Posted by Sam Richards
I don’t know how many people have been paying attention to the so-called “Tea Party” protests, but some of these folks are really off the hook. Signs portraying Obama as a Nazi are within the boundaries of “acceptable protest” over the past twenty years — as both Clinton and Bush were regularly depicted as Hitler with the little mustache below the nose. This doesn’t make those protesting appear level-headed, but people on both the right and the left use the image when they think that it serves their cause. But the racism and anti gay bigotry are unique to some folks in the Tea Party movement. I say “some” because I am certain that most people who support the movement condemn calling Rep. John Lewis the n-bomb and Rep. Barney Frank the f-bomb. That’s raw.
And how about the message in the above photo. The people holding these signs are threatening violence against elected officials. At what point is THAT a crime? These are some crazy times.
Check out this article. It’s from the Huffington Post, a well known left-leaning news source/blog. However, I’ve searched around on the web and the stories noted here are validated by a wide range of sources. I’m using this Huffington Post version of the story because it’s actually the most comprehensive. Read the article: “Tea Party Protestors Shout at Members of Congress”
This is just another sad example of how little people know about the health care bill. These types of protests are just absurd and I hope spitting on an elected official is a crime. What I would encourage all these people to do is read the bill, because the funny part is, I bet the bill will benefit a lot of the same people protesting against it. This is the sad part about the U.S., when uninformed people take a stance, scary things happen. And the far-right groups know that when people are uninformed scare tactics work wonders! What to do, maybe start educating our population better. . .
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I don't know a lot about the TEA party, but I heard that they stand for "English Only". I think this is on the boundary of racism and conservatism. First of, not to mention Asian languages, Spanish existed for almost the same length to English in the United States. These people have no right to determine what language other people speak! They may say that they don't like liberalism, but they cannot force people to do what they don't want to do. Besides, rationally showing your opinion is a basic requirement for protesting. Although what they have done is legal, I still don't like it. They said Obama is Nazi? No, they are Nazis.
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Wow. You know, maybe this will finally help me to understand some of the struggles Civil Rights leaders went through in achieving what they wanted. Now granted, obviously this isn’t as harsh, but come on! Socialism? Do people even really know what socialism is? Or are they just going to keep watching Fox Noise? The definition of socialism is: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property. Ok, so by this definition, it’s pretty much saying that the government owns everything. But is this the case? I think not. Now granted, it does require people who do not have insurance to buy it. Now tell me this, is it any different than having to buy car insurance in order to drive? Some may say, “You don’t have to drive,” but honestly, who isn’t going to drive?
Currently, as I write, I’m watching a debate between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConell. The Republican, Mr. McConell, says that it will cost taxpayers billions, and it will make their premiums go up. But, as noted by Harry Reid, the Senate Commerce Committee has already crunched the numbers, and over the next ten years, we will save over $130 billion, and in the ten years following that, we will save $1.3 trillion. Now I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty damn great to me.
Well enough with my rant on that, back to the Tea Parties. If you look at the pictures, the people who seem to be involved are old. Now do I have a problem with old people? Not at all, but what I do have a problem with is the fact that these are the people who sit at home and listen to everything the media says. How do I know this? Because I have a 90-year old Great Grandmother who does this, along with multiple other elderly people I know. They are persuaded easily by these things, and maybe that’s part of the reason this is happening. Now, I’m not going to blame the media for the slurs that people were shouting at the representatives. That’s just plain wrong. What is this nation coming to when we have to yell slurs at our national representatives based solely on what the media is telling us? Who doesn’t want to be able to get health insurance? There are people that die in this country everyday because they don’t have insurance and they can’t afford to pay out of pocket. Insurance companies are as corrupt as they come, for instance, look at AIG. Oh, look, we got a bail out after we insured mortgages that we knew would fall through, let’s screw the people we cover and go on a trip to a resort! Fuck that, the corruption that plagues this country makes me sick to my stomach. Hello Canada!
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Okay well the TEA party has been making recent headlines lately, but I'm sure this is something that they wish was not in the news. I like it when the nation gets fired up about politics and doesn't just sit on our hands while the government runs our lives. But, there's always such a thing as taking it a step too far. It doesn't matter if you agree with the bill or not, because civil conduct as humans should pretty much defy political boundaries. These slurs shouldn't have been shouted, because obviously it doesn't further their cause any. The Libertarian movement is gaining some steam from what I've read and seen, and hopefully it is the case that these are just a few bad apples.
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Um this is beyond absurd. What has happened to our world? I thought we were making progress in reducing discrimination, I guess I was very wrong. When will people ever it up it. Life is life, there will always be people you disagree with, ideas and opinions, you disagree with, and final decisions that you disagree with. You can’t fight every person you don’t like its just wrong and unethical. If your boss made a huge decision that he felt was the best for your company would u call him the N word, I don’t think so. Also these are elected officials, house of democratics, where is your respect. These are not just average people; they were elected by OUR vote to represent our voices. I couldn’t believe that Emanuel Cleaver was spat on. Really ? how can some individual sink that low. That is embarrassing to us as US citizens. I am proud of the congressman stating how he is not intimidated by this disgusting behavior, good for him for sticking up for himself and his race. I also don’t think that the actions of these people really has to do with health care. I think the actions of these people are caused by the inability to let the past go, and their personal inability to not discriminate against people of a different race. These protestors feel powerless therefore they think they need to rebel. After reading the article I went through the pictures of the protest that the site provided and it was sickening. One picture had Obama portrayed as Hitler. Come on now. Really? One Hitler’s number one objective was to wipe out an entire religion and its followers, he had no compassion, was sick in the head, and created a crazy army. Obama has none nothing of this short so I think it is absurd to compare him to Hitler. Also some of the signs had pictures of gun and were threatening elective officials. Why do people have this much time on their hands. One picture was about saving the future of babies and these children barely old enough to speak had these protesting signs leaning up against their strollers. Are these parents really setting a good example for their children? I don’t think so what so ever. These individuals are an embarrassment to Americans and it makes me embarrassed to be a Republican. I think that these individuals are still mad about Obama being elected as president and I don’t think they are really concerned with the passing of the health care. I understand the administration may have its flaws but doesn’t everything have flaws. Perfection in this world does not exist. Give this man a chance at presidency first before you go ripping his throat out.
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For the most part I like to stay away from politics. There are a lot of reasons, and one of them is definitely people like this. Most of the time it seems to me that when dealing with people on either extreme side of the political spectrum the issue being discussed takes a back seat. They seem to be arguing mostly for the sake of arguing and will use extreme means to prove their points. Resorting to racism and prejudice is completely besides the issue being debated and is solely trying to attack the other party. I don’t understand why these people feel the need to be so angry all of the time. Hopefully there comes a time when issues can be dealt with logical discussions instead of insane arguments.
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Undoubtedly, the reform of healthcare occurring in our nation at this moment is one of the most significant policies to be implemented by our government in years. With any type of change, let alone change and restructuring of our national healthcare system, comes uproar, protests, and controversy. The Tea Party protests targeted at Democratic House representatives, I feel, may be the start of many types of protests and arguments about the direction our nation is moving towards in terms of healthcare. While I feel that every American is entitled for their rights of free speech, I do not think it is tasteful to slam derogatory names like "faggot" and "nigger" into the faces of our country's finest leaders. Personally, I happen to strongly disagree with the new healthcare reform that Congress is planning to implement. Coming from an upper-middle class family, this reform means that my family, and I one day, will be spending more to cover those that can not afford their own care. However, I feel that this is a choice that my family makes to live in the United States, and with that, comes respecting and trusting the leaders of our nation, whether democrat or republican. No one American will agree with everything that any one leader, or group of leaders, does or says. The only thing we can do is to make a change next time around by electing officials that have aspirations to change towards a platform that seems more appealing.
I find it disrespectful for protestors to resort to offensive name calling for purposes of intimidation. While protesting may seem like an effective tool that was used in the past to spark reform or inspire a change in policy, I tend to look at it as an immature and unprofessional way of conveying a point. I understand that power can be achieved in numbers, but to really inspire a change in policy, a more professional approach should be taken including meeting with legislators, filing claims, etc.
I really can relate to what these protestors are feeling, this healthcare reform simply sucks, and is unfortunate to those that can afford their own health coverage. However, the more I am thinking about this situation- the name calling and beittling of our own members of Congress, the more I tend to look at this issue as a power struggle. These Americans that feel it is necessary to be overtly rude to our nation's most respected leaders are just simply frustrated and feel that they are being stripped of all power in this controversy over healthcare.
The battle over healthcare reform is more than a sensitive subject these days, and by reading this article, I feel like I will willingly pay more attention to the news and the coverage of other such protests, as well as the progress Congress is making on implementing reform.
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"Fox News tells them that it is bad, so instead of thinking for themselves, they instead make signs to oppose it and threaten our congressmen. We put up with eight years of the Bush/Cheney administration, and as a result we are involved in two ill-advised wars and are over a trillion dollars in debt." I like how romagnic said this, because it is very true. What is Obama doing wrong people!??! Nothing, he is just trying to help the country, what makes him any different than any other president besides the obvious color. But this is not about me or what I believe or even about you and what you believe. This is about that fact that people are legally able to express their feels, thoughts, and like or dislikes in public, which is great. But, there is a line between expressing your thoughts and feelings and being aggressive and angry. When I disagree with someone I do not go straight for a low blow. If I want to eat at BK and my friend wants to eat at McDonald's I am not going to spit in his face and call him the worst name I can think of. People are immature and need to grow up. The protesters would actually be better heard and listen to with a level head, not shouting and name calling.
I remember when Sam put up the post about the soccer games over in Europe. It said that fan would yell at the black players and call them moneys. I have to admit that I felt a kind of guilty joy over the fact that America wasn't like that and wouldn't put up with hate like that, but I obviously am mistaken. I have a great shame for the people who express themselves the way they do in this so called Tea Party.
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I did not vote for Obama, but so far the pros of the health care bill outweigh the cons. I do not understand why people would not want this health care plan. It benefits ALL Americans, and it is for the greater good of the country. I am a republican, but I will support a law or bill that is for the greater good of everyone. The only con of the bill is how much it is going to cost, which could lead to higher taxes. But it president Obama pulls all troops out of foreign countries LIKE HE PROMISED, we should be able to pay for the health care bill. I think it is just a few bad apples. It all goes back to Sam saying that we have to strive to be in the middle. I am a republican, but I am supporting democratic legislature.
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Personally I think that the tea party’s most outspoken members are nothing more than common idiots who are easily swayed by fear mongers like Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh. With that said nothing that these people do will ever surprise me. I base the claim that they are idiots on the fact that most of them have no idea what socialism is, because if they did, than they would have been extremely vocal about the patriot act and the illegal wiretaps that went along with it. They may have also been angered by the legal recount that was cast aside in 2000 when George W Bush was elected by the US Supreme Court rather than the people. But then again demagogues weren’t telling them to be angry, so they really didn't know what to think. These may have even been the same protesters who believed that Obama was going to personally come to their homes to take their guns. Either way it seems a bit odd to me that these protests and such hateful speech seemingly came out of nowhere.
I don't think that calling a civil rights leader and respected congressman a N**** proves to anyone that you are a logical individual with an opinion that we should actually respect. If you’re angry that's fine. Be angry in an educated way, using factual information and present that information in a clam manner, so that people take you and the argument seriously. It's a shame that the more prevalent members of this movement are kind of ruining it for the logical ones, but something in me says that this movement was never really about logic in the first place. Even Ron Paul, who the same people who support the tea partiers as logical individuals (Fox News) are the same people who wrote Ron Paul off as some insane old man. Ron Paul is the one who started the movement. Now that the Fox crowd has taken his longstanding platform, he is trying to distance himself from it. The whole thing is just insane.
One thing is for certain though. The tea partiers’ will go home on roads that the government deemed safe in cars that the government deemed safe. Then they may eat some food that the government has regulated the production of to make sure its safe. Then they will watch TV that the government has regulated so it is not containing harmful messages that their children may hear. When they shut the TV off they will sleep and their homes won’t collapse on top of them. Why? That is probably because the government has set building codes to keep homes from killing their occupants. Then they will return to the 40hr work week that the government has regulated their employers to, unless they go over, when they will be paid time and a half as the government has mandated. And they will complain about none of it.
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When I see pictures of protesters holding signs that read “Marxism is an Obama-Nation” or that feature “Undocumented Worker” as the caption to a photo of our president, I’m irritated because these people are obviously irrational, yet still receive enough attention by the media to grow their following. I say irrational because if you’ve received even the least extensive primary education our country can offer, you’d know that our President may not be born elsewhere than in the United States. So saying that he’s undocumented is ridiculous. And frankly, what good is a sign like that going to accomplish?
But I noticed it again on our campus last night. Outside of Eisenhower Auditorium, before the doors open for an event called Porn Nation, I noticed two people holding signs that read “Filth Not Faith”. Porn Nation is a presentation by recovering Porn addict Michael Leahy that’s been given at over 170 campuses nationwide about the way in which pornography (defined as “creative activity (writing or pictures or films etc.) of no literary or artistic value other than to stimulate sexual desire” http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=porn... )has shaped our culture and our expectations of relationships today. For me, I’ve always understood that Pornography is harmful to relationships and individuals too, so naturally I was curious to learn why these two felt the need to protest Mr. Leahy’s talk. Among other points, they made the claim that sex is natural and that sexual freedom is good, and as quoted in the Daily Collegian this morning, that "nations which have greater access to porn have lower rates of rape and pedophilia.” (http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2010/03/25/g...
Later, during the Q and A, about a dozen students lined up to voice their frustrations with Mr. Leahy relating his argument more to personal testimony rather than statistical evidence. So I wondered; those two kids sitting outside –what evidence is there to indicate that rape is less common in the west because we have access to porn? There isn’t any; those two subjects may be true, but more likely, we have less incidence of rape (or reported rape) here than in Somalia because as a developed nation, along with having widespread access to the internet (and pornography), we also have better law enforcement.
When I talked to them I asked them if they would be coming inside to listen to talk themselves. They didn’t think it was necessary; they were informed enough.
The reason I’m frustrated is because Penn State students (we’re rational, right?) chose to attend Mr. Leahy’s talk with the sole intention to undermine it, not to be informed. For them, they already know what’s right and what’s natural. But the reality is that we’re 20 year old kids; how much experience do any of us really have? I’d argue not more than our professors or our parents.
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This situation is pretty ridiculous. I think that it just goes to show that we haven't come as far in regards to equality as people think that we have. These congressmen clearly only were interested in the health care bill and similar political issues, when members of the crowd turned it into a race issue. Personal attacks at elected officials are not the way to express your disagreement. Yet time and time again nowadays this is what we see: Obama portrayed as the anti-Christ or McCain portrayed as a skeleton. People need to focus more on the political issues and not what someone looks like. Maybe it would be better if the political system worked like it did in the old days before television when you were not able to actually see the candidate, you just heard about their policies and ideas. There’s a right way to protest and a wrong way to protest and this is certainly the latter. There are things that I disagree with that both parties do but I don’t walk around calling them n***ers or f***ots. It’s simply wrong to do. It’s funny that most people think we’re so far past all of this kind of stuff. But let’s be honest, should it really surprise us this much? Listen to how people talk all over this campus alone. Most people are able to show enough respect and restraint but there are always those idiots, like the ones protesting in this article, who have no sense of censorship or respect. I don’t understand why it’s so difficult for people to hold up a sign stating their disagreement or their opinion and just yell that. There is no need to curse, insult, or spit at people who are simply voicing their opinions and what they want to do in their position. Just listen to what they say and then vote for the guy who you agree with. This whole negative advertising and negative protesting thing is annoying and stupid.
This article also made me laugh about this new Tea Party movement. To me, the Tea Party seems like a bunch of people who are just pissed off at different things and have no sense of organization. It’s basically a group of pissed off people who don’t even agree on party platforms themselves. And this incident certainly does not help their movement whatsoever. If you’re trying to gain the support, let alone the respect, of people across the country, don’t protest in such a disrespectful way. How stupid can you be? Let’s go ahead and not only piss off the people who support the bill we’re arguing against, but let’s also do it in a way that makes Republicans say “what the f*** are those people thinking?”
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Stuff like this makes me really sad, especially as a Republican, because I feel like casts Republicans in a really negative light, when that is not the case. I really feel that this is “just a few bad apples.” I think that most Republicans, while they may not support Obama or his policies, are at least respectful. Being a Republican I don’t agree with a lot of Obama’s policies, nor did I support him becoming President, but at the same time, I still respect him. I always try to look for the positive and find areas that I do agree with him on. When I do argue with his policies I use fact rather than wild accusations like these. I just hope that Obama’s supporters realize that just because someone doesn’t support Obama, it doesn’t mean that they are like these people
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After quickly skimming through the blog responses posted ahead of me the one I thought that summed up my feelings best was the one that talks about how if you were a democrat this kind of looks good for you. All this really does is put a bad face on the Republican Party. Even though these people don’t accurately represent how conservatives think and act it may be the first thing that comes to mind when others think of the party. People like this, which do not seem to act reasonably and put their emotions above rational thought, are an embarrassment to others in our country. Instead of attacking the issues logically, they boil down the situation to skin color of the commander and liken him to a man like Adolph Hitler.
Personally, it does not really bother me that they act this way. As people have already said, it falls within their rights to protest the actions of the governments and really, they are doing more damage to themselves and their party, than to me or the country as whole. I am certainly no expert of all the inner workings of the first amendment but it would be my estimation that nothing these people are doing is illegal. I understand what they are saying is quite offensive and parts of it could be construed as racist but illegal, I’m not sure it crosses that line.
Sam did bring up the point of, “The people holding these signs are threatening violence against elected officials. At what point is THAT a crime?” I understand that you cannot make threats against someone’s life, particularly not a high-ranking government official, but it does not seem like there are any specific threats in here. Most of them are just saying that they would prefer Obama or so-and-so dead. I think that they would have to be more precise and seem like the person had seriously contemplated assassinating an official before action could be taken. However, once again, these are just my naïve speculations.
Really, I think the most important thing about this issue is in the title of the article. “Is this just a few bad apples?” And my answer to that is yes. There are only a few people out there I believe that are crazed enough that they would express their political beliefs this way. I am sure there are many many more people who would also disagree with the new health reform bill but they either go about their protests in a logical way or choose other ways of expressing their disapproval. Unfortunately, it is not the calm reasonable folk who get themselves in the paper. It is the often the loud and irrational who become the face of the movement, which is not good news for the Republican Party.
After quickly skimming through the blog responses posted ahead of me the one I thought that summed up my feelings best was the one that talks about how if you were a democrat this kind of looks good for you. All this really does is put a bad face on the Republican Party. Even though these people don’t accurately represent how conservatives think and act it may be the first thing that comes to mind when others think of the party. People like this, which do not seem to act reasonably and put their emotions above rational thought, are an embarrassment to others in our country. Instead of attacking the issues logically, they boil down the situation to skin color of the commander and liken him to a man like Adolph Hitler.
Personally, it does not really bother me that they act this way. As people have already said, it falls within their rights to protest the actions of the governments and really, they are doing more damage to themselves and their party, than to me or the country as whole. I am certainly no expert of all the inner workings of the first amendment but it would be my estimation that nothing these people are doing is illegal. I understand what they are saying is quite offensive and parts of it could be construed as racist but illegal, I’m not sure it crosses that line.
Sam did bring up the point of, “The people holding these signs are threatening violence against elected officials. At what point is THAT a crime?” I understand that you cannot make threats against someone’s life, particularly not a high-ranking government official, but it does not seem like there are any specific threats in here. Most of them are just saying that they would prefer Obama or so-and-so dead. I think that they would have to be more precise and seem like the person had seriously contemplated assassinating an official before action could be taken. However, once again, these are just my naïve speculations.
Really, I think the most important thing about this issue is in the title of the article. “Is this just a few bad apples?” And my answer to that is yes. There are only a few people out there I believe that are crazed enough that they would express their political beliefs this way. I am sure there are many many more people who would also disagree with the new health reform bill but they either go about their protests in a logical way or choose other ways of expressing their disapproval. Unfortunately, it is not the calm reasonable folk who get themselves in the paper. It is the often the loud and irrational who become the face of the movement, which is not good news for the Republican Party.
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Wow! Wow is the first word that comes to mind when reading this article. I was shocked when I saw what people were calling obama and other important figure in our country. First off nobody in the right mind could honestly compare president Barak Obama to Adolf Hitler. First off you don’t like his views or what he is doing with country that’s one thing but compare him to Hitler someone who killed six million Jews. Is just very wrong. President Barak Obama never ever killed anybody yet alone 6 million people of one race. If u want to get your point across that you don’t like the way he is leading then compare him to homer Simpson or peter griffin. Someone who is really stupid and dumb and who couldn’t lead a country. Yet alone the greatest country in the world. But don’t say that stuff about he being compared to Hitler. Hitler are you kidding me when I first read that I had to re read it to make sure I wasn’t reading the wrong thing because that was just insane. But then I kept reading the article and saw that they dropped the N bomb too. Now that is awful as well we should be at the time now that those words done need to be said any more. There is just no need for that words and words like it to be said anymore. I find it disrespectful for protestors to resort to offensive name calling for purposes of intimidation. While protesting may seem like an effective tool that was used in the past to spark reform or inspire a change in policy, I tend to look at it as an immature and unprofessional way of conveying a point. I understand that power can be achieved in numbers, but to really inspire a change in policy, a more professional approach should be taken including meeting with legislators, filing claims, etc. There’s a right way to protest and a wrong way to protest and this is certainly the latter. There are things that I disagree with that both parties do but I don’t walk around calling them n bomb or f bomb. It’s simply wrong to do. It’s funny that most people think we’re so far past all of this kind of stuff. But let’s be honest, should it really surprise us this much? Yes it should!. Because by now we should be passed this words and sayings, they are just harmful and not needed. There is just no reason that I feel or can think of that those words should be said. I just want to point out again that I am still very shocked that somebody compared Obama to Hitler. Now after I wrote this blog I am still in shock by it. That’s how shocked I was.
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I have to say, I am not that surprised that things like this happened. I’m not saying it should, but there are people in the world who disagree with things and do not know how to handle things in the proper way. I think that protesting is an individuals right but sometimes it gets to the point where it is taken too far. In this case, I believe it’s gone too far. Some of the signs that people were holding were down right nasty. To compare Obama to Hitler was really the icing on the cake to me. I’d really like to ask that person what he or she thinks Obama has in common with Hitler. I hope that that person can read pick up a history book one day and find out that they are quite different to say the least. I fully understand that people have the right to voice their opinions, but to go about it in this manner is embarrassing and just disgusting. Using derogatory terms, comparing our President to some of the most evil individuals in history, and making racist comments just shows how immature a person could be. How can someone have the nerve to really stand out there and say such horrible things to someone. It gets to the point where enough is enough but I’m not really sure how anyone can go about it to take care of this issue since everyone has the right to their opinion. I hope that people could take a step back and really know what they are about to say about someone or something before they just start going crazy and acting like immature little children. When I read the article it disgusted me to hear how some people even spit in some politicians faces. Are you kidding me? Do you really think that spitting on someone is the answer to all of your problems and it’s going to do something to change anything? I don’t think so. I respect these politicians who have to put up with such scrutiny and this childish behavior. I would love to see how well the people actually carrying out these rude mannerisms would handle it if someone were to do it to them. I don’t think they’d be able to handle it what so ever. So before they throw that ball, they should be able to catch it. Threatening officials using signs should be out of the question and illegal. That’s where it does become scary because who knows what person is actually quite serious about it. I understand that rallies and protests like this will continue and I think they are fundamental to our society. But I hope that they will become less violent and demeaning because there is really no point to be that way.
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When it comes to criticizing public figures like professional athletes and politicians, I usually apply the if-you-can’t-take-the-heat-get-out-of-the-kitchen approach, but this is kind of like setting a politician’s kitchen on fire and then holding him to that same standard.
I believe that such public figures should be subject to the criticism of their public. I see it as part of the job description. If public figures don’t like it or can’t take it, well, don’t let the door hit you on the way out. I understand they are people with feelings and emotions just like everybody else, but it’s just one of those things that come with holding such a prestigious and powerful position. Of course, people thrust into the limelight unwillingly are exempt from this idea, but the men and women who sit on Capitol Hill knowingly and willingly put themselves there, so they should expect – and be expected to take – criticism.
Following that logic, I can’t really disagree with the words protestors used to describe Representatives Lewis and Frank. Were they disrespectful? Yep. Hurtful? Oh, yeah. Juvenile and emotionally inspired? Check and check. Do I agree with using the words the protestors did in the way they were used? Absolutely not. But as American Congressmen, this is something they should expect to hear in light of such hotly contested legislation that brings such immense change. I never said it was fair – and whether or not it is fair to subject people who are, well, just people, to such hurtful and disrespectful words is another debate – but I do think it comes with being a public figure.
But the line in the sand is drawn when violence enters the picture. Spitting and threatening someone with death? That doesn’t fly, not to mention that these protestors, who possess such closed minds and lack such self control, seem not to have been paying attention when we got the “respect others” lesson in way back in kindergarten. That public figures should be subjected to physical harm and fear, that isn’t in the job description. It is the right of protestors to express opinion – that’s written in the Constitution – but they forgot about the part that says it must be done in a peaceful and civil manner. It’s not the right of a person to commit acts of physical degradation, threaten violence or inspire fear against another, not to mention just how elementary that is.
The funny thing is, protestors like these often defend themselves by appealing to their own sense of patriotism – that is, that they’re American, and they’re exercising their rights as Americans. Last time I checked, being American allows for differing opinions and being able to express those opinions without threat or fear of physical harm. Sounds like a history lesson is in order. But hey, look on the bright side – Texas is looking into some new history books that supposedly tell the real story of what it means to be an American.
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http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/36031_FBI...
When the tea party groups first emerged I wasn’t particularly worried about them. Perhaps that’s the wrong word; more or less I was indifferent. When I heard people getting all worried about them I was confused, after all had we not had a similarly huge protest during Bush’s presidency? I remember it well on cspan. The streets of DC were filled with people, many armed with signs that derided the president and his policies. So when a conservative equivalent came out I thought that some (on the liberal side of things) were being a little unfair. After all, isn’t social protest the hallmark of American Democracy? Shouldn’t we enjoy the fact that there are still those in the country that care enough about the democratic process to get up and do stuff like this? I will admit though, I was wrong. Looking back, the protests of the Bush era were infinitely more restrained. Certainly it had more than its fair share of crazies. People coming in with signs decorated with Nazi paraphernalia, even a few with calling for out and out violence. But let it be said that these were most certainly in the minority. Now we look at the more recent Tea Party activists. Let’s get one huge difference out of the way. The Tea party groups are without a doubt not motivated primarily by politics as the Bush protestors were. Rather, race seems to be the driving issue behind the actions of the Tea Party. This is supported by the clear and unabashed racism that can be seen at almost every rally. There are stories coming out all the time about what the people at these rallies are shouting, and it most certainly is not pretty. Course the race factor is only the beginning of the problems. The other issue is the insane level of militancy coming out of this group. The link I have at the top is about the FBI investigating an incident in Virginia. Apparently the gas line leading to the home of a brother to a senator who had supported the health care reform bill had been cut. If that wasn’t scary enough, to get his address all one would have to do is go to the Tea Party website where his, and other addresses, had been posted. Now obviously nothing has been confirmed but as of yet, but the simple posting of the addresses is scary enough. As far as this situation is concerned, this is nothing short of domestic terrorism (ironic considering that Obama was criticized multiple times over his association with Bill Ayers). It’s clear based on this that the tea party group has moved far beyond being just a politically active group. They have become a dangerous mob. Of course, I have no idea what should be done. It’s clear that for all the craziness its still a minority of people. So for the most part people are simply expressing their first amendment rights.
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The news above simply gives me a sinking feeling. It does not empower me; make me feel persuaded, or even hopeful in any way. The message of this news is that our divisions are growing, anger is brewing, and development towards a more sustainable world is failing. Politics in this day and time seems extremely convoluted to me. I see the news and media portray a variety of different ideas. Who knows what they should believe. Who knows what you can believe. There is simply no truth in what happens on capital hill. Of course people get fed up and angry with both democrats and republicans over the years we have seen protests from both parties. The problem is that when people begin spouting names a sense of competition ensues. What ever are our distances hating will not fix the problem. Though I am relieved that we now have or are making steps towards a health care system that provides for those that need it and can’t afford it. I know personally that I don’t have health care, and I am at times nervous about breaking an arm, breaking a toe. Its simply seems very dangerous for many to not have access to healthcare, because a single visit to the hospital may require years of hard work to completely pay off. That is no way to live. We should have our basic human rights protected.
I know the other day in our intense debate groups we talked about how people do not stay on point for all of these blog responses. Well 450 words is a bit difficult when the world is so complicated. How could anyone unravel all that surrounds us. I mean the fact that people go to protest in Washington, what is the root cause of this? What is the point of thinking about all of the disturbing shit that happens out there. Sam shows us things in class what for? Is it to make us think? That is a noble goal, but for what reason. I suppose it really is true that we are all going to die. Is this me in the reversal stage? hah, Well I hope I am making my way either way. Even if I don’t know what the reason is for, I want to. I’m just sick of school right now. All of the money problems that I have and the amount of time that I will have to work to pay off all those loans. It can be hard to face. Easier to simply ignore the thought. Maybe that’s why I hate money, and want to live in a system where money does not grip us like a death like vice.
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Reading this article made me very mad. I do not understand why people march around Washington D.C. with signs like these. Most of them are offensive and over shadow the message that the person holding it is trying to express. Do these people know that this is a public place with children on buses going to school and walking by with their families? Yes I understand that we all have the right to freedom of speech but I believe that this is crossing the line. If I was in Washington D.C. I would go up to someone with one of these signs and ask them what they are accomplishing by waving these offensive signs. And I would also like to ask what have people with signs of that nature ever accomplished in legislation in the government of the United States. I believe that we all should express our right to freedom of speech because it is one of the most important rights that we have as lucky Americans. And when I say that we are lucky Americans, it is because we are so lucky to live in this great country with all these rights that we sometimes take for granted. I think that we all need to realize how fortunate we are to be able to speak out against our government and be heard. But I do not believe that these people in the pictures are expressing their feelings in the proper way. I do not think people should go to such extreme methods to express their opinions in an area like D.C. where very important Senators and Congress members need to lead out country. One person has a sign with Obama’s head coming out of a donkey’s ass. I do not see how someone with such a strong political view could carry these signs around in public and not care about children that will be offended. If people want to make a difference in their country they need to start by example. Partying around with offensive signs does not seem to be the right way to get what you want. In America, the best way is to contact your local representatives and eventually move up the chain and be heard. Now, I know this can take years for something like this to happen and be affective, but we need to understand that America is deeply rooted in tradition and it is tough to change tradition. Government is the way to change America because you cannot change anything from the outside, only within. And because of this way doing this, some people have clear advantages in running this great country but not everyone that helps run America is from wealthy backgrounds. In America you can work hard to get far, that is why I love living here.
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I think theres a fine line between protest in crime. While our country was founded on free speech and the right to express what any individual feels. However when the protest turns to violent, I think it is difficult to see how a protest can help the cause many of these protesters are behind. It's interesting to note that the news story of the borderline violence made the news, not that there was a protest and many people showed up to support a cause. Unfortunately when groups that are considered radical like the TEA Party, it makes it hard for government officials or even the general public to understand the issue they are behind. Furthermore, with a story like this of protests and demonstrations being compared to the protests in the 1960s, make the TEA Party seem even more crazy and radical. These signs that they have only perpetuate the radical and non-rational view point behind this TEA Party movement. I'm not saying that this movement is crazy, but from the generally uninformed public who sees this story wouldn't even consider some of the viewpoints of the TEA Party. I think even when republicans get behind this movement they are seen as two radical, partisan and unwilling to compromise on any issue. I think this TEA Party is gaining some momentum and force behind their voice and ideals but protests like these just set them back. Its sad that actions of a view people are projected on the whole movement. In the future when a large protest from the TEA Party movement is in stirrings, I think the local police will prepare a lot more, and any one involved in the protest will be watched more closely.
As difficult and crazy as these protests seem, protests in the 60s were probably viewed as the same way. Since I wasn't alive it's difficult to judge. So I don't think movement it crazy and will not gain any political ground, but like I said before without violence. I'm in COMM 110, Media and Democracy, and we have discussed the TEA Party Movement several times. Even though they are considered republican, republicans are denouncing them, because they think that a radical movement will contribute to the loss of any future elections.
Some of this sign though, calling Obama a Nazi is completely hypocritical, even as an Obama supporter I can say hes a bit socialist and thats completely the opposite from the Nazi rationale. I think these people may not be clever enough come to come up with another insult for Obama or actually tackle the issue from an intellectual stand point. While the TEA party movement is gaining momentum i think they have a very long way to go before they gain any more political respect and get some officials behind their movement.
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As difficult and crazy as these protests seem, protests in the 60s were probably viewed as the same way. Since I wasn't alive it's difficult to judge. So I don't think movement it crazy and will not gain any political ground, but like I said before without violence. I'm in COMM 110, Media and Democracy, and we have discussed the TEA Party Movement several times. Even though they are considered republican, republicans are denouncing them, because they think that a radical movement will contribute to the loss of any future elections.
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Some of this sign though, calling Obama a Nazi is completely hypocritical, even as an Obama supporter I can say hes a bit socialist and thats completely the opposite from the Nazi rationale. I think these people may not be clever enough come to come up with another insult for Obama or actually tackle the issue from an intellectual stand point. While the TEA party movement is gaining momentum i think they have a very long way to go before they gain any more political respect and get some officials behind their movement.
sorry wouldn't post the whole comment in one post
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ome of this sign though, calling Obama a Nazi is completely hypocritical, even as an Obama supporter I can say hes a bit socialist and thats completely the opposite from the Nazi rationale. I think these people may not be clever enough come to come up with another insult for Obama or actually tackle the issue from an intellectual stand point. While the TEA party movement is gaining momentum i think they have a very long way to go before they gain any more political respect and get some officials behind their movemen
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I thinkthink theres a fine line between protest in crime. While our country was founded on free speech and the right to express what any individual feels. However when the protest turns to violent, I think it is difficult to see how a protest can help the cause many of these protesters are behind. It's interesting to note that the news story of the borderline violence made the news, not that there was a protest and many people showed up to support a cause. Unfortunately when groups that are considered radical like the TEA Party, it makes it hard for government officials or even the general public to understand the issue they are behind. Furthermore, with a story like this of protests and demonstrations being compared to the protests in the 1960s, make the TEA Party seem even more crazy and radical. These signs that they have only perpetuate the radical and non-rational view point behind this TEA Party movement. I'm not saying that this movement is crazy, but from the generally uninformed public who sees this story wouldn't even consider some of the viewpoints of the TEA Party. I think even when republicans get behind this movement they are seen as two radical, partisan and unwilling to compromise on any issue. I think this TEA Party is gaining some momentum and force behind their voice and ideals but protests like these just set them back. Its sad that actions of a view people are projected on the whole movement. In the future when a large protest from the TEA Party movement is in stirrings, I think the local police will prepare a lot more, and any one involved in the protest will be watched more closely.
As difficult and crazy as these protests seem, protests in the 60s were probably viewed as the same way. Since I wasn't alive it's difficult to judge. So I don't think movement it crazy and will not gain any political ground, but like I said before without violence. I'm in COMM 110, Media and Democracy, and we have discussed the TEA Party Movement several times. Even though they are considered republican, republicans are denouncing them, because they think that a radical movement will contribute to the loss of any future elections.
Some of this sign though, calling Obama a Nazi is completely hypocritical, even as an Obama supporter I can say hes a bit socialist and thats completely the opposite from the Nazi rationale. I think these people may not be clever enough come to come up with another insult for Obama or actually tackle the issue from an intellectual stand point. While the TEA party movement is gaining momentum i think they have a very long way to go before they gain any more political respect and get some officials behind their movement
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While I cannot say that I am a tea party expert, I was not really too surprised to hear the comments of a few of these people. There are always going to be individuals who are extreme in one way or another. This does not mean that I am condoning this behavior, however. There is a fine line, I feel, between free speech and legitimate threats. I am not sure at what point it become illegal, but it seems to me that a threat against the president should be taken seriously regardless. These people have the right to protest, but in many ways I feel that they are crossing the line.
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I’m familiar with the Tea Party protestors and their so called struggles against the Obama administration and “socialism”, but I usually ignore them. I just see them as a few radicals who spew speeches and words with no real backing. They just enjoy riling people up and causing a stir. However, ignoring them doesn’t seem to be an option as this blog post proves. There are some protestors that proudly shout about assassinating Obama or like the blog said, depicting him as Hitler or equating him to a terrorist or Osama bin Laden. The constant comparisons to Hitler remind me of Godwin’s Law. It pretty much says “It states: "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1." The numerous fall
Maybe it’s just for shock value, but I’m pretty sure there are some people who actually believe this. A lot of these tea party protestors are regular watchers of Glenn Beck and Fox news. Fox News isn’t exactly known for being the most trustworthy news station and a lot of these protestors tune in without fact checking. As a result, this growing fear of us. against them spreads and they take it to such an extreme level. They also use racism and homophobia as a shield against ideas they may dislike. I heard about many of these protestors using offensive terms at the Senators and for what reason? I don’t care if you dislike Obama or didn’t vote for him, but to go so far and brand him a terrorist and demean him says something about your so called patriotism.
It’s not just the tea party protestors who shout offensive things but sometimes it may even come from the Senators. I watched the Health Care Debate take place and it got especially heated as it grew closer to voting time. A Texas Representative, Randy Neugebauer shouted “baby killer” during the debate for the health care bill. The idea that those in power aren’t immune to being so immature to stoop to petty name calling also says something about our current state of politics. There was also booing by the Republican Senators when Nancy Pelosi mentioned Obama’s name and you can’t forget the infamous “you lie!” comment made by Representative Wilson. Politicians really need to grow up and realize you’re representing districts and people and shouldn’t let your own bigoted personal views get in the way of this. I’m all in favor of protests but everyone knows there’s a wrong and right way to protest. This is the United States and we do have the freedom to protest, but people often abuse this freedom by holding racist and homophobic signs. It’s time people used their brains for once and before heading outside with a sign comparing Hitler to Obama, take a step back and actually question what you’re doing. You can blindly follow a particular movement with few logistics and go the way of Ann Coulter, or you can question what you’re doing and actually do your research before protesting something you have no idea about.
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I’m familiar with the Tea Party protestors and their so called struggles against the Obama administration and “socialism”, but I usually ignore them. I just see them as a few radicals who spew speeches and words with no real backing. They just enjoy riling people up and causing a stir. However, ignoring them doesn’t seem to be an option as this blog post proves. There are some protestors that proudly shout about assassinating Obama or like the blog said, depicting him as Hitler or equating him to a terrorist or Osama bin Laden. The constant comparisons to Hitler remind me of Godwin’s Law. It pretty much says “It states: "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1."
Maybe it’s just for shock value, but I’m pretty sure there are some people who actually believe this. A lot of these tea party protestors are regular watchers of Glenn Beck and Fox news. Fox News isn’t exactly known for being the most trustworthy news station and a lot of these protestors tune in without fact checking. As a result, this growing fear of us. against them spreads and they take it to such an extreme level. They also use racism and homophobia as a shield against ideas they may dislike. I heard about many of these protestors using offensive terms at the Senators and for what reason? I don’t care if you dislike Obama or didn’t vote for him, but to go so far and brand him a terrorist and demean him says something about your so called patriotism.
It’s not just the tea party protestors who shout offensive things but sometimes it may even come from the Senators. I watched the Health Care Debate take place and it got especially heated as it grew closer to voting time. A Texas Representative, Randy Neugebauer shouted “baby killer” during the debate for the health care bill. The idea that those in power aren’t immune to being so immature to stoop to petty name calling also says something about our current state of politics. There was also booing by the Republican Senators when Nancy Pelosi mentioned Obama’s name and you can’t forget the infamous “you lie!” comment made by Representative Wilson. Politicians really need to grow up and realize you’re representing districts and people and shouldn’t let your own bigoted personal views get in the way of this. I’m all in favor of protests but everyone knows there’s a wrong and right way to protest. This is the United States and we do have the freedom to protest, but people often abuse this freedom by holding racist and homophobic signs. It’s time people used their brains for once and before heading outside with a sign comparing Hitler to Obama, take a step back and actually question what you’re doing. You can blindly follow a particular movement with few logistics and go the way of Ann Coulter, or you can question what you’re doing and actually do your research before protesting something you have no idea about.
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How this article ended is what is most disturbing to me. That them shouting and protesting really might now even be about healthcare after all. In other words “some” of these people are just doing this to cause uproar. Now first things first I don’t think that changing healthcare is going to be the greatest thing to happen in America ever but nontheless it’s probably a good thing.
But to shout those obscenities at members of congress, yes members of congress is just plain wrong. I get it the American people are supposed to keep the government in check when they think that something is going wrong. But to use words of hatred against lawmakers isn’t the answer. One of the worst things is John Lewis being called a nigger and saying that he hasn’t seen hostility like that since the 1960s in the heat of the civil rights movement. I mean what’s going on America are will still that far behind in some ways. MY thought is that yes we are enough people don’t understand that those things are not to be tolerated anymore and someone should have just punched that guy in the face. To tell me your fighting against healthcare reform first off then to tell me you call a black congressmen a nigger and a gay congressmen a foggot tells me you don’t know what your really protesting.
I think to many whites think this world is for them and all the blacks, gays, and foreigners are below them is one thing that really gets me after 22 years in this place. We have to realize we are all in it together. And yeah it should be a crime to think this way because it only causes more hatred and violence and wrongs many people. This world is a crazy place and things like this happen though.
As for the protesters not even protesting against healthcare that’s what eats me. I don’t understand how people can be so against something that is supposed to be helping so many. Is there really that many people that think healthcare should be a privilege that only people with adequate funds should receive. That when people assume that they are more important that others and that healthcare is not a right for everyone. Well listen to this nothing was ever a right in America until lawmakers decided it was. People don’t realize this when people go off and say the right to free speech the right to protest, there was a time when these weren’t rights that people freely had. Now I know I am getting historical but they are now trying to make healthcare affordable for everyone and people are complaining about it. If is that bad then all the people can vote for a new president and he can sign an executive order to get rid of it in a couple of years anyway, that’s how a democracy works which people don’t understand cause they didn’t pay attention in school but can call someone who has done a lot more for this country than them a fag or n%gger.
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I think theres a fine line between protest in crime. While our country was founded on free speech and the right to express what any individual feels. However when the protest turns to violent, I think it is difficult to see how a protest can help the cause many of these protesters are behind. It's interesting to note that the news story of the borderline violence made the news, not that there was a protest and many people showed up to support a cause. Unfortunately when groups that are considered radical like the TEA Party, it makes it hard for government officials or even the general public to understand the issue they are behind. Furthermore, with a story like this of protests and demonstrations being compared to the protests in the 1960s, make the TEA Party seem even more crazy and radical. These signs that they have only perpetuate the radical and non-rational view point behind this TEA Party movement. I'm not saying that this movement is crazy, but from the generally uninformed public who sees this story wouldn't even consider some of the viewpoints of the TEA Party. I think even when republicans get behind this movement they are seen as two radical, partisan and unwilling to compromise on any issue. I think this TEA Party is gaining some momentum and force behind their voice and ideals but protests like these just set them back. Its sad that actions of a view people are projected on the whole movement. In the future when a large protest from the TEA Party movement is in stirrings, I think the local police will prepare a lot more, and any one involved in the protest will be watched more closely.
As difficult and crazy as these protests seem, protests in the 60s were probably viewed as the same way. Since I wasn't alive it's difficult to judge. So I don't think movement it crazy and will not gain any political ground, but like I said before without violence. I'm in COMM 110, Media and Democracy, and we have discussed the TEA Party Movement several times. Even though they are considered republican, republicans are denouncing them, because they think that a radical movement will contribute to the loss of any future elections.
Some of this sign though, calling Obama a Nazi is completely hypocritical, even as an Obama supporter I can say hes a bit socialist and thats completely the opposite from the Nazi rationale. I think these people may not be clever enough come to come up with another insult for Obama or actually tackle the issue from an intellectual stand point. While the TEA party movement is gaining momentum i think they have a very long way to go before they gain any more political respect and get some officials behind their movement.
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I think theres a fine line between protest in crime. While our country was founded on free speech and the right to express what any individual feels. However when the protest turns to violent, I think it is difficult to see how a protest can help the cause many of these protesters are behind. It's interesting to note that the news story of the borderline violence made the news, not that there was a protest and many people showed up to support a cause. Unfortunately when groups that are considered radical like the TEA Party, it makes it hard for government officials or even the general public to understand the issue they are behind. Furthermore, with a story like this of protests and demonstrations being compared to the protests in the 1960s, make the TEA Party seem even more crazy and radical. These signs that they have only perpetuate the radical and non-rational view point behind this TEA Party movement. I'm not saying that this movement is crazy, but from the generally uninformed public who sees this story wouldn't even consider some of the viewpoints of the TEA Party. I think even when republicans get behind this movement they are seen as two radical, partisan and unwilling to compromise on any issue. I think this TEA Party is gaining some momentum and force behind their voice and ideals but protests like these just set them back. Its sad that actions of a view people are projected on the whole movement. In the future when a large protest from the TEA Party movement is in stirrings, I think the local police will prepare a lot more, and any one involved in the protest will be watched more closely.
As difficult and crazy as these protests seem, protests in the 60s were probably viewed as the same way. Since I wasn't alive it's difficult to judge. So I don't think movement it crazy and will not gain any political ground, but like I said before without violence. I'm in COMM 110, Media and Democracy, and we have discussed the TEA Party Movement several times. Even though they are considered republican, republicans are denouncing them, because they think that a radical movement will contribute to the loss of any future elections.
Some of this sign though, calling Obama a Nazi is completely hypocritical, even as an Obama supporter I can say hes a bit socialist and thats completely the opposite from the Nazi rationale. I think these people may not be clever enough come to come up with another insult for Obama or actually tackle the issue from an intellectual stand point. While the TEA party movement is gaining momentum i think they have a very long way to go before they gain any more political respect and get some officials behind their movement.
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I think theres a fine line between protest in crime. While our country was founded on free speech and the right to express what any individual feels. However when the protest turns to violent, I think it is difficult to see how a protest can help the cause many of these protesters are behind. It's interesting to note that the news story of the borderline violence made the news, not that there was a protest and many people showed up to support a cause. Unfortunately when groups that are considered radical like the TEA Party, it makes it hard for government officials or even the general public to understand the issue they are behind. Furthermore, with a story like this of protests and demonstrations being compared to the protests in the 1960s, make the TEA Party seem even more crazy and radical. These signs that they have only perpetuate the radical and non-rational view point behind this TEA Party movement. I'm not saying that this movement is crazy, but from the generally uninformed public who sees this story wouldn't even consider some of the viewpoints of the TEA Party. I think even when republicans get behind this movement they are seen as two radical, partisan and unwilling to compromise on any issue. I think this TEA Party is gaining some momentum and force behind their voice and ideals but protests like these just set them back. Its sad that actions of a view people are projected on the whole movement. In the future when a large protest from the TEA Party movement is in stirrings, I think the local police will prepare a lot more, and any one involved in the protest will be watched more closely.
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As difficult and crazy as these protests seem, protests in the 60s were probably viewed as the same way. Since I wasn't alive it's difficult to judge. So I don't think movement it crazy and will not gain any political ground, but like I said before without violence. I'm in COMM 110, Media and Democracy, and we have discussed the TEA Party Movement several times. Even though they are considered republican, republicans are denouncing them, because they think that a radical movement will contribute to the loss of any future elections.
Some of this sign though, calling Obama a Nazi is completely hypocritical, even as an Obama supporter I can say hes a bit socialist and thats completely the opposite from the Nazi rationale. I think these people may not be clever enough come to come up with another insult for Obama or actually tackle the issue from an intellectual stand point. While the TEA party movement is gaining momentum i think they have a very long way to go before they gain any more political respect and get some officials behind their movement.
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As difficult and crazy as these protests seem, protests in the 60s were probably viewed as the same way. Since I wasn't alive it's difficult to judge. So I don't think movement it crazy and will not gain any political ground, but like I said before without violence. I'm in COMM 110, Media and Democracy, and we have discussed the TEA Party Movement several times. Even though they are considered republican, republicans are denouncing them, because they think that a radical movement will contribute to the loss of any future elections.
Some of this sign though, calling Obama a Nazi is completely hypocritical, even as an Obama supporter I can say hes a bit socialist and thats completely the opposite from the Nazi rationale. I think these people may not be clever enough come to come up with another insult for Obama or actually tackle the issue from an intellectual stand point. While the TEA party movement is gaining momentum i think they have a very long way to go before they gain any more political respect and get some officials behind their movement.
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Some of this sign though, calling Obama a Nazi is completely hypocritical, even as an Obama supporter I can say hes a bit socialist and thats completely the opposite from the Nazi rationale. I think these people may not be clever enough come to come up with another insult for Obama or actually tackle the issue from an intellectual stand point. While the TEA party movement is gaining momentum i think they have a very long way to go before they gain any more political respect and get some officials behind their movemen
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Before reading this article I had heard about these Tea Party protesters, but didn’t really now anything about them. I just assumed they were a group of republicans that disagreed with what the president was doing, which isn’t any different than what we see with any president. However, after reading this article, I was shocked to see how angry they really are. This goes beyond having strong views or fighting for what you believe is right. Hate is all that these people are putting out there and it’s truly sad to see. Whether you support the president or not, I feel no need to exude such hate to get a point across.
It’s hard to comprehend how some people can be so comfortable with being opening derogatory and create enemies out people they don’t even know or understand. The most disturbing part about these protesters is the fact that, like Sam mentioned, they are threatening our elective officials. While I hope these are empty threats, it is still absolutely appalling. I think they have crossed the line from protesting to hate speech.
What’s worse is the Republicans that add fire to the flame and inflate the fears and misunderstandings of the health care bill. I don’t want to generalize in saying that this is true for all the elected republican officials, but as a whole the party is condoning such acts. I’d like to believe that there are ways that the two parties can disagree without becoming each other’s enemies. If those elected could discuss issues in a mature way, maybe that would give us citizens a good example and a little hope that they can work together, which is what they should be doing.
Most people have no idea what the new health care bill even says. People like these protestors don’t bother looking into the issues and then forming their own opinions on them. All they care about is he fact that their party is against it and therefore it must mean the end of the American way of life. Of course this can be seen with either party. People are so blinded by these prejudices that they don’t even realize how much the health care reform will help them in the future. They throw out terms like socialist, without really understanding the true meaning of it or how it has been proven successful in other countries.
In the end, I’m fine with protesters what ever their views may be, but when it enters the territory of pure hate rather than trying to better something than I lose all respect for it. If you’re going to protest, you should know the true facts of the issue, but it is obvious to me that those involved with the Tea Party protest do not.
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There's no reason to resort to violence for these protests. I mean seriously, what elected official has actually come in and done what they said they were going to do? Besides the governmental process isn't as easy as getting elected and just changing everything. There's huge road blocks at every level of delegation. But back to the violence, I think peaceful protest is the only thing thats protected by the constitution. So threats and talks of violence are not allowed. There's ways to go about getting your message through to the politicians, but threatening their lives and livelihoods is not it.
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Okay, first of all, stuff like this makes me sick to my stomach. I honestly didn’t think that the people of this country were still just as barbaric as they were doing the civil rights movements in the 60s and 70s. At least, I thought that we had moved past the majority of it all, but apparently I am totally wrong. These Tea Party protesters are most visibly ruthless. Shouting “n**ger” and “fa**ot” at the faces of the representatives? How low are they willing to go in order to get what they want, which is clearly a crock of bull?
And it’s so true how it really isn’t about health care anymore to them. I’m not sure if it ever was. It’s amazing how many times liberals are called insane and completely out of touch with reality when in fact conservatives are the ones acting in completely inappropriate ways. All they’re worried about is just making sure they put ideas and people in place for them in the future. I don’t think, for the most part, that they’re concerned with the fundamental human rights of every single individual, homeless or housed or black or white or gay or straight, that lives and breathes under the Constitution that founded this very country. That’s the part that makes me sick! Can we ever stop being so selfish? People have become so caught up with themselves in this country and have completely forgotten what it is to just be lucky enough to live in this country. How can you deny someone the right to have their life saved? I feel that if you can deny a human being this then you, yourself, have lost the message on what it really means to be human/humane.
Bricks getting thrown through windows still? Grow up! A brick through a window isn’t going to make someone quit their job these days. People aren’t as weak as they used to be. Although I’m completely in favor of protesting and expressing an opinion, I’m completely in disagreement with the particular signs in the pictures above. The fact that there are guns blatantly plastered on these signs is the equivalent of a civil threat.
Although I feel this distinct way, I do have to acknowledge that there are some groups of these Tea Party protesters that have legitimate reasons for not wanting this bill; maybe there the small group of people that won’t be gaining anything from it. They could possibly be losing a good amount from it. I, personally am not completely educated with what this new health care bill entails but let’s be honest, does anyone besides the people who made it really know what it entails? That’s scary as well.
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Consistency is the first thing that comes to mind when I see these “tea parties.” Outrage, violence, and radical views are nothing new when dealing with major political movements that have a big impact on the American society. In our Nation’s history there have been a few major political movements that have produced major change, where the American people have clashed with each other over. This is a beautiful thing, considering that America is one of the few places in the world where people can freely express their dislikes and opinions without the fear of being struck down or punished. Now in that I mean that people can voice their opinions, not act in violent ways on others.
No matter what the outcomes of these political movements we will always have people in the streets and town halls voicing their support and concerns over these issues. I am proud that I have served my country in order to maintain this God given fundamental right. The Medical reform that has been passed is not the beginning of socialism. Not even close. If this was the beginning of socialism those tea partiers protesting in the streets would have been silenced by the use of force from the government. But they were and will always be allowed to voice their opinion, so where’s the socialism.
This isn’t the first big radical movement either. Some major movements include; abolition of slavery (probably the biggest movement), civil rights, women’s rights, Medicare, and social security. All of these major movements that have benefited our nation were met with major even more violent opposition. Wars were fought, and a President was assassinated over slavery. That’s very extreme. Protestors were pushed back with fire hoses, and riots ensued during the civil rights movement. The leader of the whole movement, Dr. King even lost his life for this cause. Medicare and Social security was met with the same socialist slander as this healthcare bill faces today. Then the American people thought that we were on our way to becoming “Red”. But that never happened. And those who opposed those movements now receive the benefits of both social security and Medicare.
But people are out there now holding signs and saying some nasty things to politicians. Personally I think all politicians are lower than snake shit, so it doesn’t bother me. But we as a nation will get over this healthcare movement. It will benefit us in the long run. We probably won’t see the benefits from this immediately, but when things take full effect, I bet that some of these protestors will benefit directly from this reform on healthcare. So let the tea parties continue. The media and direct instant access through technology are what make these protests seem so much worse than they really are. In due time things will calm down again and we as a nation will prosper from this.
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Before reading this article I had heard about these Tea Party protesters, but didn’t really now anything about them. I just assumed they were a group of republicans that disagreed with what the president was doing, which isn’t any different than what we see with any president. However, after reading this article, I was shocked to see how angry they really are. This goes beyond having strong views or fighting for what you believe is right. Hate is all that these people are putting out there and it’s truly sad to see. Whether you support the president or not, I feel no need to exude such hate to get a point across.
It’s hard to comprehend how some people can be so comfortable with being opening derogatory and create enemies out people they don’t even know or understand. The most disturbing part about these protesters is the fact that, like Sam mentioned, they are threatening our elective officials. While I hope these are empty threats, it is still absolutely appalling. I think they have crossed the line from protesting to hate speech.
What’s worse is the Republicans that add fire to the flame and inflate the fears and misunderstandings of the health care bill. I don’t want to generalize in saying that this is true for all the elected republican officials, but as a whole the party is condoning such acts. I’d like to believe that there are ways that the two parties can disagree without becoming each other’s enemies. If those elected could discuss issues in a mature way, maybe that would give us citizens a good example and a little hope that they can work together, which is what they should be doing.
Most people have no idea what the new health care bill even says. People like these protestors don’t bother looking into the issues and then forming their own opinions on them. All they care about is he fact that their party is against it and therefore it must mean the end of the American way of life. Of course this can be seen with either party. People are so blinded by these prejudices that they don’t even realize how much the health care reform will help them in the future. They throw out terms like socialist, without really understanding the true meaning of it or how it has been proven successful in other countries.
In the end, I’m fine with protesters what ever their views may be, but when it enters the territory of pure hate rather than trying to better something than I lose all respect for it. If you’re going to protest, you should know the true facts of the issue, but it is obvious to me that those involved with the Tea Party protest do not.
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I’m familiar with the Tea Party protestors and their so called struggles against the Obama administration and “socialism”, but I usually ignore them. I just see them as a few radicals who spew speeches and words with no real backing. They just enjoy riling people up and causing a stir. However, ignoring them doesn’t seem to be an option as this blog post proves. There are some protestors that proudly shout about assassinating Obama or like the blog said, depicting him as Hitler or equating him to a terrorist or Osama bin Laden. The constant comparisons to Hitler remind me of Godwin’s Law. It pretty much says “It states: "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1."
Maybe it’s just for shock value, but I’m pretty sure there are some people who actually believe this. A lot of these tea party protestors are regular watchers of Glenn Beck and Fox news. Fox News isn’t exactly known for being the most trustworthy news station and a lot of these protestors tune in without fact checking. As a result, this growing fear of us. against them spreads and they take it to such an extreme level. They also use racism and homophobia as a shield against ideas they may dislike. I heard about many of these protestors using offensive terms at the Senators and for what reason? I don’t care if you dislike Obama or didn’t vote for him, but to go so far and brand him a terrorist and demean him says something about your so called patriotism.
It’s not just the tea party protestors who shout offensive things but sometimes it may even come from the Senators. I watched the Health Care Debate take place and it got especially heated as it grew closer to voting time. A Texas Representative, Randy Neugebauer shouted “baby killer” during the debate for the health care bill. The idea that those in power aren’t immune to being so immature to stoop to petty name calling also says something about our current state of politics. There was also booing by the Republican Senators when Nancy Pelosi mentioned Obama’s name and you can’t forget the infamous “you lie!” comment made by Representative Wilson. Politicians really need to grow up and realize you’re representing districts and people and shouldn’t let your own bigoted personal views get in the way of this. I’m all in favor of protests but everyone knows there’s a wrong and right way to protest. This is the United States and we do have the freedom to protest, but people often abuse this freedom by holding racist and homophobic signs. It’s time people used their brains for once and before heading outside with a sign comparing Hitler to Obama, take a step back and actually question what you’re doing. You can blindly follow a particular movement with few logistics and go the way of Ann Coulter, or you can question what you’re doing and actually do your research before protesting something you have no idea about.
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This probably won't come as much of a surprise to the majority of the people in our SOC 119 class but the Tea Party movement isn't about health care reform or big government. It's about people who hate President Obama because he is black…there I said it. But, keep in mind I'm just talking about the people who consider themselves part of the Tea Party. There are plenty of people out there who don't like President Obama and their reasons, even if I don't agree with them, still have merit and should be discussed, I hope I made myself clear on that. I don't think that all the people who drink the GOP's kool-aid are racist. At first I really hated the Tea Party, I have no idea where these people are coming from. How do you get to that point in life, they're just ignorant losers to put it plainly. But now I've come to realize that I shouldn't look down on these people with hatred and contempt, I should be thankful and encouraging to their cause. Nobody is doing more then these people to hurt their cause then they are. Lets say that I'm a moderate, rational Republican or Democrat and I turn on the tv and see these crazy f@&#'s on the news, I would be scared away by all the violent and racist undertones immediately. And anyone who doesn't think that there is serious chance of violence in these groups needs to wake up. There is a rally scheduled in the next couple of days where people are encouraged to bring their guns! And here is a little news flash…guns aren't cool and they don't make you a tough guy! I used to think that these people were just misinformed. Just as an example take the name Tea Party, they chose this name because they think it's the perfect metaphor to illustrate their cause. But the Boston Tea Party wasn't that big of a deal, the people weren't making a big show out of it, it was done in the middle of the night in secrecy. And the Hitler signs, come on people that has been done to death, think of something a little more original. Whats going on at these rally's " I say rally's and not protest because in order to protest you must first know what your talking about" but what's going on at these rally's really is some shameful shit and hopefully these people will grow-up someday soon. If something violent were to actually take place I hope Fox News, Sarah Palin, and Rush Limbaugh are held partially responsible, they aren't doing anything but fanning the flames. They put these people up as if they are hero's for speaking out against the so-called government takeover. But in reality they are using people who are too stupid to think for themselves in order to raise money and further their careers. Sarah Palin had pictures of Democrats in cross hairs on her web site, that is just disgusting.
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The things that some people do in this country just completely embarrass me as an American citizen. These protests are just completely out of hand and need to either be toned down or stopped completely. I mean come on, we are supposed to be a united country, and all this kind of stuff is doing is tearing our country apart. Is that really what people want to happen? Our country has enough problems to deal with uniting ourselves and doesn’t need stupid protests like this to work on tearing us apart. It doesn’t matter what side of the spectrum you are politically, for the most part, Americans want the same thing. There’s no reason to be disrespectful. A lot of the time I personally don’t agree with government decisions or what politicians have to say, but they still are officials in our country and should be treated with some level of respect. I do appreciate that people in this country speak out about their opinions but there is a certain line that shouldn’t be crossed at anytime no matter how strongly you feel about a situation. These signs in this photo are completely unnecessary and just straight up rude. People are entitled to their own opinions but when it turns into a threat against a governmental official it has gone a little too far. It’s just baffling that this is what this country has come to. A person being personally attacked is not cool, this isn’t about right wing or left wing, it is a matter of right and wrong, and this is just wrong. I personally don’t think what they are doing in the White House is smart, but they were elected fairly just how every other official has been elected for years and years. So whether we like what is going on or not, we have to deal with it because we voted the individuals in there. And even though I don’t agree with what they are doing, I’m not going to make personal attacks at them just because I disagree. It’s not my place to attack and it’s just a very disrespectful thing to do. I know this country has no laws against freedom of speech, so what these people are doing is technically not wrong, however, there is a right and wrong way to go about speaking their minds and this is completely and utterly wrong. The words and pictures these protestors use are just absolutely wrong, no matter whether or not you voted for the President, comparing him to Hitler is just disturbing and completely wrong. I don’t understand how people can do this in public and not feel embarrassed. I know for me personally, attacking an official I could just not do it.
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No, I don't think this is just a few bad apples. I think it's all about race, not health care. If you look at the pictures from the article, you can see the signs that call Obama an "undocumented worker" and every single one portrays him as brown. I mean he is brown, but why isn't there a black and white poster that doesn't show color. Everyone that is protesting in these pictures is white. It is less likely that these people are the wealthy type, because they have time to protest. They're probably minimum wage and minimum benefits workers who don't know the meaning of Universal Health Care. I think people are scared of change in general. Whether it be giving equal rights to black people or health care reform.
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Are you kidding me? Now its one thing to not agree with the Health Care Bill or the things that are going on in our government but the things going on in this “protest” are ridiculous. Although I agree with the Health Care bill , I can understand the fact that not everyone shares the same sentiment. There are many decisions that the government makes that people don’t agree with and I doubt that there will ever be a time when everyone in America will share the same views. Our differences are what make our country unique and special but the behavior being displayed here is very embarrassing. If the issue is the Health Care bill then stick to that issue; to make racial slurs or be derogatory is uncalled for. People can argue that calling Rep. John Lewis the n-word is just allowing a person his or her to freedom of speech but when politicians and government officials are being threatened, things are going way too far. From time to time I watch Fox News because I’m interested in trying to understand the ideas and beliefs of Conservatives and I believe the newscasters on the channel encourage this behavior. I also feel that the newscasters incite this horrible behavior by advising Republicans and Conservatives to wipe out the Democrats and Liberals. In the Huffington Post article Rep. James Clyburn made a very good point. He said, “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." I completely agree with him because if this were just about healthcare then there would be no need to be racist, threatening or derogatory at all.
Im all for freedom of speech but when it gets to the point where politicians and government officials are being threatened then I feel that something needs to be done. These people need to realize that there are limits to what you can say or do to other people. The “tea party” protesters are fueled by so much anger and it causes them to act recklessly. If we continue to ignore this behavior and don’t take action then its basically as if we don’t care about our people in office. The picture posted in this blog says “ If Brown can’t stop it, a Browning can.” The protester even went as far as putting a gun on the poster! Personally, it scares me that people will make statements like this publicly. I think things like this should be taken seriously to try and prevent the actions from ever happening.
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I want to apologize in advance for some of the language that might be used in this post that might be considered offensive to those on the far-right. However, I guess it’s not defamation if it’s the truth, right? This so-called “Tea Party” movement is the biggest and most useless excuse of a political movement that this country has probably ever seen. Not to mention the fact that they are right-wing radicals who have no concern but for their idiotic narrow-minded views.
And honestly and quite sadly, I am not surprised to see this kind of disgusting behavior coming from the likes of the far-right. If one is to associate themselves with the so-called conservatives or the Republican Party, you better be pretty dam embarrassed about the kind of stupidity and mediocrity that the far-right has brought to this country. Now, in all fairness to these “Americans”, they are fully entitled to the rights of citizenship and have the right to free speech and to open demonstration. HOWEVER, the constitution also notes that one has the right to free speech up until the point when it places the livelihood and well-being of other citizens at stake. Throwing bricks through Congressmen’s offices, spitting on them, calling them “ni**ers” and “fa**ots” is just downright wrong and to some extent unlawful.
But seriously, who can be surprised that this kind of behavior is taking place. With the likes of people like Sarah Palin, a woman who knows about as much about foreign policy as I do about being President, addressing these “tea party” crowds, it is not surprising to see the ignorance and hatred that has long been spewing in the wings of the far right. I mean and now, with the healthcare bill having been passed against the will of the Republicans, members of the right in Congress are encouraging and inciting violence against the Democrats who voted on this bill saying that they are “dead men” or claiming that they have been attacked publicly, which is leading to more of these outbursts. I’m glad that the bill passed, it has many provisions that would benefit millions of Americans, and some of which would benefit my family. I don’t care what the far-right thinks, they are a bunch of idiots spewing hate against Obama and the democrats because we are trying to move this country forward after the disaster of the so-called “presidency” of George Bush for the last 8 years.
I mean you have got to be ignorant if you think the Iraq and Afghan wars, which cost us about $1 billion/day are a good idea, but will fight tooth and nail against a bill that would benefit $32 million uninsured Americans. Before the Presidential elections in November of 2008, I was a moderate leaning left, but having witnessed the ignorance, hatred, and same old politics from the far-right, I am the farthest thing from being a Republican and will probably never even come close to associating with that joke of a party. I honestly don’t give a shit anymore what the Republicans think, we lost 5,000 of our troops, destroyed our international image, and wasted billions upon billions of dollars on false pretenses and lies from the previous administration. It is time that those on the far-right in America wake up and smell the dam flowers. It is not 1960 anymore, this country is moving forward and people like them are only going to hold themselves back if they continue with their ignorant and stubborn behavior. I just hope that they can realize that before this so-called “movement” gets out of hand.
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I want to apologize in advance for some of the language that might be used in this post that might be considered offensive to those on the far-right. However, I guess it’s not defamation if it’s the truth, right? This so-called “Tea Party” movement is the biggest and most useless excuse of a political movement that this country has probably ever seen. Not to mention the fact that they are right-wing radicals who have no concern but for their idiotic narrow-minded views.
And honestly and quite sadly, I am not surprised to see this kind of disgusting behavior coming from the likes of the far-right. If one is to associate themselves with the so-called conservatives or the Republican Party, you better be pretty dam embarrassed about the kind of stupidity and mediocrity that the far-right has brought to this country. Now, in all fairness to these “Americans”, they are fully entitled to the rights of citizenship and have the right to free speech and to open demonstration. HOWEVER, the constitution also notes that one has the right to free speech up until the point when it places the livelihood and well-being of other citizens at stake. Throwing bricks through Congressmen’s offices, spitting on them, calling them “ni**ers” and “fa**ots” is just downright wrong and to some extent unlawful.
But seriously, who can be surprised that this kind of behavior is taking place. With the likes of people like Sarah Palin, a woman who knows about as much about foreign policy as I do about being President, addressing these “tea party” crowds, it is not surprising to see the ignorance and hatred that has long been spewing in the wings of the far right. I mean and now, with the healthcare bill having been passed against the will of the Republicans, members of the right in Congress are encouraging and inciting violence against the Democrats who voted on this bill saying that they are “dead men” or claiming that they have been attacked publicly, which is leading to more of these outbursts. I’m glad that the bill passed, it has many provisions that would benefit millions of Americans, and some of which would benefit my family. I don’t care what the far-right thinks, they are a bunch of idiots spewing hate against Obama and the democrats because we are trying to move this country forward after the disaster of the so-called “presidency” of George Bush for the last 8 years.
I mean you have got to be ignorant if you think the Iraq and Afghan wars, which cost us about $1 billion/day are a good idea, but will fight tooth and nail against a bill that would benefit 30 million uninsured Americans. Before the Presidential elections in November of 2008, I was a moderate leaning left, but having witnessed the ignorance, hatred, and same old politics from the far-right, I am the farthest thing from being a Republican and will probably never even come close to associating with that joke of a party. I honestly don’t give a shit anymore what the Republicans think, we lost 5,000 of our troops, destroyed our international image, and wasted billions upon billions of dollars on false pretenses and lies from the previous administration. It is time that those on the far-right in America wake up and smell the dam flowers. It is not 1960 anymore, this country is moving forward and people like them are only going to hold themselves back if they continue with their ignorant and stubborn behavior. I just hope that they can realize that before this so-called “movement” gets out of hand.
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I don’t really know what the argument or topic of this discussion is trying to focus on but I that it is pretty evident that the people we are discussing are extremely dumb, ignorant and overall not good people. It is somewhat sad that such dumb terrible people take up so much of our time and the fact that I am even taking time to blog about them. There is no argument that can be made to defend these people or even to defend why they deserve the amazing rights and privileges that Americans receive. To say that it is respectable that they are using their right to protest and freedom of speech is pretty stupid as well. Saying that you respect that these people are using their right to protest is like saying you respect people with money using their right to spend it on dumb things that don’t help anyone. In fact it is more respectable when people waste money on bad things because at least they are contributing somewhat to the economy and giving the money to someone else. It is respectable do what is respectable as simple as that sounds. Sometimes not doing something is more respectable than doing something wrong. It would be very respectable if these people were using their rights in a fashion that didn’t hurt the well being of others and made progress in society. These people are using their ugly voices to make some fuss and if they are somewhat successful our society will only go backwards.
On the topic of politics I have raised a question and I am not sure exactly how I feel about it. Should all people have an equal voice when it comes to decision making for our future? For instance, when we need to build a bridge we develop a team of engineers to take on the project. We trust these engineers because they have gone to school specifically to be trained in this field. Or when we need to have an operation we go to a medical doctor. These doctors have also gone to years of schooling. If we needed advice on financial or economic side of things we would ask an economist and so on. We would not take a vote from the average person to decide whether the bridge should be made of a certain material or a certain shape. We only trust the engineers. We wouldn’t trust untrained people to operate on us, and uneducated people to make our financial decisions. Why then when it comes to our society’s welfare do we stray from experts and let any given Shmoe have an equal voice. This to me is like sitting in the dentist’s chair and letting my friends vote on which instrument should be used to remove a cavity. Not everyone knows what to do for a given subject area. It scares me that in politics we don’t have professionals we can rely on but simply other Americans who at pressing times prove to be quite scary.
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It is really difficult to see why this bill has caused such a hugely impassioned and borderline violent response from the right. Increasing taxes is hardly unprecedented and in my lifetime has never evoked such a bombastic hyperbole of a response. People have been so absurd about exaggerating the impact of this. The entire country is not going to disintegrate because of this.
Even if we are going to take the stance that state’s rights constitutional are being violated, this is hardly the first time that a questionable policy has gone into place. While we are on the subject of the right, wing does anyone remember wire tapping? The country did not go absolutely crazy over this even though that seems to me a little more indicative of a suspiciously powerful government. Let us keep going with this. Who were those wonderful gentlemen who wanted to amend the Constitution to permanently ban gay marriage? That is somehow a federal issue but this is not? Abortion? Stem Cell research? Gosh, shouldn’t these things “be left up to the states?”
But we’re not really here about health care, are we? We are holding signs threatening violence, yelling out racial slurs. We are not here to hold rational mature discussions on budgets or the economic impacts of tax rates. We are just inexplicably infuriated. “Fucking idiot liberals and their communist agenda” (Actual direct quote from an acquaintance of mine). So lets throw bricks into some windows and call it civic activism.
So where is this magnificent magnitude of malice coming from? Could it be bitterness about the election? When Obama took office I saw a somewhat similar outcry of infuriated paranoia. Not to be too critical of conservatives; if one more liberal had told me they wanted to move to Canada in October 2004 I might have thrown up. So conservative politicians and media have been simultaneous trying to prevent Obama from doing anything and criticizing him for not doing anything ever since. This was a politically bad one to let past the goalie. Politics has become a competition.
Or, perhaps, this is misguided McCarthyism. Ever since Hillary Clinton even thought about considering maybe running in the primaries for the 2008 election the right has started bringing back “socialist” as an insult. They haven’t slowed down since. Why would they? Socialism sounds evil enough. Well, when socialism isn’t throwing peasants into the gulags and threatening democracy across the world, it can also be found residing in many of our economic policies. If we are defining socialism as any slight deviation from pure laissez faire open market capitalism, we have all been dirty freedom-hating commies since the industrial age. Interstate highways? Department of Health? FDA? Labor unions? How can we even live with ourselves?
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Alright, this is one thing I know well actually. This new health care bill that was signed was actually a good start in the right direction, but the protests against it were because those people don't know what exactly will happen to those that have health care coverage. Some people think that because of this raise in taxes that those with health care will be paying for those without. But the main problem around supplying health care for everyone is the fact that it should have a basic package. With the people who don't understand that in today's society, the right-winged people are using scare tactics and displaying them as a Nazi that killed 6 million people, the difference in what they're trying to accomplish is quite different.
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