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.
Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.) claimed Saturday that healthcare protesters at the Capitol directed racial epithets at him and Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) as they walked outside.
Carson, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus along with Lewis, told The Hill that protesters called the lawmakers the N-word. […]
Lewis was one of the leaders of the civil rights movement alongside Martin Luther King. Jr. Asked if racial epithets were yelled at him, Lewis responded, “Yes, but it’s OK. I’ve heard this before in the ’60s. A lot of this is just downright hate.”
Abusive, derogatory and even racist behavior directed at House Democrats by Tea Party protesters on Saturday left several lawmakers in shock. […]
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. Barney Frank got an uglier version of the treatment. Just after Frank rounded a corner to leave the building, an older protestor yelled “Barney, you faggot.” The surrounding crowd of protestors then erupted in laughter.
ThinkProgress attended today’s rally and spotted a sign threatening violence if health care passes. The sign reads: “Warning: If Brown can’t stop it, a Browning can,” referring to Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) and a Browning firearm.
Can there be any doubt as to what side of history these right-wing activists are on?
