When will the right denounce the violence?
Posted on August 7th, 2009 by Jason Rosenbaum in Take Action!
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The lobbyist-funded right wing is getting violent. There have been death threats. Physical assaults. Arrests. And now more threats of violence:
Based on the news that health care events are edging into violence, an anti-health care reform protester in New Mexico named Scott Oskay is calling on his hundreds of online followers to bring firearms to town halls, and to 'badly hurt' SEIU and ACORN counter protesters.
This is not the way to have a debate about health care reform. Yelling, screaming, Nazi imagery, and violence are not how we solve our problems here in America.
We on the pro-reform side are committed to keeping things peaceful. We'll be there, but we're there to listen to the Members of Congress at these events. The right, so far, has not made the same commitment. Will the right wing - specifically Republican Members of Congress and the corporate funders of these "grassroots" protests - come out and renounce violence and threats of violence?
Way to push the propaganda and misinformation. You're doing a horrible disservice. I followed each of your links and found:
1. Death threats? Make that singular 'death threat'. One instance. Is the person who made it an idiot? Should they be dealt with by the authorities? Yes. But it's not representative of the movement.
2. Physical assaults? The only incident cited is an unsubstantiated rumor that hasn't even reported the name of the alleged victim.
3. Arrests? Most or all of the arrests cited in that story and in other accounts (http://thenextright.com/jon-henke/the-mob-revealed, http://www.redstate.com/erick/2009/08/06/kathy-castor-event-in-tampa-ends-with-seiu-pushing-out-voters/ etc.) were made of pro-Obama Care SEIU union shock troops.
4. And the latest … threats of violence? Again, if this Mr. Oskay threatened violence the authorities should deal with the matter accordingly. However, there is nothing like the quote "badly hurt" on his Twitter page or any suggestion that violence be initiated. As far as I can tell, the references to bringing weapons under one's legitimate 2nd Amendment rights are for purposes of self-defense.
Why don't you denounce the violence coming from the SEIU?
Other than your insinuations, what evidence do you have that the call to stop Obama Care and promote patient-friendly, free market reforms — not defend the status quo — is anything but overwhelmingly a grassroots effort? For example, why would lobbyists pay to pack the town hall meetings of clearly decided Republican Congressmen? http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/latest/lat_700798.shtml?v=0741
Well said…isn't it funny how the progressive/liberal movement always wants to either completely misrepresent obvious truths and/or play the victim. Thank you for backing up your position w/ facts & obvious common sense.
To add to Ben's comment:
1- I am a 58 year old grandpa who is concerned for the financial well-being of the country we leave our grand kids.
2- I have not been paid by anyone to speak my views.
3- I am not a violent person.
4- I try to be civil, but if I must yell to make my voice heard, I will. ACORN members do - why can't I?
5- Glenn Beck has pleaded several times on both his radio and TV shows, for us to please be civil and respectful to our congressmen and senators - but town hall meetings are supposed to be for a two-way dialogue - not our employee telling us what he's going to do and we can like it or lump it.
6- I BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE. But I also believe that it can be done without creating 45 new government agencies which will require more money to run than the amount paid to doctors and hospitals. No company could survive on this kind of overhead - and neither can government. This is typical of most government-run programs, they cost far more than they should and always grow even if the need goes away. And this one will be the mother of all programs - AND IT WILL BANKRUPT THE COUNTRY! A bankrupt country can't help anyone and costs everyone far too much.
7- In 40 years, Medicare has managed to get $32 Trillion in debt. That's $800 Billion per year. Do you REALLY believe that a government-run program that's many times larger can be run on $1 Trillion in TEN years, as the proponents say? What happens when it costs 6 times that, and everybody's taxes have to be doubled to pay for it? At that time, health care will be the least of our worries. The UK's budget is already being compared to Zimbabwe, primarily due to the spiraling health care costs - and their service is getting worse every year.
8- I believe in the KISS principle (Keep it Simple Stupid). Senators Conrad and Baucus, both Democrats, have proposed a co-op system which, if done right, would cost the taxpayers NOTHING, and would achieve the goal with no added government bureaucracy. If HCAN and its followers would get behind this plan, they would get no argument from me, and I could go back to being just another grandpa - instead of a member of a vicious right-wing MOB!
So that this will "provide evidence" that the money and lobbying are coming from non-partisan sources…that is the right-wing, Republican "non-partisan" sources. If only wavering Democrats were targeted, it would be so obvious. These well-paid Washington lobbying firms are paid to create as much distance as possible from their clients and these paid "spontaneous" outbursts…and if they'e not paying for the buses, they're suring paying well to sell outright lies about the President's Healthcare initiative…Republican caucus is recorded as saying (sic) "We'll make this Obama's Waterloo"…these pinheads will then realize that they've been backing Napoleon…the money (the Rothschilds of Paris and the Rothschilds of London) had money on both sides.
Deficits are a testament to both sides' lack of will to remove them…but, remember, if we had no deficits, the Central bankers wouldn't be accumulating interest from all of us. Bill Clinton's surpluses could have been used to pay off debt but the Republicans gave the lion's share to the wealthy (this is irrefutable) and left President Obama with an unholy mess and the debts to pay for that mess. Unlike the President, I don't mind looking backwards as history is a fine teacher. Corrupt powerbrokers rely on the ignorance of the masses and we certainly won't try to educate them to become critical thinkers will we?
I am disgusted with the MONEY that is controlling all of our lives and has come close to totally corrupting our political system…corporations' "free speech" has also been protected. In earlier times the mob would have been at the gates with pitchforks…now they're overweight and unhealthy and can't make it off the couch…hmmm.
Please READ the proposal. it is very dangerous. I'm not in this for violence or anything else but why is it people are so intent on jamming this through in the next few months? Do people know that written in the actual proposal it states that the Federal Govt. will be withdrawing funds directly from your accounts without your knowledge or consent? Do you actually know what it is you are lobbying for? This is insane! It is anti-American. This is tough for me to admit as a lifelong Democrat. I'm not on board with this and I've always been told to beware those who don't have time to explain and work out details. Why is it you all think it is so very necessary that this is done within a few months? It simply does not make any sense. Think about this people…please I'm begging you and PLEASE read the proposed bill! You cannot get accurate information from the media!
Do people know that written in the actual proposal it states that the Federal Govt. will be withdrawing funds directly from your accounts without your knowledge or consent?
Would you please furnish the page and section for the above?
I have read the entire Bill and I don't recall that…Thanks
Yes, this link proves that those in attendance are right-wing nut jobs.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6563705.html
This link doesn't "prove" anything…it was only one person's opinion. People at these meetings voicing distrust in the government plan are NOT being bussed in, nor are they sent by an organized group. I've been there. They have genuine concerns, not only about the wording in the bill, but about the unintended consequences of a Government plan. Many of them are already victims of unintended consequences in the Medicare plan and know from experience that the Govt. can't handle another plan like it without seriously increasing taxes or rationing services, which is really already happening, in a sense, in Medicare. There was no violence at the meeting I attended.
Oh good grief. There are so many lies and distortions, the 'debate' now consists of exclamation points and all-caps on one side - and disappointingly wimpy statements on the other. Come on Dems, let's hear some spirited defense! It's time to take the gloves off.
The right is not about to denounce the violence. It is serving them well. I don't advocate violence on the other side, of course, but we can't just let this hysteria control the whole discussion. Obama has ramped things up a little in the past few days, but I'd love to see more PASSION and ANGER and EXCLAMATION POINTS coming from the left!!!
Lesley,
What "lies and distortions" has anyone in this discussion presented. So far, those who have responded have backed up their statements with facts and instances of violence performed by SEIU.
In fact, you are the only one who hasn't backed up their statements with any evidence.
In my mind, this shows the sorry state of the modern Left.
Quoting hopechange:
"Do people know that written in the actual proposal it states that the Federal Govt. will be withdrawing funds directly from your accounts without your knowledge or consent?"
This is the type of lie/distortion I was referring to. I have read the house bill, and it includes a provision for setting up automatic health insurance payments from your checking account, IF you want to. Suddenly this becomes "withdrawing funds directly from your accounts without your knowledge or consent."
A provision for discussing end of life issues with your doctor becomes "death squads."
I could go on and on. The distortions are becoming so ridiculous, the Right is losing all credibility. Honestly, this is a shame - if they have any constructive suggestions to make, they are getting lost in all the noise.
These people are angry because deep in their hearts they know that conservatism has failed our nation, but they're directing their anger at the new president. They're in serious denial. Reagan captured their hearts and all they're left with is trillions in debt, a declining middle class, and a bunch of billionaires. All they have is slogans about tyranny and liberty.
I say let them get violent- it will vindicate our cause.
I just wish the bill had not been wanted to have been pushed so quickly. It makes me feel like there is a used car salesman in my face telling me that is has to be now or I will not get the deal. If I wait..look around and investigate, I will usually find out that the car salesman was wrong. Those tatics turn me off as should anyone.
you are right. there is a used car salesman trying to force this down your throat. and his name is obama.
You are right. The Right will lose their cause if they use violence to further their own demise.
Whose life is it worth? Yours? Mine? Barack Obama's?
you say that, but we're the ones w/ guns (legally, by the way) and the training on when the use of them is legal
The only violence I have seen in the very Liberal infused news has been from those in favor of reform rather than those opposed. I hardly think some grandma or grandpa is going to pose a threat to anyone.
It just all depends on how you look at some things…
Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California , was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that Congressman Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.
*Picture won't post
The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory:
On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription: 'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'
So Judy recently e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle.
Harry Reid:
Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:
"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory . His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."
NOW THAT's how it's done, Folks!
That's real POLITICAL SPIN
JUST Like this site SPINNING the healthcare bill…. SINCE when can the government run anything .. i.e. Social Security BROKE, Medicaide BROKE, Medicare BROKE good grief… COME ON GOVERNMENT … Reform healthcare … BUT PLEASE DON'T TAKE IT OVER !!!!!
Harry Reid is a senator, not a congressman.
Furthermore, neither Medicare, nor Medicaid, nor Social Security, are "broke". Try getting your facts straight.
So Jon, you really think there is going to be any $ left for you at 65?
this is not true … check it out on the internet. Same thing has been said about Bush and a couple of others.
The truth is, the federal government has done a terrible job at running almost everything it touches. Why then would we let completely managed and tear down our health care industry? Even Union members have to agree, this is absolute foolishness.
There are problems with the system. But why overhaul the engine when it only needs a tune up?
Gosh. A bunch of my liberal friends thought it was cool when that Iraqi threw his shoes at President Bush. My, my, my. Could it be that they fail to see their own hipocracy. Can it be that an organized response is "grass roots" on one side, but "astroturf" on the other? Can it be that those of us who have been too busy working to raise our voices have had so much government trespass thrown at us in the past seven months that we are finally ready to raise our voices? Oh by the way, none of my liberal friends have jobs in which they are actually responsible for a measurable level of production.
Violence by any group, Left or Right, will leave the American people with years of desolation. We as the pro-reform people must not use violence in return, otherwise our cause will be lost once again. And for the people on the Right espousing violence, you are definitely on the wrong side of history. Health Care is a human right, not some privilege only granted to the rich and famous.
Here's you proof of right-wing extremists, pro Nazis brandishing swastikas (per Pelois & Reid) who are willing to employ militant tactics in order to demonize Obama by tapping into fear and anger in the electorate:
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/13525
Here's an idea. Let's print this on postcards:
Matthew 25:34-45 (New International Version)
34″Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37″Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40″The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41″Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44″They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45″He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
If one of them says anything about the fact that THEY are the ones on the right, remind them that on THAT day, we will be facing God.
So what exactly is your point? It is Christian to help those in need, HOWEVER, helping should always be a CHOICE, not an obligation. God gives us freedom to choose, why shouldn't the government?
When the eugenicidal neo-communists are run out of the country then the violence will stop, we have had it. Good riddens, your side LOST…….
Violence didn't errupt until the unions were involved. And al the violence has come from the pro-reform side.
It would the serve country much good if people searched for the truth, instead of swallowing lies,.
okay folks…watch the tape one more time… and let’s call K.D. “Popeye” cause, well..it fits. And let’s call Elston “Wimpy” for the same reason. And let’s call the purple people eater “Brutus”, just for cohesion to the analogy, in this comedy of errors.
Now, at tape’s start, both Popeye and Wimpy are down. Accounts vary, and suppositions can be made, based on Wimpy’s past history, or on Wimpy’s statement, that Popeye hit first, or maybe even that Popeye managed to ‘take Wimpy down’, even considering the extreme difference in mass of the subjects involved.
But where is Brutus? He is standing by a tree, on a Union smoke break. Now afterwords, we see on the tapes… (plural…which includes the tape by “Olive Oyl”, that background voice of dread always present in these melodramas),
…visual and audio of these tapes show that this guy is in a steroid rage,
but when his ‘brother’ is on the ground, supposedly savaged by this ‘non-Obama black’ vendor, he is quietly enjoying his pre-carbon tax, freedom, and having a smoke. An older couple is seen trying to defuse the situation, with their own bodies.. and soon.. from Brutus himself. But whenever those two went down, Brutus was not too concerned.
I want to know who Brutus is… especially if he is from out of town.
Wagman, lose the criticism of being a cub reporter in the way, and lets have a front line report.
I just watched the Arlan Spector Town Hall 8/11/2009, and there was ONE outburst and the rest was completely quiet and friendly. Of course, the News will show the outburst and not report the rest of the story. CERTAINLY NOT VIOLENT. No brawls.