Is This REALLY Necessary?
By anniepa
@anniepa (27955)
United States
March 20, 2010 7:26pm CST
I knew this final weekend of the health care debate would bring out the worst in some people but is this nonsense really necessary? Does it REALLY help anyone's case? I'm referring to the reports that Congressmen have had slurs shouted at them including the "n-word" and the "f-word" (the one that rhymes with "maggot") outside the Capitol and one Representative was even spit on. These incidents all involved Democrats who have come out in favor of the health care bill and protesters against it.
: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0310/34747.html
One of the Representatives from my area - not my own but one from a neighboring district so he's covered by the local media here - just announced today that he'll be voting for the bill. He was one of the House members that voted for the Stupak Amendment in November. Anyway, on our local news last night a spokesperson from his office told of how the calls from constituents were rather close but that there had been many calls from outside the district against it. The area has been bombarded by TV and radio ads and robo calls, many from anti-choice groups. I don't know about anyone else but I think MAYBE if I were in Congress and people from outside my district were tying up my lines so possibly all of my own constituents who wanted to couldn't get through that may have the opposite effect from what these outsiders want.
Do you think this kind of behavior, particularly the hate-language and spitting, really helps the cause against the health care bill? Wouldn't everyone be better served if people from both sides of the issue presented their case in a civil and respectful manner and concentrated on contacting their OWN Reps?
Before anyone accuses me of only mentioning the protesters against the bill I'd like to say that while I haven't heard of any specific incidents involving those in favor of it, I have no doubt there likely were some. They are just as bad, just as wrong as those against it and if anyone here has heard of any examples feel free to post it and I'll personally call them out on it!
Annie
5 people like this
11 responses
@kate1356 (697)
• United States
21 Mar 10
I just read a similar article on a news site. Quite frankly, it makes these people look like bigoted jerks and does not help their cause at all. I think it is sad that there are people out there that will stoop to racial slurs when they aren't getting their way.
And I have not yet heard of any specific incidents involving people that were for the health care bill. I would applaud anyone that yelled back at these bigoted jerks though (I don't condone spitting on anyone ever though).
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
21 Mar 10
No racial slurs were made. This is nothing but a cheap shot to discredit people who did not do any of the actions were accused of. This link tells the truth and has videos to prove no racial slurs were made.
http://www.examiner.com/x-25466-DC-Independent-Examiner~y2010m3d21-Blatant-media-dishonesty-from-AP-about-Saturdays-rally
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
21 Mar 10
Lovely loyal blind annie did your link follow the accusers with cameras all day and evening?? I didn't think so!
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
21 Mar 10
I think that people who are against anything will be more emotional about it than those who are for it. I also believe that the fear mongering, which has played such a front and center role in the issue of healthcare reform, has increased tensions on both sides. Having said that though, I don't believe that ugly behavior helps anyone's cause. Attacking anyone in any way makes you look like a classless thug and I wouldn't want people like that representing my side of any issue.
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
21 Mar 10
It is obvious that it is the Obama Care Health Bill supporters who are the classless thugs making up such blatant lies about the non existent incidents. The have been disproved as can be seen on the this link:
http://www.examiner.com/x-25466-DC-Independent-Examiner~y2010m3d21-Blatant-media-dishonesty-from-AP-about-Saturdays-rally
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
21 Mar 10
It is interesting that of all the protests with thousands of people and no violence that on the eve of the vote suddenly a small group turns violent and the whole protest is labeled as violent. It makes one wonder where they were from and who is backing them?
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
21 Mar 10
IMO it is the Democrats who have crossed to line with their blatant lies. This link tells the truth (and has videos to support it).
http://www.examiner.com/x-25466-DC-Independent-Examiner~y2010m3d21-Blatant-media-dishonesty-from-AP-about-Saturdays-rally
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
21 Mar 10
I don't think anyone has said anything about "violence" and I sure haven't heard anyone say the whole protest is being labeled as violent. Also, I beg to differ about all of the past protests, if you're comparing last night and today's behavior with them. There certainly have been plenty of disrespectful and hate-inspiring signs and pictures at many of the protests and rallies. They just didn't have the opportunity at most of them to shout directly at the lawmakers.
Anyway, I'm not pointing a finger at all of those against the health care bill and I have no problem with them being there to express their view. That's their right as Americans. I just think that those who have crossed the line are WRONG. Exactly how is calling a Congressman a derogatory name or spitting on him or as was just reported asking an African-American Congresswoman why her braids are so tight help tadvance the cause against this health care bill?
Annie
@laglen (19759)
• United States
21 Mar 10
ok Annie I think this is twice in one month, I agree with you! 
I do not see where this kind of attitude, speech and actions would help anybody's cause. I understand that this is a very serious issue and people feel very passionate about it. I do too. But this type of behavior, no matter what side of an issue you are on, does nothing to further your cause.
I do not see where this kind of attitude, speech and actions would help anybody's cause. I understand that this is a very serious issue and people feel very passionate about it. I do too. But this type of behavior, no matter what side of an issue you are on, does nothing to further your cause.1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
21 Mar 10
If it was true it would be disgraceful but as it is a bunch of lies it make me ashamed to think that I was once a staunch Democrat. This link show that it is nothing but crap!
http://www.examiner.com/x-25466-DC-Independent-Examiner~y2010m3d21-Blatant-media-dishonesty-from-AP-about-Saturdays-rally
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
21 Mar 10
Laglen, I sincerely feel badly for the protesters who are going about it the right way because I know there will always be some people who will judge an entire group by those with the worst possible behavior.
Whiteheather, IF anyone made up stories like these THAT would be disgraceful. In this case I'm certainly not convinced anyone did. Whether or not the person who spat on the Congressman was arrested or not isn't the issue I was addressing. IF you believed these stories were true I take it you would be ashamed of ALL of the protesters and tea party members since you're apparently blaming ALL Democrats for what you perceive to be lies.
Annie
@irisheyes (4370)
• United States
21 Mar 10
I hadn't heard of this, Annie, but it doesn't surprise me. I've thought all along that the opposition to healthcare was at least ten times more vocal than those who support reform. Now that outshouting isn't enough, they are taking it up a notch. Hopefully, this is their last stand (At least on healthcare reform).
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
21 Mar 10
It is nothing but lies......this link proves it
http://www.examiner.com/x-25466-DC-Independent-Examiner~y2010m3d21-Blatant-media-dishonesty-from-AP-about-Saturdays-rally
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
22 Mar 10
Annie, Annie.."There's none so blind as those who will not see."
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
21 Mar 10
..."Do you think this kind of behavior, particularly the hate-language and spitting, really helps the cause against the health care bill?" NO especially as it nothing but mudslinging and lies from the left as usual trying to discredit (by lying and exaggerating any type of anti Obama Care demonstration. So I am am calling you out on the Blatant Media Dishonesty with the following link:
http://www.examiner.com/x-25466-DC-Independent-Examiner~y2010m3d21-Blatant-media-dishonesty-from-AP-about-Saturdays-rally
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
21 Mar 10
Calling ME out? I didn't report it and I sure didn't make anything up. As much as you hate our President, HE didn't do it either! When I first saw this reported last night one of the CNN reporters witnessed one of the incidents. Fox even reported it, so are they now in Obama's pocket...lol?
Annie
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
22 Mar 10
OK annie as usual this has been quite entertaining but now I am bored. 
I cannot get any more enjoyment when you go into your stone wall mode.
Yes indeed I hate what the president is doing to our country and the sooner we get a new one the better. I would even be happy to get Bush back at least he was a loyal American.! Nothing hidden about his religion, place of birth, what you saw was what you got. Obama is worse than Tricky D1ck.
Bye for now!
I cannot get any more enjoyment when you go into your stone wall mode.
Yes indeed I hate what the president is doing to our country and the sooner we get a new one the better. I would even be happy to get Bush back at least he was a loyal American.! Nothing hidden about his religion, place of birth, what you saw was what you got. Obama is worse than Tricky D1ck.
Bye for now!
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
22 Mar 10
I am watching the debate on Health Care right now, and it is getting so ugly. The Republicans are unbelievable. They are using the word "Socialist" like they know what it means and they don't have a clue as to what it really means. Their behavior is deplorable and outrageous.
@Bd200789 (2994)
• United States
21 Mar 10
I haven't heard any, but I'm sure there are at least a few. Like you said, though, there is no reason to act like that. Now, that representative has no idea whether the voters in his district want the bill to pass or not.
@clrumfelt (5490)
• United States
21 Mar 10
Other members of the Tea Party group decried the actions of those who got out of hand with the name calling, spitting, etc., However, when people feel backed into a corner, they will fight, and it's not a pretty picture. When those who are supposed to be working for us are working against us, not listening to the wishes of the people, frustration mounts and will eventually spill over in all kinds of ways.
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
21 Mar 10
Good for those who have decried the few "bad apples". I know it's not all of the protesters or all of the tea party members but one is too many. Also, I'm only criticizing those who actually DID the name-calling and spitting, not anyone who had the misfortune of being next to them. However, frustration and disagreement with one's elected officials is never an excuse for hate speech. That's uncalled for and indefensible period.
Rose, I have another question for you - did you consider all of those showing up all across the country carrying "Obama as Hitler" photos and other hateful items to be "very decent and respectful people"? REALLY?? Can't you at least admit there are always a few to make the rest look bad and that those few should be called out for their actions?
Annie
1 person likes this
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
21 Mar 10
I have heard these assertions made by a few people. what I HAVEN'T heard are the audio or video of them happening. If you have some I would love to see it. This sort of thing, if it is happening, needs to be exposed and exterminated, it is inexcusable and disgracfull. But so far, all I have heard is accusations of it happening.
All racial slurs and the like aside....the anger you see right now is NOTHING compaired to whats comming. People can put the tea parties and liberty groups down all they wish. But for all the shouting thats going on, the anger and frustration your seeing right now and all the behavior people are critisisng (racial slurs aside), you don't want it to go away, you REALLy don't. You don't want to see the folks who are behind us and growing even more impatient and angry then we are. Because if the Washington empirials don't start listening now, the people who are going to come on the heels of the tea party will be the people who are all through shouting.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
21 Mar 10
This link has videos disproving these accusations.
http://www.examiner.com/x-25466-DC-Independent-Examiner~y2010m3d21-Blatant-media-dishonesty-from-AP-about-Saturdays-rally
@commanderxo (1494)
• Canada
21 Mar 10
Whether it be for the good of all or not, NOTHING is as quite as sure, as change.
Some people are afraid of it, and this often brings out the worst in them.
cdrxo
