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We talked Friday about Sen. Ted Cruz's (R-Texas) affinity for McCarthyism, including allegations he made at a far-right event in 2010, when he argued that Harvard Law School harbored 12 secret communists -- each of whom supported "overthrowing the United States government" -- on its faculty during his time as a student there.
As the story gained attention, the Republican senator's office felt compelled to respond. So, Cruz aides contacted a website created by Glenn Beck -- I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried -- to explain that Cruz was correct and communists really did enjoy a role on the Harvard Law School faculty.
His spokeswoman Catherine Frazier told The Blaze website that the "substantive point" in Cruz's charge, made in a speech in 2010, was "was absolutely correct."
She went on to explain that "the Harvard Law School faculty included numerous self-described proponents of 'critical legal studies' -- a school of thought explicitly derived from Marxism -- and they far outnumbered Republicans."
For those who still care about reality, it's worth noting that some scholars can embrace critical legal studies without actually being a communist intent on, in Cruz's words, "overthrowing the United States government."
In an amusing twist, the senator's office also said it was "curious" that Jane Mayer's New Yorker piece noted remarks Cruz delivered way back in 2010.
Why is that amusing? Because Cruz, as part of his smear campaign against Defense Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel, has said Hagel's previous speeches are of critical importance -- includes remarks delivered before 2010.
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Every time I hear this stuff I think to myself that I should go and watch Dr Strangelove again...and then I realize that would be redundant
Touche!
There's an old "Texanism" about the thing a man might "need" that applies to Cruz. But the Newsvine Nanny wouldn't like to read it.
I think it's more like the dead zone..These guys all remind me of Greg Stilson. Where's Christopher Walken when you need him?
Indeed.. where is Jed Bartlett when you need him?
How many wingnuts have urged overthrowing the "government" before the gov'ment comes to take our guns and other assorted "attacks on our freedoms?"
Is Cruz worried about them?
He's worried about their 2nd Amendment solutions.
Critical legal studies basically advocates viewing the law in a social context, examining the role of gender, race and economics in legal decisions. That this pandering toad Ted Cruz extrapolates some kind of treason from this level of legal discourse is incontrovertible evidence of his insular Tea Party thinking. The people who elect this man to office deserve every indignation they receive from his representation.
I totally agree with your statement, it is amazing to me, how contradictory these wing nuts are. I just wonder, where are the centrist moderate Republicans? I know they exist, why aren't they speaking up - surely they don't want to be represented by them?
Honestly, I don't know any of those. At least, every person whose affiliation I know to be Republican has drunk the koolaid. They listen to Fox and Rush, revere the Heritage Foundation and Americans for Prosperity and shut down entirely if I suggest dismantling the issues and talking about them one by one. Some are more polite about it than others, but I'm not sure there's a reasonable one left.
There are some moderate Republicans. But most of them are now very old.
Cold and dry Canadian air meets warm, moist Texas air to create a deluge of bull@!$%#.
Most excellent!
OMG! Senator Cruz McCarthy is a hypocrite? That is just unthinkable! Almost nobody in the GOP behaves in such a fashion ;-)
Seems to be Joe's reincarnation in looks, words and deeds. Joe lives on! Who would have thought he'd make a comeback.
He needs to crawl back in the hole he came from.
Put a widow's peak on this guy and Brylcream the hair a bit more and this twit even LOOKS like "tail gunner Joe." Maybe he should borrow Paul Ryan's....
You noticed that, too.
I thought I was the only one to notice the resemblance!
Me three on that resemblance, not only in speech, but in looks. Creepy!
I'm so glad I'm not alone in that observation.
Separated at birth..illegitimate son..?? Heart of darkness. By the way, this Canadian says (begs) keep him!
Brothers from another mother?
Brothers from another mother?
If Cruz's office is curious as to why his remarks made three years ago didn't attract attention until now, they might consider that three years ago, Cruz was unknown and few people realized he even existed.
We've got this guy as 1% of the Senate for six years now. Six Years. Can't we just give Texas back to Mexico?
He may be there for another 5 years and 10 months, but there are remedies. One would be for the informed press to dog his heels and call him out at every opportunity when he posits such hypocritical nonsense. Or bring up charges leading to censure in the Senate, as happened with Joe McCarthy. Of course, we might be spared all that if he actually follows in McCarthy's footsteps:
I'm convinced he knows what he's saying is deceptive, and it's done on purpose.
I have in my pocket a copy of a speech you gave three years ago...sound familiar?
Sen. Cruz must be a direct descendant of McCarthy! He looks exactly like him.
Maybe he's the reincarnation of McCarthy!
My pappy taught me to never trust anyone who would so easily speak poorly about others without those others present to defend themselves!
Ted Cruz cannot be trusted, (and he is a fraud!) -Kevo
What frightens me most about this, is not the fact that there are some people living in the US with some way out views...We'll always have that...It's part of living in a democracy...It's the fact that there are enough of them to elect people like Cruz, Rand Paul, etc. to positions of power.
What worries me even more is that very, very few in the Press dare to call him out on it.
You can always tell when someone is essentially "an agent for commerce" rather than "a representative of the people" when they get hysterical over Communism. What's especially entertaining about Cruz's hysteria here is that, no, Soviet-style Communism was not actually Communism at all, but a state-sponsored approval of the state of things as they were during pre-Soviet Russia. You'd think Cruz would know that. You'd think Cruz, with his Ivy League credentials, would know that Russian peasants already operated as communes before the Bolsheviks even came along. And, you would think Cruz would understand that even the Bolsheviks themselves admitted they were only a drop in the bucket in terms of even the remotest possibility of a "worker's revolution" in Russia, mainly because the Industrial Revolution had barely even hit Russia.
Apparently us Texans who went to the "piddly" state universities know more about Russian and Soviet history than the dip-tards like Cruz who make lots of hay over their elite (elitist anyone?) education.
It's not about "truth", "history" or "facts", Gordon. It is all about power and manipulation. Cruz is using specific language to scare the BEGEEZUS out of the average citizen. There MUST be a bogeyman....something to fear, some great threat to our well being that only Cruz and HIS party of TP Patriots can possibly protect us from. Thankfully, with today's technology and availability of recorded comments and speeches from his past.....the attempt is all too transparent and, even better....isn't working anymore.
I question Cruz's motives? The family has a connection with Fedel Castro and the Communist revolution against Capitalism in Cuba. Is he smearing others to deflect criticzm of himself?
I had a mini argument with a user from Texas over at Yahoo news in the comment section of a post about Ted Cruz. She insisted that the reason the people of Texas elected Ted Cruz was because they wanted someone who would attack in DC. And according to her that is exactly what he is doing.
If Texas brings up that secession argument again I vote to let them go.
We'll give immigration amnesty to Dems only and then we'll put up that electrified fence they've been wanting.
That's why you live in a "wonderful place" like the crap hole N.Y. Bless your heart....
"Texas: It's a whole other country." We should "make it so."
If one looks into the history of the formation of the state of Texas, you would find that Texas was, at one time, it's own country. Guess what? It couldn't make it, and begged to be let into the union. Fool me once...
What is it the water, the air, the food - that has rendered Americans so incapable of seeing these know nothings and voting them into public office? No really, have Americans been so dumbed down that the likes of the Cruz's, Michelle Bachmann's, Rand Paul's of this nation are actually supposedly "smart", really?!? It's a sad and sorry travesty that these people hold office. These people haven't a clue not about governing, no ideas about their job and fail to recognize reality! Is this what WE have become as a nation? That we've allowed these ignorant people, people with NO foresight, bereft of ideas for how to move forward as a nation and with nothing except emptiness/hate/fear of others to lead US, is this where WE are as a nation?!?
Frankly, I am more appalled each and every time that these people open their mouths. I'm disgusted by a co-opted/corrupted corporate media that gives these people a free pass and doesn't question or challenge their ignorance and outright stupidity and I'm saddened by all of the people in this nation that can't see past the nose on their faces and vote these dumbo's into office!
The problem is, Ted Cruz is not stupid. Not in the Michelle Bachmann mold. He is simply unprincipled and willing to pander to whatever audience most furthers his venal ambitions. I'm not sure which is scarier, utter stupidity or desperate ambition, but they both result in substandard political representation.
Thank you, deckbose. Couldn't have said it better myself.
I so agree 100% with you Zora and deckbose. I want to know what he said to those idiots in Texas to get elected in the first place. Did he act all nice and reasonable and then after election switch to this idiot mode or was he always this way? Anybody know?
Zora, I think that you and I are seeing the result of far right attacks on education for many years. If you constantly criticize public education and do whatever you can to make young people and their parents suspicious of it, as well as dumbing down the curriculum by only teaching to the test, then eventually you get an electorate that can't discern fact from fox fiction (foxtion?). Of course the elite send their kids to private schools so they can get a better education.
Thanks Sprint. deckbose - While Cruz may be(?) intelligent, his pandering to "his base" makes him more despicable and immoral to boot. Cause it really means that he'll "do anything/say anything" just to keep himself in the spot-light - and that so isn't what Americans need in politicians.
Remember that Karl Rove has said (I believe it was during the 2012 Republican primaries) that he doesn't care who becomes president as long as he has enough digits to sign the bills that are put before him. What Ted Cruz has demonstrated in the 53 or so days since he became a Senator is that he's willing to do or say anything that's required of him. He knows he's bending the truth and dishonestly swaying opinion, and he's OK with that.
As to the poor education of so many Americans, I would direct you to Richard Mitchell's book, The Leaning Tower of Babel, and specifically the section titled, "The Political Worth of Ignorance." Or better yet, read his entire book, The Graves of Academe. All of it's available for free on the Internet. Like Rachel's book, Drift, Mitchell's works are as entertaining as they are informative. Really good stuff.
I wonder what would happen if someone were to ask this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2AYa0rR_Js
These guys have made political parties other than theirs a dirty word. I live in a state where one of our Senators is an admitted Socialist, Bernie Sanders. Bernie does an excellent job for the people of Vermont. he is determined and principled. You never have to wonder where Bernie stands on his platform because he doesn't change based on the political wind. I think this country could use a few more socialists and if someone believes in communist structure it does not mean they want to overthrow our government. Because we all know that is what the Tea Part is already trying ti do.
Mary....if you need a Government mommy and Daddy with no room for JUST a LITTLE independnt thought...then Hussein and Bernie were both A Christmas present for the ignorant so you should be overjoyed.....
Oooo....scott....you've got my attention now that you threw out the "Hussein". Please...do go on...I'm all ears.
What IS it about Hussein's name that drives Liberals crazy?It's his Allah given name,after all.
You know, words are just words. The problem is when there is intent behind them. Take the "n" word, for example. It consists of just six little innocent letters. Yet in the (im)proper context, they become weapons. Think about that, Scott.
Hussein Hussein Hussein! The right's Beetlejuice! Say it enough times and watch neat things happen!
The truth is, the right's all hung up on the name Hussein for no reason other than the coincidence of it being our President's middle name AND that of a toppled Middle East dictator.
My stepson plays soccer. Three of his teammates are the sons of a man who worked for years in the Iraqi government, against his wishes. He finally found a way out and brought his family to America. They are one of the nicest families I know; always smiling and friendly. And yes, one of those three boys is named Hussein. Not out of admiration or respect for the dictator; Hussein is a common name in the Middle East, and is associated with royalty.
So spout it out all you want, Scott. Makes no difference to me since I'm not afraid of people with that name.
My guess is that you also have no idea of all the similarities between Islam and Christianity.
The wingnut tbagger is quoting the psycho beck? Well that explains it ! How do these people get elected ?
He is one of the people recruited to take the focus off this screwed up financial system that is taking the lifeblood out of the middle income folks and pumping it into the wealthiest at the top. But, yes, he must be stopped and voted out of office.
I suspect you may be right, Ms. Redleaf. I go back to the segment on TRMS, where Rachel talked about Wayne LaPierre serving the function of distracting focus from the gun and ammunition manufacturers, who are the ones whose profits will drop if the anti-gun-violence movement prevails.
Sometimes there's a figurative vestal virgin, deliberately sacrificed for the greater good of the Party. I put John McCain and Lindsey Graham in that category. They've made themselves remarkably easy targets for the country's intelligentsia. Do you think that could be happening here, too?
Wingnut rule #1 is never admit anything, so Cruz will cruise along and roll with his old speeches as they surface. Better to project strength than to admit you are a giant hypocrite who appreciates wingnut money...
Really republicans? You want to obstruct the appointment of Hagel for secretary of the defense? Why? Benghazi? None of these inquiries have amounted to anything. This is just obstruction, and the method really looks sinister.The fear mongering and anti-cooperative movement that Ted Cruz and Glenn Beck champion is bad for anyone who wants a relationship with reality. No rational argumentation, no relationship to facts... just fodder for the trough. Keep on discrediting them Rachel. Thanks.
What is interesting is that in Cruz's 'statement' he changed his words on what he accused Harvard OF. (See TPM this morning). Once again trying to 'defend' himself by being too clever by half.
Like Joseph McCarthy before him, Ted Cruz has real and powerful constituency. In the famous cautionary letter by Dwight Eisenhower to his brother Edgar, Pres. Eisenhower wrote:
"Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes you can do these things. Among them are H. L. Hunt (you possibly know his background), a few other Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or business man from other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid."
That Ted Cruz could succeed in winning an election in Texas is no surprise. The tragic difference between the 1950's when this letter was written and now is that we are no longer dealing with "a tiny splinter group" and their numbers are no longer "negligible" but they remain "stupid."
That leads me to an anonymous(?) quote that sadly applies: "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers."
Hence, we have a Senator like Ted Cruz.
I don't know why I'm always amazed at the hypocrisy of the Republicans these days. Their often contradictory statements always boggles my mind.
Really our scientists need to be more careful when they clone someone. McCarthy really was not a good choice.
Cruz will be a one time senator. He wasn't born here, so he can't be Presidential material. He was elected by the yahoos in order to continue to create havoc and since he owes no allegiance to anyone, he gets to say what he wants.
I hope he crosses the line into treason so he can be yanked fromt the senate.
Neither was Hussein, but apparently that isn't REALLY a requirement any longer. And treason? As if Hussein hasn't been ear deep in treason since he took office....Be it Socialized Medicine, or backdoor amnesty trampling on American immigration laws...or his latest gun grab and the attempt to circumvent the second Amendment. Liberals are truly a crazy lot.
Are you really that ignorant Scott ? How many times must he & the state of Hawaii produce his birth certificate ? !
Scott- do you actually understand what the definition of "treason" is, and how it is applied in the Constitution? Obamacare is legal according to the Supreme Court, not treasonous. How is Obama grabbing your, or anybody's, guns? There has never been a confiscation of guns in this country, and a few restrictions like universal background checks are hardly appropriation. Which, by the way, are supported by 90% of the American public and a majority of Congressional Democrats and Republicans.
Obama "ear deep in treason"? Do you ever stop to consider how foolish and stupid you sound? As well as referring to President Obama as either Barry or Hussein? Scott, go to the corner and take a time out. You're overdue.
Is Harvard Law School where Cruz and the other tea party folks learned how to over throw the U.S. Government? Shrink the U.S. government so that you can drown it in a bath tub sounds like overthrowing the government to me. Trying to seceed sounds like overthrowing the U.S. Government to me. Nullifiying federal laws sounds like overthrowing the U.S. Goverment to me.
What you are saying...is seperate individuals like you from the Government teet...and you won't survive?
Little Scotty: Please remove head from ass and turn on brain before commenting. Thank you.
Scott: take away my SS and indeed I could not survive. Take away the the subsidies of big oil and big ag, and they would do just fine.
Take away meat inspectors and meat and chicken will disappear from the market and we will all have to go vegan. If that happens my vegetable stand at our local farmers' market will thrive.
Take away my SS and everone elses in my town and the local Wal-Mart will close, which will cost lots of jobs.
Right, Scotty. Actually address what bflynch said. How does nullification, secession, or defunding the government have anything to do with living off the government "teet" (spelled teat by those who know how to spell)?
You're a drive by shooter, except you use words instead of bullets. Too bad you can't hit the broad side of a barn.
I don't know that anyone here is talking about 'surviving' as much as living in a reasonable, just and civilized society.
Yes, we all want to reduce the debt, so the next generation isn't paying the bills for our extravagance. But there actually are two ways to do that: (1) increase income and (2) reduce expenditures. I know rich people think they're already paying too much in taxes, but how about taking away some of those loopholes that can only be accessed by people who are wealthy or ending subsidies to corporations that are awash in cash. An even better way to get more money is to put more people back to work. Then income tax revenue (how the government gets most of its money) increases and payments for unemployment go down.
The worst thing we could do for the entire country is simply reduce government spending while the economy is in early stages of recovery. It's like sending a patient home from the hospital too soon. They end up being re-admitted, and their recuperation takes even longer.