"... Preceding the president's speech to a gathering of House Democrats, thousands of protesters descended around the Capitol to protest the passage of health care reform. The gathering quickly turned into abusive heckling, as members of Congress passing through Longworth House office building were subjected to epithets and even mild physical abuse.
A staffer for Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) told reporters that Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-M.D.) had been spit on by a protestor. Rep. John Lewis (D-G.A.), a hero of the civil rights movement, was called a 'ni--er.' And Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) was called a "faggot," as protestors shouted at him with deliberately lisp-y screams."
Nothing like civil political discourse.
... and the GOP continue to court these folks!
House Majority Whip, Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), summed it up nicely:
"A lot of us have been saying for a long time that much of this, much of this is not about health care a all. And I think a lot of those people today demonstrated that this is not about health care... it is about trying to extend a basic fundamental right to people who are less powerful."Fear-driven white mobs protecting privileges they're convinced are their birthright, and that they've been brainwashed into believing the Nigger President has stolen from them.
update: read Nance's comment! - more worthwhile than this post!!!
The irony would be fascinating if it wasn't so painful. So many of those who are drawn to the pseudo-power of the Tea Party movement are demonstrating a version of Stockholm Syndrome; they can't tell the difference between those who have historically exploited them and those who are willing to risk everything to help them.
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