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LIVE Blog: House Dems report increased threats
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[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/25/capitol.police.hcr.gi.art.jpg caption="Capitol police officers stand watch in front of the U.S. Capitol on March 21, 2010 in Washington, DC."]
(CNN) - Democratic congressional leaders Wednesday demanded Republicans join them in condemning a spate of threats and vandalism that has followed Sunday's vote on a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. health care system.
More than 10 Democrats have reported trouble since the weekend vote, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters. Windows have been smashed at Democratic offices in at least three states, and federal agents were investigating whether a cut gas line at the home of a Virginia congressman's brother was related to the lawmaker's yes vote.
Democracy "is not about violence," Hoyer said at a news conference with South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, the No. 2 Democrat in the House of Representatives. FULL STORY
Other top stories:
California could legalize pot
It's an historic step forward for pot supporters – California could become the first state to legalize marijuana for non-medicinal purposes. The measure will be on the ballot this fall. Our Dan Simon is in Oakland talking to people on both sides of the issue.
Relaxing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Big changes are expected to the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The Pentagon is set to announce this morning that the military will no longer investigate gays who are outed by third parties or complaints made anonymously. We'll get reaction from soldiers in the field.
Sound off: Join the conversation on today's top stories. What do you think about health care reform threats, relaxing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," or legalizing marijuana? Add your comments to the LIVE blog below and we'll read some of them on the show.
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I find it appalling that "White Americans are acting this violent over the Health Care Plan. "Black American" did not act this way when laws were passed to preventing them from have God given right. I truly feel some type of legal actions should be taken against them for making those threaten phone calls.
The majority pass legislation and it is characterized by the right, and most of the main stream media, as 'cramming' legislation down the people's throat. And here I thought it was the democratic process at work!
If we cannot disagree with civility then we must act swiftly to correct those that do not understand democracy. Your voice can be heard with an open hand and not a clinched fist. Anyone that would utilize such tactics are behaving as that of a spoiled child incapable of expressing their feelings and emotions with maturity!
Why are you showing a charector rolling Marjuana in the back ground? It's not fare to do. Do you show Marlboro smoker in back ground?
Consider the two main points of republican opposition to the health reform bill:
– States are better able to deliver healthcare for more Americans. Name all but the one or two states that have made this move over the last 100 years
– the bill needs more study. Name the last Republican administration that put health care reform on the agenda.
The Republican opposition has a dismal track record in delivering significant social change.
We need a more conciliatory tone now. Move on.
But in Kansas, Democrats in Wichita are seeking to raise money over a brick thrown through the window of the party headquarters.
"This attack was instigated, encouraged and directed by an ultra-right wing blogger and similar events occurred all over the country."
The Web site item asked for donations to "help us get back to work."
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Yes......we know the violence from the experiences at Berkley, California. BRICKS thrown, bomb placed at the door of a military office. ODD......
Long before a picture of Obama as the Joker was found in Republican party fund-raising literature, you on CNN had shown this same image of Obama as the Joker on Tea Party posters. The Republicans in Congress need to be much more forceful in denouncing the violent acts against Democratic Congress members, because they have fostered extremists or anyone who would be against health care reform. They didn't complain when the extremists said things they didn't want to say out loud, they made very incendiary comments actually while speaking on record in the Congress, and now they need to take some responsibility for the violence that has resulted. (Thank God Sarah Palin did not become our Vice President by the way.)
I heard the story this morning with one of the Democrats stating that people should not be using violence and threats. The couple of voicemails that CNN played this morning, did not sound like threats but rather some very displeased people who feel that Washington is not listening to them. These voicemails were vulgar but certainly not violent. Using profanity is not threatening or Vice President Biden was using violence when he dropped the F bomb upon signing into law this bill. If polite, kind voicemails would have been left with all these Congressman, we all know it would not have been newsworthy, thus the voice of the people is not heard again.
When you add the toxic daily input from all the blogs, etc along with Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity and the republican politicians, what do you expect from the public who is consuming this. And, in some misguided attempt to be 'fair and balanced' the media pretends that both the conservative and progressive side of the isle are participating. Both sides have, indeed, their share of the lunatic fringe, but the absolute numbers on the right who suscribe to the vitrol and the demonization of their fellow citizens and their government is astounding!
RE: Threats against Dems.
Both parties need to tone down the rhetoric, eliminate emotion and engage in intelligent debate and effective compromise on health care, the economy. The spirit of cooperation is gone in our elected officials and neither side is acting in the best interest of the country, both sides fuel the extremes. As far as the recent threats, parallels can be drawn from smashing windows, images of nooses, and racial comments. All we need to do is look back to pre-war Germany (Krystallnacht) or the Civi Rights Era to see the danger signs. Where is our democracy going?
I just hope very much those who woted YES wouldn't be bullied out of the next vote or intimidated. There are a few not -so-strong figures there. Maybe we can send them some incouragement to make them feel there is also strong support not only threats. Anyone knows how to send them messages?
the gop is the problem with this country there a bunch of rightwing raceist .
Why are people failing to recognize that the abject failure in this situation belongs to the Republicans. This bill does not represent the wishes of every american because they flat our refused to participate in the process. When they could have said " This is unacceptable replace it with these things and we will sign on" they refused to lead. They have failed to insure that their constituents have been represented and now they are pointing the finger. Message: Look in the Mirror before you blame another.
The stupidity is mainly the Republican fault for their comment's to less inform American. They are not speaking out, they are beating around the bush. Why didn't they do all of this when Former President Bush sent our children to a war that we shouldn't be in today. They were being killed for no reason, and his two daughter was back here getting drunk.
Say it America, we are a racist nation. This is only because we have a Black President, would they be doing this if the Bush administration had signed this bill. This is the Republican way of disrupting everything. Sarah Palin, "Retreat and Reload", only made dumb hick started talking crap. Look at the guy in Alabama. The main reason Republican did not vote for it, it is election time. Who is not doing their job
these tatics are those used by the kkk, nothing but sore loser i said it before some of the tea party memeber are kkk hideing in the shadows
Can anyone say MLK? This just seems A BIT too familiar to me. Rich people complaining about their taxes, and white collar folks complaining about this bill, despite all the benefits. Why? Because ultimately the whole plan helps minorities and people in low income areas, who it can be argued, our forefathers put in these areas to begin with...seriously. I also think these same people would rather throw bricks through windows than believe for two seconds that an African American President could succeed where White President's couldn't. Grow up America...Civil Rights aren't just some act you post in your Coffee Room at work, it's real. I'm so sick of this. CNN, why aren't you investigating this angle?
For those states that are sueing the federal gov. over health care form bill, please tell me who is paying for that. Where are they getting the money from?
If a healthcare bill was passed under a previous president such as Bush, would there be so much dissatifaction or even threats of VIOLENCE. Let's face it. These extrme reactions are because this bill was passed under a black president.
legalize it!!! tax it!!! stop giving money to mexico for pot!!!! talk about "Green Jobs" people have and will always spend money on pot..it is a lot healther than beer, trust me I have a liver problem from beer, legalize it you will tax the money that will be spent requardless if pot is legal or not, so why not control it...I have never understood why the government had the right to band it in the first place? it is a natural plant no manufactured chemicals involved.
So what do we label the people who are lashing out against the Healthcare Reform Bill......Domestic Terrorist? Yes. What about the poeple who agree with the healthcare bill, should we go around and throw brick through the windows of republicans houses, should we call all the republicans to leave them threats for not voting for healthcare, how can the people who agree with the president be heard. Where was these people when the Republican voted to invade
iraq, let me say it again,,,INVADE IRAQ. The Rnc would love to say that the President did not listen to the simply because a few houligans are lashing out. What bout the millions of people who are for the bill Republicans, is the President not listening to them as well.
I am not a politician, I just showed my support for the Health Care Reform by wearing a T-shirt and someone pointed a gun at me from the car next to us at the light. I gues it is spreading even here in Portland (OR) where dems are strong.
There is no difference between the Mexican drug cartels targeting American agents and their families, and the Republican instigated acts of violence against the Democrats that voted for the health care bill.
Sarah Palin is fanning the flames of violence with her Gun-sights on her website.
Why should I make any anit-Obamacare comment when all CNN shows is pro-Dem & anti-GOP comments - BE FAIR & BALANCED, NOT TOTALLY BIASED.
Where's the "Religious" Right condemnation of violence? Go to church on Sundaly, threaten/act on violence on Monday...after all, they aren't "one of us" so they're going to hell anyways, anything we do is sacred. As a theologian, I'm disgusted!
If you examine Rep. Boehner's comment, in his first two sentences he legitimizes the violence, by indicating it's understandable. How is that considered an effort to "tamp this down". The GOP leadership needs to appear, on camera, with the Democratic leadership, and unequivocally, and without qualification (as Rep. Boehner's statement does) condemn the violence and request that it stop.
I won't hold my breath though.
I think they should legalize pot in California and the rest of the states and DADT should be repealed but relaxing it some is a step in the right direction.
If the facts be known the Republicants were blocked by the Dumbocrats to raise argument against the health care reform bill. They weren't allowed to voice their opinions.
Reading these posts in here I have realised that most Americans are blind to the FACTS and really aren't very bright.
FACTS are the enemy of TRUTH!
It is sad. Not only the dems on the hill get threats: just because I was wearing my "Health Reform" T-shirt, someone in a car next to me pointed a gun at me. And my wife is harrased at work.
sometimes I wonder who hurts this country more the right wing nuts or terrorists
Is it a coincidence that on the eve of reforming medical care in the US, that California residents want to legalize marijuana? What do we know of the medical dysfunctions of this drug? Yes, taken in small quantities, it is relaxing and almost spiritual. But, since when do Americans do anything in small quantities? Ask the homeless drunk who drinks wine from a paper bag how he got started in alcohol consumption. What about the forty year old smoker who started smoking with his friends in high school? Maybe he is looking at lung/kidney/brain cancer in a decade? Legalize pot? Sure, but who pays for the shattered health of people in the near future?
legalization is a no brainer, it would put the dealers ,out business, heroin addiction is down in amsterdam by 80%. Ican see the headlines already, Republicans accepting money from mexican drug cartels.gov;t not known for doing common sense governing.
These people making threats against the Democrats sound like seniors who are on Medicare and getting S.S. My question to them next time you go to the doctor who is paying your medical bills, the government. Then if you don;t like it we should discontinue your insurance and let you pay for it out of your retirement and stop your SS checks also. Healthcare bill needs to be passed. I work in health care and it is so sad to see people sick and no insurance and no way to get help because they need a home, food, and other things to survive. Those who sent those threats need to take a good look around. I hope you don't call yourself Christian because that is wrong. Go Obama and those who back him. Its time for change..
There seems to be a word that is absent from the dialogue about the threats that are being used against members of Congress and their families-"terrorist" I was under the deluded impression that the past administration declared war on terrorism and the current administration supports that policy. Are there not laws against those who engage in, encourage, and support terrorism?
The Republicans have used such scare and fear tactics to prevent the health bill from passing that they have insighted so many Americans to revolt based on fiction. They have twisted so many facts and too many Americans have believed them. The reactions I am hearing and seeing are beyond belief. The majority of those threats are by people who have NOT even read the bill ( I actually have read a lot of it) aspects I don't agree with but it iwll help many people.. If you are going to revolt, do it within legal boundries and with the knowledge you have read and researched the subject and not what bitter and venditive politicans are telling you think and do. Ever since Obama was elected, I have heard nothing by NO from the Republicans...He was elected after 8 years of doing nothing domestically. He inherited the economy in the toilet, jobs being lost, 2 wars, banking structures failing .....all of this as a present from the Republicans...yet in 1 year he has to clean it all up...people get real. There is just so much anyone can do with all the crap and a Republican party not working with him. All I see and hear is the bitterness of the Republicans greedy to get back power and reverse everything done...is this what they call progress or a really major power and ego trip.
Trying to keep independent but the Republicans negative and nasty approach just makes it so difficulty...it is very very sad out there these day and I hope it improves on a more positive note.
Lately I feel I am in another country. Death threats to the Senate because not everyone likes a vote. Racial slurs against the President and anyone else who disagrees with fringe groups. I am and have been an independent for many years, And cannot understand why Republicans do not stand up and say no to the actions that are going on, a straight no without the spin. I hope that the folks who are making these threats are prosecuted fully. This is out of control.
I'm watching your reports on Social Security running out of money and it is disturbing. But, hasn't the Social Security "bank" been dipped into a number of times and used for other purposes? Just askin'!
Social Insecurity????? Another great use for all the money raised from Marijuana Tax.................I mean its funny that all these Drug Lords are billionaires but we just can't figure it out.......Well when something is highly illegal it creates a high demand.....I mean you can buy an ounce of Marijuana for 300-400 dollars....You show me anywhere a legal commodity that goes for 400 dollars an ounce....not even Gold.........
The Republicans are inciting and promoting terrorism in the United States, not unlike the Taliban trying to disrupt elections in Afghanistan. These threats are made against duly elected lawmakers who didn't vote the way Republicans wanted. By not coming out strongly against the threats to lawmakers, Republicans are showing their support of these terrorists. And people like Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh who are cheering on these terrorists should be investigated for aiding terrorists.
How short are people's memories,eh? Some Americans act like the Dumbocrats don't do or haven't done exactly what they are accusing the Republicants of doing. Stop acting like the Dumbocrats haven't done as much harm to America than the Republicants have.
Have you forgotten NAFTA? All Dumbocrats and that costs how many Americans their jobs? 15 million or so?
Who was the President that as his last official act as President repealed the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 that was the cause of the Wall St. fiasco which costs the American taxpayers untold billions in the "bailout'? Who you say?... The great Dumbocratic President Clinton. Yeah... that's right. Check the facts.
And now the Dumbocrats force this health care plan that will costs more jobs and raise your taxes to new heights.
If you are going to make a statement worth reading make it fact BASED not on personal feeling or what you hope to be true. Otherwise your argument isn't worth anything.
The world observes how we handle our political differences. What must other democracies be thinking when they witness a Civil Rights hero get spat upon just because he voted for Healthcare Reform? Is this what we've become?
what do you expect, nothing less for the republicans, look at their past. Look at all the meanness during the Bush Administration. Look at the lies to start the war, the stealing of the Gore/Bush election, and the theivery of our economy when Bush left. Don't you see a trend here, the next in line is violence, and as understand what has been going on here in VA, many of the rep. ratical wingnuts have been storing up ammunition, and buying guns, guns and more guns. Now is the time for this government to start investigating the republicans for terrorism plots against others.
On a second thought, why are the men screaming and making comments on whether a woman needs an abortion or not. When a man has to carry a baby to term, and go through the pain of childbirth, then maybe he would have control over the situation, since he cannot then don't dictate to women what they may or maynot need in relations to a pregancy termination.
hi Ted Turner 🙂 talk about how the federal reserve isn't federal. i'd like to know more about it's private sector. like, all of it 🙂
how old do you have to be to run for congress??? the maturity level of our leaders is an embarrassement to the whole country right now. If third graders were threatening to beat up the kids who had different opinions, we'd either bring the cops in and have them arrested or bring in specialists who could teach them how to respectfully disagree.
I use marijuana to ease chronic post traumatic stress as well as whet my appetite; all good reasons to smile while doing so.
Legalize and tax it. More reasons to smile while decreasing our national debt.
I would like to see the Democrats and Republicans come together and accomplish something. We need healthcare reform, but with no control over the premiums.. prices will drastically increase instead of lower in the coming years.
Keep in mind, there has not been any violence yet, with the exception of a propane line cut on an outdoor grill in someone's back yard! Just words! These incidents are even close to the protests and violence that took place when the Iraq and Gulf wars began! It's the US and public expression of beliefs that are part of our democracy! The 60's were much worse!
when you have a right wing machine like limbaugh, hannity, beck, and fox news who use opinion in place of fact, lazy people who dont take the time to search for truth allow themselves to be scared.
I've never seen the health care bill. I've just heard bits and pieces of it.Not nearly enough to make an opion about it.It should be made avaiable for everyone to read,so they can make intelligent comments about it. I believe the real anger is coming from the politicians playing politics and not real concern about what is good for the people.
DON'T ASK DON'T TELL? who cares!? it's just very narrow minded to think that homosexuals haven't saved your life, fought terrorists or served in any branch. you will not disrespect anything the fine men and women of this country have volunteered to do. you won't, i won't, that's our right. sexual preference should have nothing to do with loving and serving your country.
I teach at Penn State and for the past 15 years in class we have been debating the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana. When I first began, only one or two students would be in favor of legalization. Now all but one or two students in a class of 40 are NOT in favor of legalizing marijuana. Yes, the attitudes are changing.
Rob
Tyrone, PA
Tobacco is the 1 cause of death to Americans, yet cigarettes are legal and receive lots of government funding and just look at all the money that is made from the tax of cigarettes...Alcohol is also legal yet it causes several fatalities yearly as well...Yet it along with Tobacco is socially acceptable and heavily taxed...And to this day there have been ZERO cases in which Marijuana use alone has killed anybody worldwide.....California is on the right track.....If the rest of America could see the benefits from the legalization of Marijuana and Hemp and how Taxation of it could help the National deficit get back under control, along with many other uses for the money raised from the taxes....Look at our history folks one of the Original Drafts of the Constitution was written on Hemp paper.....Do the research people we grew Hemp to support the Back in WWII....The possibilities are endless.....What it is really coming down too is that there is TOO MUCH MONEY to be made on both sides legal and illegal and that is why the Government want to keep it illegal......But just look back at the prohibition of Alcohol and how Great of an idea that was and all of the positive things that went on during that era.....Does Al Capone ring any bells????
Legalize weed, tax it and it will bring in billions of much needed dollars. Not even just for the money but then everyday honest people will not have to feel like a criminal for going out and buying pot in the blackmarket. It would be good for the government and the people if managed correctly. Potheads are harmless and should not be clasified in the same catorgory as crackheads or junkies.
I'm originally from Sweden and I just don't see why the US is making such a huge issue about gays in the army. The US is a very progressive country in many ways but sometimes it's like travelling back in time. In Europe, most won't even lift an eye brow if you're gay.
I work as a flight attendant, I flew soldiers to the war zone. Whether you're for or against the war, I have never ever in my life met so many genuinely nice people. They were so polite and respectful. In my eyes, many of them were kids. Many were scared to go to a war zone. So if they sat next to a gay or not, I don't think that was their biggest worry. The detached politicians we see on TV talking against gays in the army have no clue how's it's out there on the real field, nor do I of course but I have met 1000's of soldiers and again, they cared about surviving, not if someone was gay or not.
As an Emergency Dept. RN for the past 32yrs I can honestly say that I never once saw violent behavior in the ER where marijuana was involved and saw hundreds of cases of violent,drunken behavior where alcohol was the drug of choice. It is impossible to overdose and die on marijuana, whereas it is very easy to overdose and die with alcohol. Wake up America-you have outlawed the wrong drug! B Davis, RN (Nashville, TN)
It's about time marijuana is legalized – the money alone on taxes could help the desperately failing economy in California. Not to mention there are more alcohol related deaths or tobacco related deaths than marijuana... Let people make their own choices!!
As I read these blogs, a mixture of pot comments and healthcare comments, the thought occurred to me; Maybe we should get the republican to smoke a lot more pot and mellow out!
The violence against Democrats is nothing short of domestic terrorism, even by definition. The Department of Defense Dictionary of Military Terms defines terrorism as: The calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.
Try a "probationary" legalization of marijuana and see how it plays out!! I think it'll be good.
Hey everyone – we've been reading your comments on the show this morning. Keep up the conversation on today's top stories. What do you think about health care reform threats, relaxing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," or legalizing marijuana?
Trying to figure out who is going to pick up the slack for health care costs? people who smoke marijuana, not the people who drink. you're welcome. REGULATE AND TAX!
The only marijuana studies done in the US has been done by the Government with Government grown marijuana. You figure out what THAT means.
Our Government at work to legalize Marajuana.....Get everyone stoned so they won't know whats going on. I think for REAL medicinal use is good enough.( terminal or degenerative diseases, severe anxiety issues etc.) The states need money and the government is willing to sell out for this. Question- Do we know what the long term effects of Marajuana are and the costs related....costs that will need to be paid by tax payers (medicaid-title 19 etc.)?
The recent passing of the Health Bill was fuel for the ignorance and arrogance of the fringe element and will cause them to act against those they feel are responsible which in this case are the politicial leaders.
Legalizing "pot" is legalizing a drug given a bad wrap by those who wish to push their own brand of currently legalized drugs,.Pot helps some sleep,.helps some with eating disorders to eat and it acts as a calming agent during stressful moments. We made the mistake of choosing the "weed" we call tobacco which gives us cancers, sickness and death.
You blind ignorant people blindly following the words of leaderships who are guided by self serving agendas that go against the wellness and betterment of the People as a whole. Wise up.
"Don't ask don't tell" was already answered by a General who apologized for allowing his "private interpretation" to interfere in his judgement. Thank you General.To recognize equality denied a sign of wisdom is it not and lacking from a national body under development.
You know the theory of legalizing pot in America might anger a lot of Americans although I beleive that a legalization of it will be a good idea for helping the state of economy in America. There might be a dispute that marijuana is dangerous and can cause accidents and hurt people although what is the diffrence of alcohol? I beleive we as a nation are well educated people and are most of the time, able to make great decisons so ultimately it is up to the people who want to use this substance to use it carefully and respectivly. My vote? I'm for it!!
I live in Cali and I am all for legal pot. Not only would it bring in needed money to the state, but it would take some of the burden off of law enforcement giving them more time to focuse on real criminal issues such as child molesters and those that pray on our seniors.
If Republicans believe it is illegal to mandate Insurance coverage for everyone, did the same rational resist the mandating of blacks rights to be allowed into any place others were able to go. (Restaurants, busses, etc.) ?
Studies have shown that long term usage of marijuana is less detrimental to ones health than long term use of alcohol or tobacco. The fear-mongering needs to end, and now is a good time. "Marijuana is a gateway drug" is a common argument, but the fact is that caffeine is the most commonly used mind-altering substance in the world, and more of our children have had caffeine than have tried pot. The parallels between marijuana and the alcohol prohibition are profound, hopefully we can avoid the slaughter.
bye Limbaugh! go to costa rica. with one of the best health care systems in the world. get your oxy's there. lol idiot. take hannity with you
The recent violence in Mexico prompted Hillary Clinton to reiterate
That America must reduce the demand if the American money that fuels the violence is to be reduced.
A significant argument to legalize Marijuana is the same as reducing
our dependency on foreign oil... we are putting our money into the hands
of Terriorists and Anti American interests.
Of course we must remember that anyone who would impede the
process is on the payroll of the bad guys....one way or another.
How would legalizing weed fit in with the national and local efforts to reduce the smoking of cigarettes, which have been proven to be bad for you? Are they seperate issues or do they run over each other?
If our gov't was smart HA!, they would legalize and tax marijuana, which is proven to be less dangerous than alcohol in so many ways. It would probably pull us out of a recession. Alcohol kills in traffic accidents, liver problems, other health issues and makes for a really bad relationship when a person, male and female is addicted. You cannot think yourself out of a alcohol buzz no matter how hard you try. But have a pot buzz and blue lights come on behind you and that buzz is GONE. What's up with that?
It is time for lawmakers to listen to the ones that put them in office. They are not there to serve their party but the people. It seems the Democrats have a hard time being independent and for the people of their state. Americans are angry with this health care bill. Violence isn't the answer, voting them out of office is! The government is getting too big and it is putting the nation in jeopardy. The government will indeed have a new revolution if Washington continues down the path it has taken!
Dumbocrats and Republicants are different wings of the same bird. Quit acting like one party is better than the other. Politics breeds corruption.
If california legalize marijuana. whats happens to the people that was convicted or who has a marijuana charge? will their record be wiped clean?
So many questions are being raised as to why more kids are using marijuana. Gee, do you think it has anything to do with adults pushing to legalize use???
The anger at congress is based in the lack of respect they have shown the American people. The arrogance of the dems is amazing. Throwing these people that make up our government out is what needs to be done – they have proven that they do not perform the job they were sent to do – so lets fire them. We have way doing that without armed conflict; now if they change the game with illegal immigrants and felons voting then all bets are off.
Is this behavior really all a reaction to the fact that insurance companies will no longer be able to rip us off based on pre-existing conditions? That, I think is unlikely. Where was this "tea party" when the last administration INITIALLY ran up this huge deficit and lied to get us into a war with a country who did not attack us?
While a lot of this behavior is surely based on their mindless acceptance of the right-wing fear-inducing propaganda, *cough*,FOX NEWS, *cough* I suspect it has even more to do with the fact that we now have a black man in the White House - a black man with an exotic name in charge of this country. It scares the hell out of them.
The problem is that some bigots can be very, very dangerous, especially when they are frightened. And that is even scarier than the fact that they can vote.
California will also save money when they can release the thousands of prisoners who were prosecuted for posession once their offense is overturned. Not to mention the millions spent enforcing those laws going forward.
I don't think the people that watch truly understands the impact of this historic event of legalizing marijuana. California has been reaping the rewards of taxing this substance for years! They have already taxed the hell out of the pot that is grown for medical use, and this is another opportunity for state governments to dig themselves out of debt. Where would California be if it weren't for the $8 million it collects in tax each year from growers? This is a great opportunity to tap into another source to help the state pay for it's expenses. It should have been done years ago!
RE the violence, there is a saying wh n you lie down with dogs you come up w fleas.The Republicans began their "smear campaign" last summer when these out of control "constituents" started showing up and causing shouting matches @ Congressional local town halls. Add on top of that the "fear" tactics and stating that "govt takeover" of everything and the Head REPUB Boehner tops it off with this is "Armageddon" what do u think is going to transpire.I'm watching the party of Reagan,Bush,and Cheney implode. On top of that when you have Senators to shout out "you lie" and "baby killer" with no decorum and a slap on the wrist Americans take that as an example. Watch the movie American President w Michael Douglas, quote "you get a bunch of Americans and play on their longings of thje good old days or status quo and you inject fear" all you get is chaos. Get this real Americans voted for change last Nov, real Americans want and need healthcare reform. Healthcare is number one cause of bankruptcy n this country.
DEMS attack Tea Partiers, Palin, Rush, Beck, etc as "causing the violence"- typical "paint them extremists" strategy. EXPOSE THE MARXISTS for what they are. They want to build another totalitarian State.
Legalize it! tax it! send that money to the schools that aren't progressing as quickly so they can get the funding to afford the teachers to! Probably the first thing I (we) would be FOR the taxation of. win, win.
Should there be, god forbid, be any vioilence resulting in injury to anyone following the vitrial heard over health care I would hope that congess severely repremands the senators involved. I wish the republicans could stand back and see what they look like from my point of view. No republican votes hewre!
The People have every right to be upset with their politicial parties with the ignorance and arrogance of the fringe element attacking under the influence of ignornace and arrogance. A
Threats and fear mongering will in the end cost the republicans dearly.The republican parties overall silence on the threats only shows many of us that they support this view! I for one will not forget their disregard for the people and its representatives.
Can't we all just get along...Threats and vandalism are not American qualities. I believe some Republicans and conservative radio talk shows are only inciting these actions. Viewers and listeners are letting themselves be manipulated.
Health care reform is not perfect but a step in the right direction. Everything takes time and can't get fixed overnight. Shame on those who are turning violent and shame on those in power who endorse the breaking of windows. I live in Canada and the rest of the world is watching you America. Lighten up ya'll. Just watch American morning on mute and admire the beauty of Kira. I love you !
USATODAY quote regarding Senate voting going on: "It kills part of the new statute uniquely giving Nebraska extra Medicaid funds — designed to lure support from that state's Sen. Ben Nelson— that had become a glaring embarrassment to Democrats."
This quote is from today's USATODAY regarding Congress's effort to pass the changes to the healthcare bill signed earlier. I find it interesting the article states "It kills PART of the.....:" Nebraska payoff to the Senator for voting for the bill!
We have been told it was eliminated along with all of the other "deals"! This article portrays a different message. Can anyone be trusted in Washington?
Of course it should be legal. Why doesn't Obama address the drug cartels? Killings in Mexico have sky rocketed and their drug war is our problem. We need to legalize and regulate all these drugs that create violence and terror for innocent people all over the world. We need better education not more prisons.
legalize it, so the hippies have nothing to talk about. tax it and regulate it to help the economy and cut down on timber. it's safer than alcohol, you can spend time being high and determining what your limits are. they will always be safer than the impaired judgement than you have behind the wheel.
If marijuana is legalized the Government will tax the hell out of it.
I think its about time for marijuana to be legalized and if the government is smart it would put some tax on it and it would make a good amount at the same time!
Most Americans wanted health care reform but not the corrupt unfair system that was passed.
Legalize it in Cali, also watch the tourist scene pop up as well. Plenty of pot smokers would love to go have a nice vacation there. 😉 The key is to make the non-smokers understand its real effects, not to categorize it with any other substances, and not be afraid of the people using it. Plenty of professionals smoke..
The healthcare measure passed because the majority of us wanted it! When Americans criticized the last administration they were not "patriotic". When Americans criticize this administration they are not just excercizing their right to be dissatisfied but making death threats. I am speechless and embarassed for them and this country.
The Republicans are committing acts of domestic terrorism because they disagree with President Obama's health insurance reform plan. They accused the President of palling around with terrorists in the 2008 election, and now they are using terrorism in the political process.
I wish that VP Joe Biden was available to override the Senate parliamentarian which he has the power to do if he wants to. Very few (if any) people in middle America would remember that by November and the Republicans definitely deserve a taste of their own bitter medicine right now in my opinion.
After so much unnecessary Republican obstruction, after so many fringe right wing lies, and after the violent criminal behavior (which is what I believe it is) by so many hard core GOP activists which elected Republicans have done very little about; I think that the Republicans should get absolutely nothing that they are not specifically entitled to for the rest of this Congress. As much agenda in Congress as possible should be done only on the Democrat's terms in order to punish the Republicans for their childish behavior of acting like a bunch of spoiled brats. Maybe the Republicans and their hard core activist tea party base will begin to show some respect toward the Democrats when they see them fight back.
Mitch Dworkin
Dallas, Texas
As things progressed I couldn"t help but feel that the republicans had began to believe the things they were saying about why they were noit participating. Everyone could see and hear what they answered to every attempt to include them. I believe it will be them who should wory about their next election.
It is past due time that all the state legalize, or decriminalize marijuana. They could use this plant for bio fuel, the best rope, paper and medicinal purposes and research.
I was in the military and I personally knew a man in our division who was a closet gay. In my opinion he was one of the best soldiers we had. He was smart, friendly, and someone you could trust. Don't ask don't tell is fine with me.