Evening Buzz: Threats Against Democrats After Health Care Vote
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/POLITICS/03/24/congress.threats/story.capitol.police.jpg.jpg
caption="Capitol Police officers stand outside the Capitol Building Sunday evening before the vote on the health care reform bill." width=300 height=169]
Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
House Democrats met with Capitol Police and the FBI today after several of them reported vandalism and threats made against them following Sunday's health care vote.
More than 10 Democrats have reported trouble, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters.
"We are hopeful that all Americans will feel that clearly our democracy is about participation, our democracy is about differing and debate, and animated debate, and passionate debate, but it is not about violence," Hoyer said at the news conference with South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, the number 2 Democrat in the House of Representatives.
The two House leaders are calling on Republicans to denounce the threats.
"We in this Congress have got to come together in a bipartisan way and tamp this foolishness down. It doesn't make sense," Clyburn said.
CNN's Dana Bash is on Capitol Hill with details on the vandalism and threats. It's unknown who's behind the attacks, but we do know one person encouraging the trouble.
Dana will report tonight on Mark Vanderboegh, a popular right wing extremist who on his blog last week wrote: "So, if you wish to send a message that Pelosi and her party cannot fail to hear, break their windows. Break them now."
John Avlon, of the Daily Beast, interviewed Vanderboegh late last year for his book "Wingnuts".
Avlon says Vanderboegh is the co-founder of the Three Percenters, a milita group that takes its name from a questionable statistic that only three percent of the American colonists actively fought for independence. Avlon writes that the Three Percenters describe themselves as "promoting the ideals of liberty, freedom and a constitutional government restrained by law."
Anderson will dig deeper with Avlon about this milita leader calling for attacks against Democrats.
We also continue our series "Kids in Peril: Obesity in America." 360 M.D. Sanjay Gupta introduces us to Tiger Green, a 12 year old boy who is 250 pounds. Dr. Gupta exposes what internal damage the boy could be doing to his health. Tiger isn't alone. Nearly one-third of American kids weigh too much.
Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then.
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Filed under: Maureen Miller • The Buzz |
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It is truly sad to see how low some people in this country will go to to get their "opinions" across to others. There is no class in Washington, D.C. anymore amongst the republicans......people who have don't give a damn about any of the have-nots. I am totally in favor of health care reform but not through violence. The people who make the threats (anonymously of course) are cowards and I hope they are caught and prosecuted. How does throwing bricks, cutting propane gas lines, spitting, yelling racial slurs and homophobia help? God help this country....we certainly need it!
I find it ironic that NOW the democrats want to stand with the Republicans, when for a whole year they blew them off and wouldnt listen to a thing that they offered or said, despite what they profess.
And how do we know that this isnt staged to put more blame on the republicans????
After seing all the backdoor deals, trickery and lies by the democrats, I would not discount this as a another trick of theirs to put the republicans down. They resorted to anything to get their bill passed, now they will resort to anything to get voted back into office.
The American People are not as dumb as these people think.
While I do not condone violence of any type, I have a suspiction that this too was drummed up by the Democrats.
It disgusts me to see the comments assuming that the Republican Party is responsible for these acts. It's easy to pick someone or a group of someones and say 'they are the reasons for my woes' but I think it's much more complicated then that. There comes a point where, when *everybody* is saying "Reps are evil" and yet things still aren't getting any better, maybe those who are single-minded in their aversion against them need to step back and realize there's much more to the problem.
Well at least they did not get a pigs head left at their house, or even worse a horses head in their bed, in a way they are lucky. I think they just want some sympathy.
this is so crazy it makes me ashamed to be an American,we let thousands of pounds of food rote on docks, we do benefits and make millions of dollars all for other country's witch is a good thing. BUT we let are elderly suffer and die because they cant afford to see a doctor and if they can manage to see the doc they cant afford the meds ,and then there are our children,(WHO are our future)we let go hungry and unprotected why don't we stop and take a little care of our own
Threatening members of congress is an act of terrorism and should be investigated and prosecuted as such – TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. The people who commit these acts have either lost and/or never had a true sense of right and wrong. Their moral compass is broken. It is a sad commentary on American politics and on humanity.
I can only guess that President Reagan and Barry Goldwater would have been against the new Healthcare Bill and they are both turning over in their graves to see how spiteful todays' Republicans have reacted to their loss. Two years ago these same people wanted democracy spread allover the world. Their bitterness and bullying prove they do not understand what real democracy truly means.
They may deny it, but their own participation with the Tea Party, a Party of hate and less of opposition, is evidence of how lost the Republicans have become. It scares me to see how elected officials inflame people who are racist, anti-semetic, anti-gay, afraid of government conspiracies and own mass amounts of guns, ammunition and artillery.
What has happened to our country? I believe that the Republican Party has used the fact that President Obama is Black to stir-up the hate of the 1960's to divide our country and they should be ashamed.
GOD help us.
I don't condemn violence but maybe we should listen to Thomas Jefferson's quote:
"God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion.
The people cannot be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented, in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions, it is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. ...And what country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not
warned from time to time, that this people preserve the spirit of
resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as
to the facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost
in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from
time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
It is its natural manure."
Source:
November 13, 1787, letter to William S. Smith
Good Luck finding a physician! You may have passed this ridiculous, embarrassing, legislation, but the financial implications may force your physician to retire early, or at least to consider NOT taking Medicare, or other inadequate reimbursement!
Republicans are using hate speech, fear mongering, and lies to whip up Tea Partiers to the point where bricks are being thrown through windows. Also Congressmen and women are getting spat at and people's homes are being attacked where their innocent families are living while our elected officials do their onerous work. People who want health care reform should stand by those elected officials who voted for reform and reelect them. Republicans act like idiots and bullies when they don’t get what they want, and we as Americans cannot allow the few to perform acts of terrorism. I PLAN TO GET TOGETHER WITH OTHERS TO FIGHT FOR MORE REFORM AND TO SUPPORT OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO ARE UNDER ATTACK!!!!
To the rest of the world we must look like a country of teenage trouble makers who cant get there act together .
Is it just me or does it seem like the bloods and crips are in washington on the hill. I never thought i would see so much hate at a time were we all need to united. It seems like there is a problem with the way the right thinks. How wold they feel if we all start throwing bricks
This is terrorism and anyone, including Vanerboegh,Republican politions,Sarah Palin, Boehner, Beck,etc should be arrested for inciting terrorism. They should be teated like any other terrorist group.
I'm glad to hear many Americans don't agree with the ridiculous behaviour of a few because your government wants to pass a healthcare bill for all. What is happening to a society that has many children dying on their streets because people don't want to be told not to bear arms.
Millions are spent on an election process that takes close to two years and EVERY president that is elected comes under verbal attack after their first few months in office,
We have universal healthcare as do many other democratic countries. While it is not perfect we are all looked after equally and have adequate care as needed .
Threats of violence against politicians trying to govern is not acceptable in a civilised country. Americans we hope you rise above this, The world is watching especially your friendly neighbours.
Happy and healthy in Canada.
I can't believe I'm watching this on Anderson Cooper right now. This is the most stupid and idiotic thing ever; US Republicans of probably all classes (high, middle, low) are threatening the lives of US Democrats after health bill pass.
This is not only disrespecting America, it's bad enough we are fighting other peoples' wars in more than 3 foreign countries(Iraq, Afhganistan, and soon N. Korea), but now we face terrorism from our very own countrymen(or women who knows). God help you, whoever made these threats is not a true American, you are just another form of the enemy.
I personally have seen violence all over and I am not even in the Armed Services. I am just another average Joe that thinks that if you try to kill the people leading this country, may you get whatever karma dictates and a little more too...
As one in health care, I believe no one in or out of the health care delivery system would argue that health care needs reform. However, it is hard to imagine anyone wanting: 1) this poorly conceived legislation 'shoved down our throats' or, 2) Mama Pellosi and Papa Obama deciding that 'they know best" and the kids (we voters), will be better off, ... whether we agree or want it, or not!
I'm glad the American people are standing up for what they believe. Violence or not, Congress obviously aren't listening to what Americans want or don't want and the majority don't want this health care bill!!
These attacks on on the Democrats in no way represent the majority of us who are against the HC bill. They are a fringe group. Your group has them so does ours. Neither one speaks for the majority. So why is it you act as though they do. I speak for my group when I say they deserve jail time for these despicable acts. Our group respectfully wants change in the legislature, courts, national elections or the state elections. Whatever means available except violence.
What exactly do you expect?? Most of us do not encourage or support violence, but when our elected 'representatives' do not represent the will of the majority of Americans, ... anger and frustration is bound to ensue.
I, like I believe most Americans, watch from the middle as politicians, representing not the majority but the extreme fringe, battle for power. However, the new direction of middle east politics that the the Republicans are pointing the country is truly scary. If those that disagree with them are put in the cross hairs of guns and their images slapped and beaten while their followers are encouraged to turn violent, how far behind can beheadings of those that disagree with the powerful politicians be? And all in the name of politics. The public is losing control of government and unless we start voting against individuals with such immoral and unethical behavior we soon will not really have the opportunity. A dictator Sarah could be in our future.
IT IS A SHAME THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE (MOSTLY THE UPPER CLASS AND ELDER PEOPLE) ARE AGAINST THIS HEALTH CARE BILL IT IS GOIN TO HELP OUT SO MANY PEOPLE THAT CANT AFFORD INSURANCE AND JUST BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE DONT WANT TO PAY A LITTLE MORE TAXES TO HELP OUT THEIR FELLOW AMERICANS IT IS A BUNCH OF BULL CRAP AND THAT IS WHATS WRONG WITH AMERICA THESE DAYS NOBODY WANTS TO HELP OUT THERE FELLOW AMERICANS IN ANYWAY ITS ALL ABOUT THEMSELFS HENCE THE REASON THERE IS NO MORE JOBS IN THE STATES LET THE FEW GET RICH AND LET THE REST SUFFER THAT IS THE NEW AMERICAN MOTTO LETS BRING BACK THE FACTORY JOBS AND MAKE THE CORPRATE COMPANYS HAVE THE MAJORITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS MADE HERE IN THE UNITED STATES AND MABY WE WOULDNT HAVE NEEDED THIS HEALTH CARE BILL I REMEMBER GROWIN UP MY DAD TELLIN ME DONT GET SICK BECAUSE WE DONT HAVE INSURANCE I DONT WANT TO HAVE TO TELL MY CHILDREN THE SAME AND LET THEM SUFFER THE WAY I DID SO WE AS AMERICANS NEED TO RETHINK ON THE WAY WE DO THINGS AND THE PEOPLE SENDING DEATH THREATS AND DOING ACTS OF VIOLENCE NEED TO BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULLIST AND SARAH PALLIN SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND MADE TO TAKE THE CROSS HAIRS OFF HER PAGE IF A GUY CAN BE ARRESTED FOR MAKIN A STATEMENT SIMULAR TO WHAT PALLIN IS DOIN THEN ARREST HER FOR ENTICING A RIOT OR TREASON FOR TRYIN TO OVER THROW WHAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT SHE NEEDS TO BE MORE CONCERN OF HER 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER THAT HAS A CHILD INSTEAD OF TRYIN TO TELL PEOPLE WHAT TO DO WITH THERE LIVES WHEN SHE CANT CONTROL HER OWN FAMILY
Is it really a surprise that we are seeing violence. I'm surprised a war hasn't started already. The President abused his power in signing a bill which 59% of Americans were against. When Scott Brown was elected that should have been the end of it. You can walk around in your Che Guevara shirts and think about how great he was, but let's not forget the American Revolution against the British, which started because of high taxes and excessive government control...could the American Revolution be starting again?
Ok I just seen on cnn about sarah palin fb page, and her tweet! why can't our leads grow up! We are not a 3td world country people! you are not babies! If you don't get your way . you want to hurt people your own american people. Then you call yourself a Patriot! Rather your a Dem or Rep. when wake up your American and when you go to sleep your American! Don't forget what USA stands for UNITED states of America!
If we are not UNITED we will fall! Leaders we did not vote you into office to have us the American people viewed to other countries as a dumb nation. Grow up and do it fast! Lead this country with RESPECT and nothing less! Act as a LEADER should and lead us (USA) forward only or leave office so someone who loves AMERICA can do it !
I am not a senior yet, I am still a few years away. My family care provider has told us that if and when the health care bill passes and becomes active he will be closing his doors. If there is already a shortage of family care providers and there are those who like our doctor close their doors, what good will be to have insurance if there is on one to care for you?
How about that clown Mike Vanderbeogh. He gleefully advocates acts of violence against democrats and their government takeover. Turns out he sits on his sorry ass collecting government issued disability checks. Wonder if he'd give the money back if knew that the program he collects from was created by the democrats.
Mr. Cooper and my American friends; I am a Canadian of 55 years years. I was born in the UK but we came to Canada when I was 11. I've never lived in a society where i had to worry about health care or how to pay for it. It is beyond me to understand how a society such as the United States, a society 10 times bigger than Canada, sees health care so diametrically opposed to what my social conscience has taught me; health care is a right, not a privilege. I see Mr Obama levelling the field so that heath care becomes a right, not a privilege. Death threats, violence ... these are not the marks of an advanced society. I'm a Canadian but we're all part of the human family and i have American friends who envy me because i have the right to health care. Contrary to myth, our health care system has never let me down; it saved my mum's life from breast cancer and repaired my spine after i fell victim to a horrific violent attack. I don't agree with everything in the USA but I do believe we are all entitled to a basic human right- health care. Please, don't hurt each other; there is enough pain in the world. Health care is a right, not a privilege. Somewhere in America,. somebody is really suffering who needs a doctor, medicine and most of all, compassion. I hope that person gets what they need. And I hope every American eventually gets the right to heath care; that it will no longer be a privilege but a fundamental human right. May the Almighty Father guide you during these days and please, please, be kind, not cruel.
There is a huge divide in this country. I lived with 8 years of G. Bush. So much bad policy was passed on his watch. Finally, The Dems are in control and legislating things that I agree with. People that disagree with the majority feel that violence is the way to be heard. That is scary and not normal.
volince is not the answer change your voting status from rep to independent and vote against all the dem. that run the next 3 years ....simple that is what i'm doing and i'm a reg. dem!!!!!
I guess Republican leaders and their ardent followers want a war under every president even on home soil, but I'm still shocked. I'm from Canada, affordable health care is a basic right for everyone, everywhere.
What does the rest of the world think about us right now? How can we as the great nation we are, expect respect and our place in the world with our people acting like uncivilized and uneducated people. Only animals settle things with violence, human beings use their voice and their vote. Legislation protected us from predatory lending practices and other wrongdoings of corporations. Why should the healthcare industry be any different when some people are hit with ridiculously high premiums and deductibles, and others cannot even afford the coverage? Both parties need to stop the political posturing and take care of the American people.
I can't believe these republican people are so immature and such sore losers that they go to the level of threatening the democrats...this is so sad that this powerful country, is made up of such haters. God Bless President Obama.
Republicans are calling for overt acts of sedition. This is terrorism and should be dealt with swiftly. The first amendment doesn't promote sedition, and Sarah Palin is s separatist and seditionist. Her comments are unconscionable. How can these people call themselves Americans? We are supposed to be a country of freedom, not hate. Rush and his cronies are guilty of inciting terrorism.
I find the behavior of the republican party barbaric. While I never liked Sarah Palin, I feel this is a new low even for her. Violence won't solve these problems. As for people like Mike Vanderboegh, they are nothing more than terrorists and should be punished to fullest extent of the law. Frankly, all of this is terrifying and I worry for the future of America when violence in goaded on by our politicians.
Right now, it is very difficult for moderate, or even strict conservatives who are not violent to have a voice through all the rhetoric. They may even be able to affect a change on their comembers of their party. But they are there. They are not the enemy.
That said, we must realize by now that What Goes Around Comes Around. If someone uses violence, someone else will seek revenge. That is why JESUS said to TURN the Other Cheek. He never said "incite violence". Call me what you want, but Jesus would want us to try to come together. Not everyone is Going to Win all the Time. Sometimes, we have to let the other party lead for a Change!
My concern regarding the threats and violence on our Americans, be they politicians or private citizens, is outrageous and criminal. The Republicans always tell their base to let your voice be heard...where is their voice now (The Republicans)... at this time. Hostility breeds hostility. Hate crimes and racism are criminal acts and those who practice and encourage such acts should be prosecuted....no exceptions. Justice should prevail...it seems that there is a double standard when some think and feel that they are above the law and consider that "JUSTICE" means "JUST...US" and only they should be protected by the Constitution and have rights they would deny others. Yet still pray for them, they are our brothers and sisters under God. Let our voices be heard and LET PEACE PREVAIL!
It is a shame that the republicans got left out of the health bill but why cry over spilled milk.they need to stop saying the American people is against this bill they should say some Americans they should try telling the truth
As a Canadian I watch with interest the ongoing American debate on Healthcare Reform – which mirrors our own debate . Americans seem resistant to moving towards a "socialist" system while Canadians (we like to call it "Universal") are just as resistant about moving towards the privatization of our own healthcare. Yet neither system is sustainable in the long term. Healthcare funding has become the Holy Grail and heaven help anyone who tries to reform it. There is a genuine fear most people have about changes to healthcare and the unfortunate result is a polarizing debate. Unfortunate as the answer doesn't lie in the extremes but somewhere in the middle – not entirely in the hands of government and not entirely privatized. Anyway you want to slice it, bottom line is healthcare reform is needed and quickly!
When anyone Republican or democrat breaks the law in this way, one hopes ( but unlikely) the perpetrator would be caught.
Realistically the balance of probability is that it was extremist Republicans who did this.
However , the best solution on this is a Bi-prtisan announcement ver simply worded saying:-
"The whole congress condemns completely these specific acts of Vandalism against certain congressional representatives offices and wish them to stop forthwith. Attempting to change or protest any law by threats or violence to duly elected officials is similarly condemned and inappropriate."
The Palin face book map is equally a complete and utter disgrace, same as the RNC Joker etc page. Also the Rep slapping the picture of Pelosi.
The sooner Republicans get civility back into thier Rhetoric and actions the better, and quit You lie, baby killer, and lies like death panels comments keep it at least moderately truthful.
Regards,
Hodgson.
Sitting north of the border listening to all the hoopla that is happening throughout the U.S.A. is quite nauseating. The source of all this troulbe ie. bricks through windows, threats towards the Democrats needs to be dealt with severely and quickly. These people are getting away with horrible, unlawful behaviour. They need to be stopped right now!!!!!
Too bad some American's can't see a good thing when they have it.
Your President, Obama is a breath of fresh air here in Canada. Why, because he is a man of integrity, vision, honesty and brilliance who honestly does have the country and people's best interests at heart. He stands up for what is right, not what is popular. Way to go President!!!!!! He is trying to make changes, but Rome wasn't built in a day. Give him time and give him a chance. If you don't your country will remain in a state of utter chaos.
How sad for the whole world that the last administration rushed to war in Iraq and Afganistan before a diplomatic solution was achieved.
We have health care for everyone and yes it comes out of our taxes.
People in a higher wage bracket pay more taxes than people who are less fortunate, but at the end of the day everyone is cared for. Isn't that the way it should be!?
It appears to me that the Republicans are a deadbeat party stuck in their old ways, perhaps not even understanding their own party policies. What's with trying to block any/all legislation/policies that the Democrats want to pass.
I think Michael Moore would be a valuable asset to the Obama administration, he is smart, has incite and doesn't skirt around issues like most politicans. Politicans must have the guts to stand up for what is right, and not go along with the status quo. Hurrah for the Democrats who have stood strong! Better is always different!
I can not believe our politicians! I thought they were professionals, but I'm beginning to believe none of them!
It is weird to blame a party. Don't people realize that blaming the Republicans is a form of hate in itself? Americans have always had strong opinions about the government long before Independence day 1776 which has lead to violence. It is called the human condition, not Republican or Democrat or Independent. Let's be more tolerant and understanding.
History always repeats itself. It is time for this century Civil War. We must finally protect the greatest document ever written next of course to the Bible.....Our constitution is the envy of the world. America, go back to school and read the Constitution.....
I am a legal immigrant from the eastern block of Europe.
My family and I came to this country in 1963 just before the execution of our best President in history JFK. I was only 12 years old. We were escaping the terror of Communism and the historical terror of Nazi Germany. We worked hard and contributed to our American society.
What I see today with the right wing Republican terrorist movement scares me. I can't believe what has become of this nation.
The world opinion of our American society has become a JOKE!
Let's eliminate the hate and separatist idealism and save this country.
If we continue this, the fall of the the American Empire is eminent.
There's nothing wrong for the People to stand up for their rights. The Constitution has no color, race and all men are created equal. Take that to your Obama-ism for twisting the Constitution for his love of Marxist and Socialism....
How can anyone believe what the Republicans are saying. They lost the presidency, the House and the Senate. The only thing they did for us during the Bush Administration was to take us to war.
That’s it I can’t think of anything else.
Here’s what’s going. Anything that the Democrats try to do to make a difference in the U.S., be it healthcare, financial, or fix the recession, the Republicans try to tear it down.
In my opinion, the Republicans will not let anything pass, good or bad, even if the President asks them to write the Health Care Reform Bill themselves, they would either write a terrible bill to make the Democrats look bad or would not pass a bill that THEY wrote that may make the President look good. They are selfish and are not thinking of the welfare of the American people. Their only interest is to try to win back the presidency at any cost. To do that, they have to make the president/the Democrats look bad at any cost. Therefore they slander, lie and use violence (verbal and physical) to turn around what the president does or says to make him look bad.
It's time for a health care system, we all can live with, not the one we have..We cannot afford the premiums and the restrictions....while we suffer, the ins. companies get richer, and boasting huge bonuses..
Naturally, some will be upset, since their gravy train could be affected.
when you have the only cow, the milk price is up to you.........
they strike out, angry, how can some be allowed to incite riots?
I am sickened at the behavoir and hateful speech displayed by some Americans toward their fellow citizens. It is obvious that the Republican Party has no real leadership and has allowed a destructive fringe segment of their party to take control. And that is "Out of Control!" These disturbed people who are acting in a crinimal manner (i.e. throwing bricks, spitting and treaspassing on Representatives homes) need to be held to the laws the rest of live by. They also by no means represent the majority of Americans. Most people know healthcare is not the issue of these people. They are using it as a platform but their hateful rhetoric started during the election. Shame on them, they are clueless and void of knowing what a great Nation we really have.
This is pure hate and greed along with racism I am amazed everyday by the views and thestance our government takes many of the laws they pass thet can't enforce anyway we are heading down a slippery road here