Political Quotes

“Author Michael Kinsley once observed that ``a gaffe is when a politician tells the truth.'' The Republican leader, Mr. Boehner, proved this point the other day when he was asked point blank whether he agrees with the Chamber of Commerce that the government should pitch in to pay for BP's oil spill. He replied, ``I think BP and the Federal Government should take full responsibility for what's happening here.'' His words clearly misstated the law. BP is solely responsible, and his staff went into damage control overdrive afterwards to clean up his mess. But this gaffe really confirms what every American knows in their heart of hearts, that Washington Republicans for the last 40 years have been lockstep allies of the oil companies' push to shift the risk of oil production onto the taxpayer and keep the benefit to themselves. Americans listening today should know that no matter what the Republican leader says, the Democratic majority understands that BP is solely responsible for the cleanup; that the taxpayer will be repaid for its costs; and that BP will compensate small businesses and working families for the damage done to their lives. No more free rides courtesy of the American taxpayer.”