During debate on HB 1617, legislation sponsored by Republican Rep. Holly Rehder to let workers annually give or deny permission for union dues to be taken out of their paychecks, Democrat Rep. Jeff Roorda directly attacked Rep. Rehder, comparing her to Nazis.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Roorda read the quote and then asked Rehder, “Who are you coming after next?”
When Roorda was challenged by another Republican for making reference to Nazi Germany, Rooda added, “Lady I never used the word ‘Nazi.’ I hope you don’t think I was comparing you to a 1939-era Nazi German just because you’re doing the same thing that they were.”
The shameful comment resulted in condemnation from Speaker Tim Jones.
Wheres the outrage? Last year when Rep. Holly Rehder compared the public relations efforts of Gov. Jay Nixon to how Adolf Hitler won over the German public, the outrage caused her to apologize.
This is more than referencing Nazi tactics. This is a direct comparison and a direct personal attack on the House floor.
Roorda should issue an apology and publicly apologize to Rehder.
Heres his contact info:
Phone: 573-751-2504
E-Mail: Jeff.Roorda@house.mo.gov
Please let him know how you feel about his behavior.
Update
Linked at Gateway Pundit. Thanks, Jim.
Update 2
It was brought to my attention that I didnt point out party affiliation. For the record, Rep. Jeff Roorda is a Democrat. Rep. Holly Rehder is a Republican.
Update 3:
I wouldnt expect an apology anytime soon:
@Bodhi1 @RoordaJ @hrehder list of needed apologies is immense. Far above this is the effort to deprive working people of their rights.
— Chris Kelly (@repckelly) April 1, 2014
Rep. Chris Kelly is a member of House Democratic leadership.