Slavery

as new third rail:

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele Tuesday demanded that the Senate Democratic leader apologize for invoking slavery as he criticized Republicans for their opposition to passing health care reform.

"Instead of joining us on the right side of history, all Republicans can come up with is this: Slow down, stop everything, let's start over," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, said Monday.

"If you think you've heard these same excuses before, you're right," Reid also said from the Senate floor. "When this country belatedly recognized the wrongs of slavery, there were those who dug in their heels and said slow down, it's too early, let's wait, things aren't bad enough."

Whether you agree with Reid or not, or whether or not a basic reading of history would show him to be right or not, invoking slavery for anything like this probably starts pulling you into Godwin's Law territory, and therefore cancels itself out. IE not smart or effective at all. Though great fun in a tap room.