Wednesday, October 21, 2009

'Die quickly' congressman creates namesofthedead.com; GOP cries foul

The Hill

Rep. Alan Grayson, whose "die quickly" remark gained him much attention, has created a new website based on his meme called "namesofthedead.com."


On the site, visitors can log the names and stories of friends and relatives who died because they lacked health insurance. Users are prompted to enter their name, address, zip code and e-mail address, as well as their friend's or relative's name, hometown and story.

"I have created this project in their memory," the site, funded by Grayson, says. "I hope that honoring them will help us end this senseless loss of American lives ... Help us ensure that their legacy is a more just America, where every life that can be saved will be saved."

Grayson (D-Fla.) announced the creation of the site on the House floor Wednesday using a poster with the site's Web address.

"I propose that we identify them. I propose that we honor their memory by naming them," he said. Grayson wished eventually "that we close it out for all time ... And no one, no one will ever die in America because they can't see a doctor."

The National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) quickly responded to the site, slamming its content and suggesting it violates either House ethics rules or Federal Election Commission law. The site links to both Grayson's campaign website and Grayson's official House website.

Co-mingling publicly funded congressional communications and campaign communications is prohibited.

“What is wrong with this man? Alan Grayson's morbid exploitation of 'the dead' for personal political gain may be the most shameless stunt he's pulled yet," said NRCC spokesman Andy SerĂ© in a statement. "Once again, he's proved himself to be an abject embarrassment to Central Floridians who want more than a circus clown for a congressman."

Grayson gained the admiration of many liberals and the scorn of many conservatives when he said Republicans' healthcare plan is for people with illnesses to "die quickly.".........

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