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Louisiana Sen. David Vitter (R), upset with Harry Reid saying Hurricane Katrina was "nothing in comparison" to Hurricane Sandy and the devastation caused to the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut area, lashed out on the social network calling the Senate majority leader an "idiot."
"Sadly, Harry Reid has again revealed himself to be an idiot, this time gravely insulting Gulf Coast residents," Vitter Tweeted, linking to a story in the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Vitter later also released a statement with the same language and adding, "Both Katrina and Sandy were horribly destructive storms that caused real human misery. And by most any measure, Katrina was our worst natural disaster in history. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused 1,833 deaths and over $108 billion in damage. Hurricane Sandy has caused 131 deaths and $65 billion in damage."
On Friday, Reid said the following on the floor, urging passage of Sandy funding:
"I really do believe it is important that I have the record reflect the reason we have gotten as far as we have on Sandy is because of the senior Senator from New York. It is too bad that it has taken so long. When we had that devastation from Katrina, we were there within days taking care of Mississippi, Alabama, and especially Louisiana--within days. We are now past 2 months with the people of New York and New Jersey.
"The people of New Orleans and that area, they were hurt but nothing in comparison to what happened to the people in New York and New Jersey. Almost 1 million people have lost their homes; 1 million people lost their homes. That is homes, that is not people in those homes. So I think it is just unfortunate that we do not have the relief for New York and New Jersey and the rest already. It has to be done. We have to meet the needs of the American people when an act of God occurs."
The Times-Pic writes:
"Sandy devastated some of the nation's most populated areas, but it didn't come close to Katrina. Hurricane Katrina, and the flooding that followed when federally built levees failed, killing 1,833 and causing more than $145 billion in damage. Sandy has been blamed for 120 deaths and over $80 billion in damage."
Monday afternoon, Reid released a statement saying he "misspoke" on Friday:
"In my recent comments criticizing House Republicans for threatening to betray Congress' tradition of providing aid to disaster victims in a timely fashion regardless of region, I simply misspoke. I am proud to have been an advocate for disaster victims in the face of Republican foot-dragging, from Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Sandy, from fires in the west to tornadoes in the Midwest. I have worked hard with Senator Landrieu to ensure that the people of the Gulf Coast have the resources they need to fully recover, and I will continue to advocate on their behalf until the region is fully recovered."
The House passed a $9.7 billion Sandy recovery aid package Friday, which the Senate took up and passed by unanimous consent. The House is expected to take up another $51 billion aid package as a result of Sandy Jan. 15th, after it returns from recess.
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Vitter would do better to spend his time explaining to his cohorts in the House that failing to appropriate money could cost Christie his job, as well as whatever seats the GOP has left in the NY-NJ area.
The GOP hates the Northeast, and they have for decades. The Northeast has rejected their agenda, and the GOP.
NY and NJ send far more money to the feds than they receive. They are subsidizing GOP strongholds in the South, where a number of states receive far more than they contribute, all the while decrying govt spending. Hypocrites all.
Human decency requires us to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Now. Today. Just as we have done in the past.
The GOP, who clothe themselves in Christian values, have shown themselves for what they are once again-nothing but partisan hacks, filled with contempt for the citizens of this nation, and contemptible themselves.
Ask yourselves this-why is it being made harder to vote than to buy a gun? Where is this trend the strongest? In GOP run states.
The GOP has become a caricature of itself, and one with increasingly less respect for the will of the people.
Look at Michigan. Look hard.
Look at what they are doing, and not doing in Congress. It is a disgrace. If you voted for them-is this what you really want? If not, make sure they know. If so, shame on you.
Vitters diaper fetish with Prostitutes.... read it for yourself !!!
http://lynnrockets.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/david-vitter-is-a-diaper-wearing-baby-man/
The real problem is the utter failure of the House to vote in the necessary funds to aid in the recovery of the Sandy victims. The Katrina response was slow enough but two months, come on. Enough with this regional partisanship these people deserve aid in recovery as quick as possible without PORK.
I agree 100%. I was on the receiving end of this during Katrina. It is time for the government to put partisan politics aside, put away their rulers and start helping the people who put them in office.
There is legit comparison to Katrina and Sandy. The GOP never asked Bush to come up spending cuts that matched the amount of money that was given for relief efforts. While for Sandy that is what the GOP is asking for. If 70 billion is being given for relief aid the GOP wants that matched with spending cuts.
Don't forget. This is "Diaper Dave" talking.
I dont think Diaper David Vitter has any credibility to be discussion things idiotic!! I remain shocked that the party of family values re-elected such a kinky adulterer. But that Louisiana for ya!
Harry Reid is stealing money through his salary; we can only hope that the Lord needs him soon.
Ah, another rightie "praying" for the death of somebody...
I think it is an outrageous miscalculation to call Senator Reid an idiot. Everyone knows he is a moron.
No Lance, he's a Mormon.....just like Mittens.
I agree Reid selected some incorrect words. I believe his heart was in the right place. I live CT and my state contributes the most in revenue to federal government and we get very little back. In Gov Cristy's words "donor states" it took way too long and that is unacceptable. As for the other guy, don't you some hookers to bang. Shameful bible toting liar.
I'm a life-long Democrat, and unfortunately I have to concur with the despicable womanizer from Louisiana that Harry Reid IS an idiot.
David Vitter is the same idiot who openly called for Bill Clintons resignation for infidelity when the (2) faced cock-sucker was having multiple sexual affairs with Prostitutes at the exact same time.
But he did ask GOD to forgive him in front of the TV cameras with his wife at his side. So I guess that makes it all better.
Newt Gingrich was boinking Callista in the car at that time. And he was married to wife number 2. Not that there is anything wrong with it. I have had a few very nice experiences in the car. Even a Porsche although it is a bit of a challenge.
What's the deal with the diapers? And did his wife dump him or are they still married?
So is Vitter saying that Katrina was worse or Sandy was worse? Or that you should not compare hurricanes?
Yes Senator. I concur entirely. the Slug is an idiot indeed.
I see the children on the hill are beating eachother up again, the funds for Sandy should have been in the hands of the people of NY and NJ within the month that the storm occured. Why is our government so slow in getting people help, when it is needed. Katrina was bad, b ut people on the gulf coast put up with hurricanes all the time, so we know what to expect if its coming our way. The people up north did not expect the scope of damage that came from Sandy. I don't blame them for being frustrated, and angry at the government. Also the people that took damage from Katrina should have had funds right away that was a horrible storm. Our government sits on their hands and does nothing until they absolutly have to, then its too little to late. It just seems like no one in government cares anymore. People are on their own, until congress decides to act, and that should be enough to cause a great turn over in congress come election time. A democratic congress would have acted faster i think. But then we never know what to expect from congress anymore, and we need to vote all of them out, and put in new people with new ideas, and new blood that are willing to compromise without throwing a tantrum.
Another Republican hypocrite. Still a Senator after the allegations of a madam, who conveniently committed suicide before being allowed to testify. Can't wait for the hidden book someone will find written by Deborah Jeane Palfrey that blows the lid off and names all of her clients from the Washington DC area.
How much does a BJ run these days, Davey?
The hookers on Backpage in my area seem to be about $200 to $300 an hour but I don't know if they are real. The fat ones must be. And they advertise an $80 special. Maybe that is for a BJ.
They all say stooopid stuff to prove Congress' low ratings, and voters' gullibility in continually reelecting them. Ever wonder why kids have bad manners? Follow the leader. To stop killing, stop killing; it works.
#1 hypocrite Vitter should stick to chasing hookers, something he's at least good at.
David Vitter slithers out from under his slimy rock to test the waters to see if anyone still remembers his hypocrit diaper fetishes with Prostitutes.
Guess what Davey ????....You lose...we still remember you... you low life adulterous wife cheating scum bag !!
Let's see; the Northeast contributes how much more money towards the National Flood Insurance Program than Louisiana? And they just want to get treated as good as those affected by a hurricane in his home State and while Senator Reid is fighting to support them, REID'S the BAD guy?
The Republicans are quick to act like the Government is such a bad thing until it suits THEIR needs, and then THEY scream the loudest for public assistance for THEIR citizens. Well, YOU CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS.
Nobody is claiming government is a "bad" thing, doofis. You need to decide if a bloated government that spends to the tune of $17 trillion in debt is good or bad. If you can justify the destruction of our currency because you want a Santa Claus in the White House to hold your hand through life, then you're beyond trying to discuss things with.
I believe using the word "doofis" - using any spelling - is a violation of the vine's code. It is also a pretty poor means of debate, but perhaps you are following Vitter's lead.
So, should Santa Claus cut off the "toys" for the defense contractors? That would know a big chunk out, without really harming our defense. Although I guess welfare for the corporate is fine, it is welfare for the common person that is a bad thing. Right?
Reid started his latest over the top mis-statements with the delay on voting on the "fiscal cliff" issue being "all the GOP's fault." Really, ALL the GOP's fault!? Now we have another gaf, once again courtesy of Reid, in regard to the comparison between two disasters. If this was a senator or representative having a bad day, that's one thing, but the esteemed democratic majority leader of the Senate, well that's another question. My suggestion is, Mr. Reid should make sure his brain is in gear, before opening his mouth.
Trying to convince yourself about the Republican delay tactics...? Yeah, right along with "compromise" meaning "our way or the highway" to Republicans (which McConnell once again proved yesterday...).
Harry Reed continues to remind me of the old Man who can't remember where his pants are in the morning. He acts like he has dementia or something else wrong. People like this will die as soon as they retire because their hold life every day is consumed with blabbing uncontrollably through the lips. Blab, ka-blab, ka-blab!
There was no comparison, in the scope of the storm, the deaths, and most definitely the Presidential response. Bush himself said that he made a big mistake. He made a lot of big mistakes. Mistakes that cost a lot of lives and caused a lot of suffering. There's no comparison when it comes to which party is willing to help Americans who are suffering and in need (tax breaks for the wealthy don't count either).
Harry Reid is a mormon. He thinks black people are devils. Isn't that what Chris Rock said about Romney? Well, back at ya, Harry. Oh, wait a minute. Did you say you are a mormon or was that moron? I could have heard you wrong.
david vitter should never call anybody an idiot. this from the man who sleeps with prostitutes. this man is an idiot. may he sleep with the fishes.
Please, we get enough death wishes from the right...don't contribute.