Just sent this to the TH

[47of74]

I just submitted this to the local paper;

In recent days we've seen some disgusting and rather disturbing antics from conservatives. Such as calling members of Congress going from the chambers to their offices things like n----r and f----t. Or vandalizing the offices of Democratic officials - such as throwing bricks through windows. Or making death threats on Twitter. Or the cutting of gas line at the home of the brother of Rep. Tom Perriello of Virginia after a tea party activist published the address - thinking it was the Representative's address - and telling people to add a "personal touch" to their anger. I could go on, but then my letter would far exceed the word count limit this paper has for letters.

Conservative leaders have done nothing to stem this tide. They have yet to whole heartedly condemn the violent words or deeds, or like Sarah Palin, are actively adding to this violent tide that is riding. And I fear that it will lead to another tragedy. It is why I insist that those who commit violent acts be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and if found guilty sentenced to the maximum amount of time allowed.

My stomach turns in anger when I see this behavior. It's behavior that tears at the very fabric of our nation. Even those who disagree with policies set by elected officials should rise above such behavior, and express their views at the ballot box, not through threats, name calling, or acts of domestic terrorism.

And I hope it puts me right up at the very top of the local teabagger enemy list too.

[Bluzmann57]

1. You will be on their enemies list all right

Normally I would say congratulations because these people are a joke, but given everything that you so astutely pointed out in your ltte, I now add, watch your back. Those crazy freaks may try to mess you up. Good letter. In fact, may I use some of it to send something to the QC Times?

[47of74]

2. Go ahead

All I would ask is that you change the wording around a bit.

[47of74]

3. It got published this morning

My letter got published this morning.

http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=278134

I am probably being moved up right now on the local teabagger enemies list.

[47of74]

4. And this morning we had the "b-b-but both sides do it" response

This morning someone went and penned a response to my letter. And basically it was full of "b-b-but the other side does it too" bullshit that the reich spreads every chance they get.

[47of74]

6. And here's another one too...

http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=279362

[rurallib]

5. Here is a similar one I wrote for our local papers

A true American Hero.
During this tumultuous period before the vote on health care reform we have seen some repulsive behavior. We are constantly belabored by the talking points of opponents. Often these talking points are repeated verbatim displaying little understanding of the speakers on what they are saying.
But of all the sad scenarios that this debate has birthed, I doubt that anything could have made me sadder than what I heard about and saw Saturday, March 20th.
Two members of Congress were spit upon and called racial epithets. My heart sank. I saw our country take a giant 50-year backwards step. John Lewis and Emmanuel Cleaver, two African-American members of Congress were subject to this abhorrent behavior.
While I admit I do not know much of Emmanuel Cleaver, I do know something about John Lewis. Mr. Lewis is a man whose life should be taught in classrooms throughout the country. As a young man Mr. Lewis joined in the Freedom Rides that tested access to public transportation in America for all people. This was at a time when such actions often resulted in terroristic attacks on the Freedom Riders. John Lewis was beaten nearly to death.
Yet the cause was so great that John Lewis would stand again and again and put his life and freedom on the line. During the march on Washington, and especially during the three Selma to Montgomery marches Lewis was a key player. As the leader of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee, John Lewis led the first march from Selma to Montgomery. And he was beaten bloody by billy-club wielding police. And as a young man I watched the scenes from Alabama flicker across my black and white TV screen. And I witnessed incredible acts of courage by the marchers as the forces of the state of Alabama tried to intimidate them from being able to exercise their rights as citizens.
John Lewis was elected to Congress in 1986. As a member of Congress he has championed the cause of the poor and the downtrodden. And for many of these past two decades, I have no doubt that Mr. Lewis held out hope that the racial hatred that put his life in jeopardy had been put to sleep.
Unfortunately, those who want to gain power by stirring up fear that makes the populace vote for demagogues have re-awakened the sleeping giant. Signs of the return of racial hatred have slowly made themselves more and more visible. Who can forget the venom spewing woman at the John McCain rally during the last campaign? Most have seen various signs of President Obama portrayed as a witch doctor or an ape or suggestions of lynching.
And now we have come full circle with the return of physical attacks and racial slurs. And once more, John Lewis leads against those who employ such tactics by not being intimidated, by standing above such attacks and by once again standing up for those whom the system chooses to deem not as worthy as others.
Thank you, John Lewis. You are what makes America great. And you stand as a model for our young people.