Teabaggers spit on one lawmaker, hurl slurs, make death threats, Sen DeMint calls them "patriots"

[ProSense]

Tea Party protesters reportedly spit on one lawmaker, call others ‘faggot’ and the n-word.

Today’s Code Red rally appears to be one of the most raucous Tea Party gatherings on Capitol Hill yet. In addition to protesters shouting with rage at federal lawmakers, Sam Stein reports on some more disturbing incidents:

A staffer for Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) told reporters that Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-M.D.) had been spit on by a protestor. Rep. John Lewis (D-G.A.), a hero of the civil rights movement, was called a ‘ni–er.’ And Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) was called a “faggot,” as protestors shouted at him with deliberately lisp-y screams. Frank, approached in the halls after the president’s speech, shrugged off the incident.

But Clyburn was downright incredulous, saying he had not witnessed such treatment since he was leading civil rights protests in South Carolina in the 1960s.

“I heard people saying things that I have not heard since March 15, 1960 when I was marching to try and get off the back of the bus,” (said Clyburn.)

Clyburn added, “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.” TPM, Mother Jones, and The Hill have reports of similar behavior by the Tea Party protesters.

UPDATE On Twitter, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) wrote that he was "grateful for the thousands of patriots who are storming the Capitol today protesting government healthcare and defending freedom."

DIFFERENT SIDES OF HISTORY....

When we get past disputes over legislative procedures and individual provisions, it's hard not to appreciate the historic significance of the pending health care reform legislation.

I was thinking about something I saw in the MoveOn.org ad this week. "Throughout history, America has been blessed with heroic leaders -- individuals who helped us to navigate between right and wrong," the spot says. "We need our leaders to fight for what's right. Call Congress today and ask them: Which side of history will you be on?"

Today, confused right-wing activists descended on Capitol Hill to express their hatred for health reform and its proponents. They didn't leave much doubt as to what side of history they're on.

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[Faygo Kid]

1. DeMint is a clear and present danger to this nation. Bears watching.

He is a megalomaniac. Huey Long without the common touch. He will soon call for violence, I have no doubt, in his quest for power.

[Phx_Dem]

7. Agree. n/t

[babylonsister]

2. DeMint's overdue for his waterloo. How statesmanlike-not. nt

[Mz Pip]

3. I suppose part of my reason for supporting

this less than perfect bill is due to the actions of these classless morans.

I can only imagine how I would feel if I were in the congress and I had to deal with these nitwits. Their actions would push me to the other side so fast.

So to all the Micheele Malkins, Glenn Becks, Rush Limpbags, Jim De Mints and the ever shrill chorus of the wingnut right - screw you. We are shoving this down your throats and I for one think it's great.

[Shallah Kali]

4. DeMint is a member of The Family

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/07/21/c_street

of course he loves people complicit in their own oppression so the chosen ones like him can enjoy power and plenty while the rest of humanity goes without.

[bottomofthehill]

5. Mob Rule on the Hill

No one is doing anything about it

[Jennicut]

6. Clyburn has it completely correct. The less powerful are looked down upon.

After all, poorer people don't matter to conservative types. Disgusting behavior but we all knew this movement was racist and homophobic and even into classism. Bunch of white old men and the stupid women who hang out with them. All I can say is that the next generations coming up are much more inclusive.

[Gman2]

8. Look Folks, take your beating, and then turn the other cheek. WHY?

cuz the teabaggers are showing their core values. Prod them just a little, then sit there and take it. Just like the Parkinson hero dude. And for god sakes keep your video ready phones charged. WE are going to reap a great benefit from the fringe. As long as noone is shot,or beaten. The fearing, brutal, sociopathic segment of our population, is getting old, and aint cute any longer. WE are sick of watching them act up, as if it was a play. Alternate reality, after a while, is not sci fi, its chaos. They are shortly going to learn of the concept of diminishment. Using the same stimuli too often, or giving less reward for reaction given, leads to your expected response being replaced.

[kestrel91316]

9. De Mint ought to be _______.

[BlueIdaho]

10. You mean Napoleon?

Hate, hate, and more hate.

[movonne]

11. DeMent is demented....

[Rage Inc.]

12. DUMint

I sure hope he gets HIS Waterloo tomorrow!

[opihimoimoi]

13. What IS IT??? That these dudes are Smoking??? The GOP and DeMented display clues

all is not well with their facilties...their Brain has a drain.....

[felinetta]

14. How many thousands, DeMint? You asshat.

[discopants]

15. FoxNation says 25,000

right. Looks more like 250.

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. Here's their march

[moondust]

17. Spitting on someone is battery.

Battery

A battery is the willful or intentional touching of a person against that person’s will by another person, or by an object or substance put in motion by that other person. Please note that an offensive touching can constitute a battery even if it does not cause injury, and could not reasonably be expected to cause injury. A defendant who emphatically pokes the plaintiff in the chest with his index finger to emphasize a point may be culpable for battery (although the damages award that results may well be nominal). A defendant who spits on a plaintiff, even though there is little chance that the spitting will cause any injury other than to the plaintiff's dignity, has committed a battery.

http://www.expertlaw.com/library/personal_injury/assault_battery.html

[donco6]

18. This is what Beck, Hannity, Limbaugh, Fox News are creating.

And I fear it's just the beginning.