Sen. Rick Santorum's recent remarks calling the Democrats' use of the filibuster to oppose judicial nominees
"the equivalent of Adolf Hitler in 1942" drew a rebuke from the Anti-Defamation League.
"Once again, Nazi imagery was used in political debate, where it has no place," ADL National Director Abraham
H. Foxman said in a prepared statement.
"Whatever your views on the Senate rules relating to the use of the filibuster and judicial nominations,
it is inappropriate and insensitive to compare American democratic procedures with actions taken by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi
Party."
After the ADL urged him to apologize, Santorum issued a statement saying the reference "was meant to dramatize
the principle of an argument, not to characterize my Democrat colleagues. ... Nevertheless, it was a mistake and I meant no
offense."
Let us not forget, however, that West Virginia's Sen. Robert Byrd, ... former KKK member, cited Nazi
corruption of the law to condemn the GOP's former intention to use the "nuclear option" to force an end to the filibusters.
Guess who demanded that Byrd retract his statements. Santorum.
KINDER AND GENTLER. In the wake of the hubbub over the Hitler remark, Santorum apparently felt he needed
to put a shine on his kinder, gentler side. His office sent out a stack of news releases touting his efforts on behalf of
children and puppies.
Santorum has cosponsored the Pet Animal Welfare Statute in the Senate to address the "lack of regulatory
oversight that has allowed some in the pet industry to operate below the acceptable care standards for pets."
The release promises the legislation "will help end puppy mill abuse."
"As the proud owner of a two-year-old German shepherd named Schatzie, it is disturbing to see the number
of breeders who are careless in their responsibilities of breeding dogs in a healthy and humane environment," Santorum said.
Another news release last week pointed out Santorum is cosponsor of the Engine Coolant and Antifreeze Bittering
Agent Act of 2005. The legislation would require engine coolant and antifreeze manufacturers to add a bitter smell and taste
to their products so children and pets would spit it out instead of swallowing it.
Hundreds of children and thousands of animals are accidentally poisoned each year from ingesting engine
coolant and antifreeze, which are highly toxic but have a sweet smell, the senator noted.
"As the father of six children and a dog owner, I understand the importance of protecting our loved ones
from dangers that are found throughout our homes," Santorum said.
Editorial, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, May 29, 2005
Santorum's conduct
It would appear that Sen. Rick Santorum (R., Pa.) is determined to offend as many people as possible as he approaches
what appears to be a tough campaign for reelection, one in which he clearly is vulnerable.
His most recent instance of his inserting his foot into his mouth occurred when he likened Democrats efforts to retain
the power to filibuster President Bush's judicial nominees to the actions of Hitler.
I would agree with Santorum that the Bush nominees deserve a vote in the Senate and that most are fine, highly qualified
jurists who should be confirmed. Does he not realize, however, that when one makes any type of comparison of the opposing
party's politics to the actions of the most brutal and murderous dictator of history, that one diminishes oneself and that
one's cause takes a back seat to the firestorm that one senselessly and thoughtlessly created?
I am becoming ever more disenchanted with the representation he provides and increasingly embarrassed to share a party
and certain causes with him. He is a sterling example of how carried away one can become when given political power.
Oren M. Spiegler, Upper St. Clair
