Lincoln Diaz Balart: Legislative action that "will live in infamy"

The House is starting debate on the Colombia free trade agreement and Republicans are accusing Democrats of siding with Venezuela's Hugo Chavez in opposing the deal that has already rocked the presidential campaign.

Democrats and trade unions oppose the package, which President Bush is backing. And Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart just took to the House floor to denounce what he called "discrimination" against Colombia by House Democrats.

"What the Democratic leadership of this House is telling the democratically elected government of Colombia is 'We don’t care about you,' "Diaz-Balart said. "Well, I want the people of Colombia to know that they are not alone, that many of us in this Congress will continue to stand with the people of Colombia and their democratically elected government, despite this day of legislative action that will live in infamy."

Preceding him, Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., who is scheduled to attend a fundraiser for Joe Garcia, the Democrat seeking to oust Diaz-Balart's younger brother, Mario. Rangel defended the Democratic opposition, saying the president violated protocol by insisting the deal be approved in 90 days.

"Mr. President you forgot to consult with us, you did not address some of the issues we have," Rangel said. "Let's give the House more time, not a time table."

Comments

[Martha Bean]

I'm disturbed by Lincoln's comments. They sound so pompous. I agree with those who say that we need to take a hard look at this plan and make sure that worker's rights are protected. Are the South Florida Republicans friends with labor or not? Let's have fair, not free, trade!

"Fair trade" is just code word for protectionism. Colombian goods already come in duty free, but this would help the USA export goods to Colombia. Are the South Florida Democrats friends with labor or not? Let's ahve free trade, and let the consumers enjoy more choices at lower prices.

And "Cholley" Rangel is a leftwing a** for supporting Castro and Chavez. Is there a leftwing dictator he doesn't like? He really should try supporting democratic regimes in Latin America for a change, they need our help.