A North Carolina state senator launched a Twitter firestorm after he sent out a tweet saying President Obama’s Affordable Care Act has done more damage than acts committed by Nazis, Soviets, and terrorists combined.

On Sunday, Republican legislator Bob Rucho claimed:

Justice Robert’s pen & Obamacare has done more damage to the USA then the swords of the Nazis,Soviets & terrorists combined. — Bob Rucho (@SenatorBobRucho) December 15, 2013

Several hours later, he responded to the criticism.

Those that tweeted, put your thinking caps back on:”The PEN is mightier than the SWORD.”Edward Bulwar-Lytton,1839. But surely you knew that. — Bob Rucho (@SenatorBobRucho) December 15, 2013

The state senator’s initial tweet provoked outrage on Twitter, with some asking for an immediate apology and calling for his resignation.

@SenatorBobRucho When will politicians learn Nazi and terrorist comparisons are simply no-win; this just makes u look foolish. *shakes head* — Atnor (@Atnor) December 15, 2013

Rucho’s comparison likens the Affordable Care Act to symbols of extreme political dictatorships and acts violence. The Nazis and Soviets were behind some of the most oppressive political regimes of the last century, and contributed to the deaths of millions upon millions of people. The fear and senseless violence wielded in acts of terror have forever changed American foreign policy. By comparison, Obamacare would insure nearly 40 million Americans who currently do not have health insurance, provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, and lower premiums by as much as $2,500.

Earlier this year, Rucho was the primary sponsor of a bill to restrict North Carolina from setting up Obamacare’s health insurance exchanges. The bill also rejected participating in the Medicaid expansion, blocking nearly 377,000 North Carolinians from Medicaid coverage.