[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 22, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H8932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ``RADICAL REPUBLICANS'' NOT A MODERN MONIKER

  (Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, often, very often, we have heard the 
Republicans and their ideas called derogatory names, names like 
``extremist,'' ``far right,'' ``radical,'' ``radical Republicans.'' But 
this is not the first such occasion this has happened.
  In fact, Mr. Speaker, it was about 130 years ago when in this very 
room the defenders of the status quo called a group of Republicans 
radical. During Reconstruction, it was radical Republicans who were 
criticized 130 years ago.
  So what were these radical ideas 130 years ago that caused the 
radical Republicans to be so chastised by their critics? It was full 
citizenship for black Americans, not just abolishment of slavery, full 
voting rights, owning of property, full citizenship. Now it is commonly 
accepted here in America.
  So, Mr. Speaker, when we hear today's radical Republican ideas like 
scrapping the IRS Tax Code, like school vouchers and competition, like 
regulation reform and individual responsibility, remember the critics 
of radical Republicans not long ago. It is not new; it is just the 
entry fee for the bright future of our country.

                          ____________________