DeLay’s Words Minimize Moran’s Comments
Listed in: Other Domestic Policy, NJDC News, Press Releases
Washington, DC: An article in yesterday's New York Times -- regarding the recent statements by Representative James Moran (VA) -- reported that "Representative Tom DeLay, the House Republican leader, called on Democrats today to condemn the remarks, which he said were of a similar nature to criticisms of the war effort from Democratic lawmakers and presidential candidates. Such remarks, he said, could undermine American troops."
"I can't tell if Mr. DeLay is being intentionally irresponsible or if he is merely showing his ignorance with his most recent statement. But either way, it is stunning that the House Majority Leader would equate legitimate foreign policy debate with the most offensive canards that feed anti-Semitism -- such as the statements uttered by Representative Moran," said National Jewish Democratic Council Executive Director Ira N. Forman. "Such ridiculous comparisons only minimize the danger of Mr. Moran's words. They equate legitimate policy discussion with words that fuel the most contemptible paranoid conspiracy theories about 'Zionist plots' to rule the world. And beyond belittling the magnitude of Representative Moran's statements, Mr. DeLay's comments also silence legitimate policy debate -- the type of debate that our Constitution and its framers had in mind, and the type of debate that Mr. DeLay availed himself of on a regular basis throughout the Clinton Administration.
"Mr. DeLay should immediately acknowledge that his outrageous comments offend all Americans -- Democrats and Republicans alike -- who understand the danger inherent in Representative Moran's comments," Mr. Forman added.
