Some people are really p9ssed off right now

[Hellion]

House Republicans decry threats against lawmakers

AP – This picture provided on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by the Monroe County Democratic Committee in Rochester, …

By JIM ABRAMS, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 39 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Republicans took to the House floor Thursday to plead with those who oppose the Democratic health care overhaul to refrain from violence and threats.

Opposition to the health care bill that President Barack Obama signed into law Wednesday is "no excuse for bigotry, threats or acts of vandalism and I condemn such things in the strongest possible terms," said Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, the House's third-ranked Republican.

"Some of our colleagues have received threatening phone calls. A brick has been thrown, a window has been smashed. This is not the right way to respond," added Rep. Joseph Pitts, R-Pa., a leading anti-abortion lawmaker.

The remarks came a day after House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Democratic lawmakers were worried about their own safety and their families because of a rash of threats that followed the House vote Sunday sending the landmark health care legislation to the president.

While not directly criticizing Republicans, Hoyer warned against lawmakers against encouraging protesters into acts that might cross the line into threatening behavior.

"The bottom line is, we need to be very careful in public life that our rhetoric doesn't incite to violent acts," the Maryland Democrat said Thursday on a network morning news show. He said dealing with difficult issues in a civil and peaceful manner is "at the core of our democracy."

The FBI is working with lawmakers subjected to menacing obscenity-laced phone messages. In some instances, bricks were hurled through congressional offices, including Rep. Louise Slaughter's district headquarters in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

At least four Democratic offices in New York, Arizona and Kansas were struck and at least 10 members of Congress have reported some sort of threats, congressional leaders have said. No arrests had been made as of late Wednesday, but the FBI is still investigating.

Hoyer had said Wednesday that lawmakers who felt at risk were to get attention "from the proper authorities." He declined to say whether any were receiving extra security. Normally only those in leadership positions have personal security guards.

Slaughter, a Democrat, is chairwoman of an influential House committee. She said someone had left her a voice mail that used the word "snipers."

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said "it's an effort to kind of hijack the debate by coercive elements. I'm glad the Republican leadership colleagues denounce it. But they were very late to do that."

Hoyer on Thursday did not single out any member of Congress or political party as having made statements that could encourage such acts. But he did say he thought some of the rhetoric "has been far beyond legitimate debate."

"In our democracy," he said, "we resolve things, not through violence, not at the point of a gun. If we don't do that, we will devolve into a society that we're not going to like."

"It is unacceptable in America," said Sen. John McCain. The Arizona Republican said angry citizens should channel their rage into voter registration for the next election and efforts to repeal the health care law.

House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio said in a statement that while many Americans are angry over the bill's passage, "violence and threats are unacceptable."

Some of the anger spilled over in a flood of threat-filled phone and fax messages to the office of Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich. Stupak vowed to oppose the health care package unless given greater assurance that it would not allow federal funding of elective abortions. He voted in favor after the administration agreed.

Stupak's office released some of the messages, declining further comment.

"I hope you bleed ... (get) cancer and die," one male caller told the congressman between curses.

A fax with the title "Defecating on Stupak" carried a picture of a gallows with "Bart (SS) Stupak" on it and a noose attached. It was captioned, "All Baby Killers come to unseemly ends Either by the hand of man or by the hand of God."

The vandalism and threats surprised a researcher at a think tank that monitors extremist groups.

"I think it is astounding that we are seeing this wave of vigilantism," said Mark Potok of the Alabama-based Southern Poverty Law Center.

Hoyer said earlier that people have yelled that Democratic lawmakers should be put on firing lines and posters have appeared with the faces of lawmakers in the cross hairs of a target.

While not directly criticizing Republicans directly, he said "any show of appreciation for such actions encourages such action."

Gun imagery was used in a posting on the Facebook page of Sarah Palin urging people to organize against 20 House Democrats who voted for the health care bill and whose districts went for the John McCain-Palin ticket two years ago. Palin's post featured a U.S. map with circles and cross hairs over the 20 districts.

McCain defended Palin Thursday, saying it was commonplace practice and "part of the lexicon" to refer to "targeted" congressional districts.

In Virginia, someone cut a propane line leading to a grill at the Charlottesville home of U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello's brother after the address was posted online by activists angry about the health care overhaul. Perriello also said a threatening letter was sent to his brother's house. The FBI and local authorities were investigating.

Tea party activists had posted the brother's address online thinking it was the congressman's home. The post urged opponents to drop by and "express their thanks" for the Democrat's vote in favor of the sweeping health care reform.

Nigel Coleman, chairman of the Danville Tea Party, said he re-posted the comment that originated on another conservative blog, including the address, Monday on his Facebook page. The posts were taken down after the mistake was discovered.

"We've never been associated with any violence or any vandalism," he said. "We're definitely sorry that we posted the incorrect ad

[KatRN05]

Well, I think after all this, some people might be losing their jobs in November. People don't need to resort to violence to get their point across.

Edited March 25, 2010 by KatRN05

[angry_darkness]

All those people in the government should expect this kind of stuff, they are high profile public figures. The bill's they vote on will make some peoples lives better and some peoples lives worse, and the old saying applies that you can't please all the people all the time.

[Gaf The Horse With Tears]

I don't think the people in Washington realize just how close to open revolution the People are.

[Epic_Fail_Guy]

All this, to me at least, shows just how fed up the population as a whole is. For 8 years under bush, we've had smoke blown up our asses, our efforts turned to deaf ears. What other options are there? They say to vote, ok the options seem to be shit or piss only. Peaceful protests are unheard.. enough is enough, they need to start listening, and making CORRECT ACTION. I really do believe that we need a different health care system. Insurance companies are banking too much of our hard earned cash by doing NOTHING. I hear so many times about people's insurance claims getting denied for minor details, these butt pirates will find anyway they can to deny the insurance we pay for. A universal health care system is what is needed IMO, BUT, it needs to be done the right way. Clusterfucking it like this is only going to produce these types of results from a population that has had enough.

Some counts though i think are bullshit, like making death threats over abortions being funded. I don't think they should unless it's in case of rape or incest, I don't feel people should get freebies for being irresponsible. But I do believe they should be castrated and have their parents slapped for not raising them right.

I don't agree with the politicians' actions nor with the public's actions, two wrongs won't make a right. But in logical action and reaction thinking, I'm not surprised this is happening.

[Msterbeau]

I don't think the people in Washington realize just how close to open revolution some People are.

There, fixed.

[Msterbeau]

All those people in the government should expect this kind of stuff, they are high profile public figures.

Are you serious? Nobody, no matter how angry, has the right to threaten someone else. I can understand a parent doing something to someone that harmed their child, in the heat of the moment. But this stuff? Completely unacceptable.

[phee]

Are you serious? Nobody, no matter how angry, has the right to threaten someone else. I can understand a parent doing something to someone that harmed their child, in the heat of the moment. But this stuff? Completely unacceptable.

Expected? maybe.... I am not sure if he meant it was acceptable..

[creatureofthenyte]

I don't think it should be expected, the reaction that some people are having towards the senators.

However, if the senators, are all like "I don't whyyyy people are hatin on us right now" then they really are out to lunch.

We've had enough of their crap, and they're gonna find out all about that later this year, like Gaf was saying.

[freydis]

People are nuts.

[Msterbeau]

We've had enough of their crap, and they're gonna find out all about that later this year, like Gaf was saying.

No. Some conservatives, and perhaps a few liberals have had it. Many people in general are fed up with politicians in general. But I don't think it's accurate to say that everyone is fed up with this congress in particular.

While we're talking about time... Does anyone really think a year is enough time to accurately gauge progress and or performance? Some of the things they've enacted hardly get going during the term of the presidency. I think, like a lot of things in this country, everyone wants instant results or they switch teams. People need to start learning patience.

[creatureofthenyte]

But I don't think it's accurate to say that everyone is fed up with this congress in particular.

While we're talking about time... Does anyone really think a year is enough time to accurately gauge progress and or performance? Some of the things they've enacted hardly get going during the term of the presidency. I think, like a lot of things in this country, everyone wants instant results or they switch teams. People need to start learning patience.

I think everyone that isn't a liberal or liberal democrat, and especially those who are unemployed, are fed up with this congress.

I know I am.

Some of the things don't get enacted during the term of the presidency, because that is how it is stipulated in the bill.

If they wanted it to be enacted during a particular presidency, all they have to do is put language in the bill to stipulate that as such, and poof! its done.

Instant results ? yeah I'm with you on that.

As for me, if after a year's time, like you said, if I don't start seeing at least a glimmer of hope of some results starting, then yeah I want someone else to get in and get said results.

We have to do something soon though, this path is not sustainable.

[candyman]

No. Some conservatives, and perhaps a few liberals have had it. Many people in general are fed up with politicians in general. But I don't think it's accurate to say that everyone is fed up with this congress in particular.

While we're talking about time... Does anyone really think a year is enough time to accurately gauge progress and or performance? Some of the things they've enacted hardly get going during the term of the presidency. I think, like a lot of things in this country, everyone wants instant results or they switch teams. People need to start learning patience.

Well most of the people I know that switched sides did so because Obama pushed this bill. NOT because they didn't want a change but because the healthcare bill was passed TOO quickly...he was rushing it through just so he could say that he got something done. A little more than a year is enough time to gauge progress just not the whole presidency. Making a legacy is not just getting things done...its doing them right...shit I can change the head gasket on my F22 in about 40 min but being a rush job its not a good idea. I worried that Obama's and some other people's intentions were not so much in the area of actually fixing health care...they were more worried about getting something done and getting attention for it.

[Gaf The Horse With Tears]

No. Some conservatives, and perhaps a few liberals have had it. Many people in general are fed up with politicians in general. But I don't think it's accurate to say that everyone is fed up with this congress in particular.

While we're talking about time... Does anyone really think a year is enough time to accurately gauge progress and or performance? Some of the things they've enacted hardly get going during the term of the presidency. I think, like a lot of things in this country, everyone wants instant results or they switch teams. People need to start learning patience.

Yes, A year is enough time. He promised change. Open and transparent government. All Bills posted on line 72 hours before they are voted on. All Bills to be signed by him would be posted online for 5 days. If the TARP was passed, unemployment would not go past 8%. The bail out for homeowners to renegotiate thier loans, look up how thats doing for your self. He promised the to better relations with the rest of the World. Epic fucking fail on all counts.

Oh, and lest I forget... He promised to bring us all back together and end the division in our nation. He's drove the wedge deeper than it ever was.

All this over haul has done is assured him the 18-26 year old brackets in the next election.

Edited March 26, 2010 by Gaf The Horse With Tears

[KatRN05]

The bail out for homeowners to renegotiate thier loans, look up how thats doing for your self.

When I had my condo, I tried to get into the Home Affordability program that Obama put out there to help homeowner's renegotiate their loan or refinance. I only wanted to refinance because that's what I qualified for even though my condo was worth less for what I paid for it (155k). I called on a daily basis for several months and never heard a fucking word. I gave up my condo and learned my fucking lesson. Later on, I found out that if the bank did allow you to participate in the program, it was only for a certain amount of time. So for example, if I had refinanced my loan, it would only last for two years then my APR would go back up to what it was before and I would have to pay the money back that I saved. That program is a fucking waste of time. Anyhow, the bank can suck it. They got their PMI and now they are trying to sell that stupid condo for less than half of what I paid for it.

Edited March 26, 2010 by KatRN05

[the eternal]

All those people in the government should expect this kind of stuff, they are high profile public figures.

I don't think the people in Washington realize just how close to open revolution the People are.

All this, to me at least, shows just how fed up the population as a whole is. Clusterfucking it like this is only going to produce these types of results from a population that has had enough.

I do believe they (people who get pregnant and want abortions) should be castrated and have their parents slapped for not raising them right.

I don't agree with the politicians' actions nor with the public's actions, two wrongs won't make a right. But in logical action and reaction thinking, I'm not surprised this is happening.

What is wrong with you guys?

Let me quote Republicans here.

There is " NO EXCUSE for bigotry, threats or acts of vandalism and I condemn such things in the strongest possible terms," said Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, the House's third-ranked Republican.

"It is unacceptable in America," said Sen. John McCain.

"This is not the right way to respond," added Rep. Joseph Pitts, R-Pa., a leading anti-abortion lawmaker.

House GOP leader John Boehner said, "violence and threats are unacceptable."

OK, I never saw ANYONE on this board justify the carazy, and YES, I said carazy left-wing anarchists acting up at World Bank summits during the Bush era.

---Throwing bricks through windows

---Making Death threats

---Telling a pro-life Democrat "I hope you fucking bleed and fucking get cancer and die"

---Having the propane line leading to a grill of a Congressman's family member cut

Politicians should EXPECT THIS????????

REALLY?

You're not surprised this is happening?

Let me tell you something------

After 7 years in office, when Bush's approval was about half of Obama's

When people were furious over Bush's handling over, well, just about everything, you didn't hear shit like this all the time.

And I GUARANTEE YOU, if you did, you wouldn't have anyone on DGN applauding and justifying this.

And FOX News would be condemning it non-stop, day and night.

I NEVER would consider, condone, or g-d forbid, DEFEND brainless thuggery.

Which is what this is.

This is not a revolution.

This is a minority within a minority.

A small faction (lawless thugs) within a small faction (tea baggers) of the Republican party, who decide to take matters into their own hands, break laws, and create anarchy.

And apparently, you're all A-ok with it.

Vigilantism is NEVER acceptable or justifiable.

I remember when I was younger and I was a member of a lefty political group, which I later left in disgust, they

had an interesting response to a spate of violence in Israel.

"We don't condone the Palestinians actions when they bomb Israeli locations (including school buses) but we UNDERSTAND it"

Well I DON'T understand it.

I didn't understand it back then, and I don't understand it now.

I don't understand the bombing of abortion clinics.

I don't understand Timothy McVeigh detonating the federal building in OK City.

And I don't understand frustration of a health care bill leading to people cutting propane lines,

throwing bricks through Senators'/Congresspeoples' offices,

and

threatening to kill our elected officials.

These are NOT acceptable actions in a civilized society.

The fact that ANY of you would justify this shit, or even understand it, should be absolutely appaling to any patriotic law-abiding citizen of this country.

Edited because I wanted to applaud COTN, another decent law-abiding citizen, who although he and I don't share a single political viewpoint, was the only right-leaning poster who concurred that politicians should not expect to recieve death threats and vandalism for doing their job (ie voting their conscience on bills brought before them)

Edited March 27, 2010 by the eternal

[Slogo]

What I'd do if I were one of these congressmen is reminding these people that just because I'm a congressman (even a liberal democrat as well) doesn't exempt me from the 2nd amendment. So if you want to act on threatening me or my family it'll be the last fucking thing you do

edited to avoid grammar nazis

Edited March 27, 2010 by Slogo

[Gaf The Horse With Tears]

What is wrong with you guys?

Let me quote Republicans here.

There is " NO EXCUSE for bigotry, threats or acts of vandalism and I condemn such things in the strongest possible terms," said Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, the House's third-ranked Republican.

"It is unacceptable in America," said Sen. John McCain.

"This is not the right way to respond," added Rep. Joseph Pitts, R-Pa., a leading anti-abortion lawmaker.

House GOP leader John Boehner said, "violence and threats are unacceptable."

OK, I never saw ANYONE on this board justify the carazy, and YES, I said carazy left-wing anarchists acting up at World Bank summits during the Bush era.

---Throwing bricks through windows

---Making Death threats

---Telling a pro-life Democrat "I hope you fucking bleed and fucking get cancer and die"

---Having the propane line leading to a grill of a Congressman's family member cut

Politicians should EXPECT THIS????????

REALLY?

You're not surprised this is happening?

Let me tell you something------

After 7 years in office, when Bush's approval was about half of Obama's

When people were furious over Bush's handling over, well, just about everything, you didn't hear shit like this all the time.

And I GUARANTEE YOU, if you did, you wouldn't have anyone on DGN applauding and justifying this.

And FOX News would be condemning it non-stop, day and night.

I NEVER would consider, condone, or g-d forbid, DEFEND brainless thuggery.

Which is what this is.

This is not a revolution.

This is a minority within a minority.

A small faction (lawless thugs) within a small faction (tea baggers) of the Republican party, who decide to take matters into their own hands, break laws, and create anarchy.

And apparently, you're all A-ok with it.

Vigilantism is NEVER acceptable or justifiable.

I remember when I was younger and I was a member of a lefty political group, which I later left in disgust, they

had an interesting response to a spate of violence in Israel.

"We don't condone the Palestinians actions when they bomb Israeli locations (including school buses) but we UNDERSTAND it"

Well I DON'T understand it.

I didn't understand it back then, and I don't understand it now.

I don't understand the bombing of abortion clinics.

I don't understand Timothy McVeigh detonating the federal building in OK City.

And I don't understand frustration of a health care bill leading to people cutting propane lines,

throwing bricks through Senators'/Congresspeoples' offices,

and

threatening to kill our elected officials.

These are NOT acceptable actions in a civilized society.

The fact that ANY of you would justify this shit, or even understand it, should be absolutely appaling to any patriotic law-abiding citizen of this country.

Edited because I wanted to applaud COTN, another decent law-abiding citizen, who although he and I don't share a single political viewpoint, was the only right-leaning poster who concurred that politicians should not expect to recieve death threats and vandalism for doing their job (ie voting their conscience on bills brought before them)

Excuse me? Why exactly did you put me in the group of people who tried to justify these actions? I didn't say anything that trys justify what they are doing. I merely pointed out that the people in Congress have no idea just how pissed off people are at them.

Would you like to do a research project? Go through the board and count the border line death threats against Bush and Republican's in general?

Also, being aboe to understand someone's tate of mind is not the same thing as jusiting it or accepting it.