would be: “You
took him out of context” , “what he really meant was….”, or ” You all are just a bunch racists”
I’m sorry, but I for one would be upset, if a Democrat had said this as well.
I wonder if LaPage took advantage of the Canadian healthcare system during the years he lived there? He is a shallow excuse for a leader.
He was too busy Dodging the Draft !
Since when does one ethnic or religious group have a monopoly on words such as “holocaust” or “gestapo”, both of which were once commonly used by everyone? What’s next, the words “war” or “murder”? How utterly ridiculous. If people want to criticize the guv’s remarks, that’s fine, but come on… cut the drama.
Yeah how dare they. Millions of their people were collected and killed and now they think they have a right to be offended by the flippant use of their history for political games? How dare they!
He should have looked closer to home.
Try Maine’s DHHS. Until you see how they treat the innocent. Drag their butt so the case worker can look good.
You do not have any rights with them.
They are out of control.
How does apologizing to one person for broadcasting insensitive and inflammatory remarks excuse the lack of a public apology?That our governor seems to actually believe the right-wing hyperbole about all things Obama speaks volumes about his lack of intellect. That some of our politicians continue to excuse and “apologize” for his ignorance speaks volumes about their lack of character and integrity.
The Gestapo was a secret police, an army. They did some terrible things, however Lepage did not say that the IRS was an army set up to find and murder jews. He said that the IRS is a Gestapo, a secret army set up by a Country that once believed in individual rights and liberty. NObama has placed the responsibility of finding and punishing the uninsured on the IRS. Hence the Gestapo comment. Scary times are coming. It really is too bad that the right wing extremists stole and polluted the tea party movement because the intent was great. I would say the same about the OWS too, good intention at the start and the corrupted by politics. It is a same that our citizens are being taken advantage so badly by our government. You all can have your opinions, however Paul Lepage is the only man that I see that is actually looking out for us and not worried about the BS political games. Whether you agree with him or not, he is taking a stand. Obama is not your friend, he is a lawyer that was groomed for this position. Hang on to your seat, its going to be a bumpy ride.
TiredofTaxes23, whomever you may be, your assertion that “LaPage is the only man that I see that is actually looking out for us and not worried about the BS political games” would be credible if he could simply state his position clearly. You give us a good example of that. He might have said, as you suggest, that “[N]Obama has placed the responsibility of finding and punishing the uninsured on the IRS.” Instead, he invoked the imagery and history of one of the most extreme harbingers of terror and murder the world has ever known. Your claim that he is not about BS political games doesn’t stand up to reason. Its illogical. In fact it is BS political game playing to rile up a specific contingency (if hes being strategic) or simply to mouth off because hes angry and doesn’t think things through, (a good possibility).
You and I could be neighbors, get along wonderfully and not agree on certain policy issues. The invocation of hate, conspiracy theory and division will not solve our problems. To think it will is delusional, albeit great for media institutions to sell.
I don’t care if we have a republican or democrat in office, nor do I need to them to be perfectly minded on all issues dear to me. I need them to be an intelligent and decent human being who leads through wisdom an attention to collaborative and assertive rhetoric/action. LePage is not that person. Collins for example, wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and is moving on that assertion through rhetoric and action. She, unlike LaPage, is showing wisdom and integrity in accomplishing that goal.
“A lot of us are not politically correct,”
I have one name, starts with a P. Ok that didn’t work, second clue “Not competent”….ok ok final clue, Foot in Mouth Disease. Ah! I knew you would figure it out!
The more moderate and thoughtful Republican Party of Lincoln, TR, Nelson Rockefeller, and Margaret Chase Smith is dead and buried. What you have today is the rancid, vitriolic, hyperbolic ultra-corporate right wing radical Republican TeaParty of Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and PAUL LEPAGE AND CHARLIE WEBSTER. But never fear, most Mainers are fed up with it and have had enough. We will remember in November, and the Maine GOP is going to get royally SMASHED at the voting booth.
“Why it’s only a matter of a poorly chosen word.” Right! We’d better hope so. Most likely it’s probably a simple matter of LePage (Webster and Nutting too) having no real idea of what the Gestapo was all about. For that matter, one can’t help but wonder if they have any serious interest in the past beyond the past thirty years of Maine legislative history or perhaps of Barack Obama’s election. As for Charlie’s remark that a lot of us are not always “politically correct”, that’s a cheap excuse for ignorance.
BDN, I am growing very TIRED of you deleting all of my posts about the good governor when there are so many others left on here that are far worse. What ever happened to FREEDOM OF SPEECH?? You remember that dont ya?
I think any former Gestapo should be upset being compared to the IRS !! People get over it, you take life way to serious.
There should be an expansion in the apologist department of the admin. Every group has been offended now. A call center could be set up. ” I am sorry for what he said, he didn’t mean to offend…”
Didn’t mean to offend? What was his intention? Once said it can’t be taken back, C’mon even You know that LePage!
What He Hell Are You Still Doing As Gov. Anyway??
Dear Gov. LePage,
Don’t worry about your comment! Although the comment doesn’t apply to the IRS (who ARE trolls – but that’s just a matter of choosing more accurate terms), the term DOES seem to be more apt for Emperor Obambam’s merry band of campaign personnel. When I see the outright lies, manipulation of fact and sleazy innuendo by the Emperor’s campaign team, I realize that not only is Mitt Romney a straight shooter and honest, but that NOTHING in Barack Hussein Obama’s time in office has been “above boards,” helped the American People, or enhanced our national image, nor has anything Barack Hussein Obama done helped a single one of our allies.
This is just one more example of political correctness gone wild. We have become a society of thin-skinned, offended at virtually anything and everything, self-absorbed holier-than-thou whiners.
As a registered Republican of Maine, let me just say that having a blustering insensitive
loudmouth as governor is NOT a non-issue. I would be way happier with the lout out.
LePage’s stance on taxes is as absurd as his comment. Last night I hit two potholes that could have broken my axle. These have been there since early spring. The towns that we live in are all struggling for funds to fix simple and sometimes dangerous infra-structure problems. So yeah lets not pay taxes, lets not take money for medicaid even if our kids and senior poor are sick, and then lets look at all government agencies who are trying to help us survive as dictatorial or worse killers of human beings because of who they are. What an idiotic and unpatriotic outlook.
The embarrassing part is it took 30 years of democrat cover ups ,thieves and pickpockets before we got a governor that tells the truth.
Has anybody noticed that in the photo above all Pepe needs is a tiny little moustache, and………hm.
No wonder Marden’s got rid of him…..He is just plain Stupid!!!!
He should apologize for his Gestapo statement because the refined people of Maine never make incorrect references when speaking. Then John Baldacchi should apologize for screwing everything up and handing the mess over to the new govenor. At least he has the guts to say what needs to be said. Don’t eveybody scream at me or tell me I’m wrong. It is just my OPINION!
Wrong statement to use, but I agree with the simple fact that we should not be forced to buy health insurance against our will. And then to be penalized if we don’t. Are we turning into a communist country where the govt controls us?
The health care wagon riders need to get off the health care wagon.
Yessah
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Paul Lepage is socially and Constitutionally (and fiscally) moronic, as are all the other Koch/Tea-publican governors in this country!
Obama 2012
no, Democrats are already doing that.
Democrats are already doing that.
LePage should apologize to the Gestapo for equating them with the IRS.
LePage knew exactly what he was saying, and why he was saying it: to further demonize hard working public sector employees and to make President Obama seem even more “unamerican” in the view of ignorant swing voters. It is exactly his type of calculated cynicism that is destroying the social fabric of our country; it is exactly these specious lies that is eviscerating the ability of well-intentioned elected officials to effect change that benefits all society, and it is this type of sleazy, ani,al politics that has destroyed the concept of “One Nation.”
Nice work, low-life.
I suppose it’s a non-issue to the Republicans because they sort of look up to the Gestapo.
Hey its fun to have a knucklehead as Governor.
I was thinking of moving a couple of years ago, moving from Virginia. I liked the Down-East area and I still do.
However, it would be hard to live there:
– The ‘liberal-conservative’ public discussion is simply offensive nonsense. Mainers certainly can’t be as stupid as they appear to be here in the comment section.
– Down-East has become a tourist trap w/ crap developments and wall-to-wall auto dealers.
– Once-cheap real estate is exorbitant, the housing ‘cult’ is in full-cry. Residents seem to be frustrated housing speculators.
Nobody can bring back the recent false-prosperity of the past fifty years. It was a bad LSD trip, a forgotten holiday in Las Vegas. Everyone is going to have to learn how to live with much less, with poverty close by, even inside your own houses, there will be other virtues besides money because nobody is going to have any.
Your lives are going to be a lot harder, too. Besides no money, few will have fuel, people will have cold houses and there will be few if any cars. The governments will be a lot smaller: they will be broke, too. That means no subsidies, no benefits, no entitlements, little in the way of police or fire departments or other services that people take for granted. There will be no government support for private debts which means nationwide bankruptcies and tremendous poverty in many areas. Biggest business will be meth-labs, smuggling and fishing: coastal Mainers won’t starve … as long as the fisheries and small farms hold out.
As you sow, so shall ye reap!
Fisheries and farms will be effected by onrushing climate change. 70 degree Februaries and summer-long heat waves will be the rule, the fish will be hard to find and crops will fail. Mainers might have trouble finding enough to eat, will have to deal with millions of ‘climate refugees’ from places where productive farmland has turned to desert and from tumultuous, crime-ridden suburbs.
Emergency is on your doorsteps, time to stop blaming, get to work.
This just keeps getting worse. When Bob Nutting was interviewed trying to downplay the Governor’s intentional choice to use inflammatory language he justified the Governors action with a lie of his own claiming falsely that the IRS was hiring 14,000 new agents to chase people around making sure they buy health insurance. Incredible. Nutting knowingly uses misinformation to defend the governor’s intentional offensive comments. Can’t we as the Republican party find reps who defend true conservative values like telling the truth.
Of course you can use Gestapo in a positive way. For example they wore sharp, well creased uniforms. The Governor meant that IRS agents probably shop at Mens Wearhouse and they look fabulous. I guarantee it.