The ghost of Joe Wilson rears his head and our country's elected officials have been insulted with a disrespectful shout of "baby killer", while at work doing the country's business on the floor of the House. Do we as citizens need to remind Republicans that this kind of behavior is in violation to the Rules of Decorum of the House... and just plain unprofessional. Stupec stated on an MSNBC interview today, the insult was directed at the entire House of Representatives so Randy Neugebauer's apology should be directed to them all. The phrase "Baby Killer", was shouted while the courageous Bart Stupeck of Michigan (R) was speaking out, attempting to build bridges of compromise, in support of the Healthcare reform bill. His state, Michigan, has been one of the hardest hit by unemployment and this bill will save families' houses from foreclosure and, no doubt, save lives as well. I applaud him for crossing party lines and voting in favor of the poorest of his constituents.

Here is the video of the disgraceful event:



I feel Iike we are back in the 60's with racist "Teabaggers" / "Tea Party" Republicans running rampant, in their futile attempts to intimidate minorities. At least in the 60's they wore hoods. These people are tarnishing our Democracy and taking America back to the days of the Civil Rights movement with their out-of-control right-wing rhetoric. One good thing is it seems to be reunifying the Democratic party.

Rep Jim Clayburn (D) spoke of someone spitting on an Afro American congressmen, Emanuel Cleaver and crowed chanting the "N word" as they walked by. This is unacceptable anywhere, let alone, on the grounds of the nation's House of Representatives. The images of Republican leaders cheering the crowed on and hanging banner of support out of their offices seem surreal to me. What has happened to the Republican Party leadership that they allow fringe right-wing Talk Show hosts and sound bite spinning hate mongers to dictate their message to our country?

Here is an interesting and insightful quote fro the blog of Bush era speech writer, and seemingly, one of the few sober voices left in the Republican party, David Frum (@davidfrum):

"We followed the most radical voices in the party and the movement, and they led us to abject and irreversible defeat.

There were leaders who knew better, who would have liked to deal. But they were trapped. Conservative talkers on Fox and talk radio had whipped the Republican voting base into such a frenzy that deal-making was rendered impossible. How do you negotiate with somebody who wants
to murder your grandmother? Or – more exactly – with somebody whom your
voters have been persuaded to believe wants to murder their grandmother?

I’ve been on a soapbox for months now about the harm that our overheated talk is doing to us. Yes it mobilizes supporters – but by mobilizing them with hysterical accusations and pseudo-information,
overheated talk has made it impossible for representatives to represent
and elected leaders to lead. The real leaders are on TV and radio, and
they have very different imperatives from people in government. Talk
radio thrives on confrontation and recrimination. When Rush Limbaugh
said that he wanted President Obama to fail, he was intelligently
explaining his own interests. What he omitted to say – but what is
equally true – is that he also wants Republicans to fail. If
Republicans succeed – if they govern successfully in office and
negotiate attractive compromises out of office – Rush’s listeners get
less angry. And if they are less angry, they listen to the radio less,
and hear fewer ads for Sleepnumber beds.

So today’s defeat for free-market economics and Republican values is
a huge win for the conservative entertainment industry. Their listeners
and viewers will now be even more enraged, even more frustrated, even
more disappointed in everybody except the responsibility-free talkers
on television and radio. For them, it’s mission accomplished."
Via the FrumForum

I'm disappointed that our country is being cast in such a light for the world to see in response to a humanitarian bill that promises health care to the poorest among us (at a time when the country needs it most). I don't mind paying a bit more in taxes for a law that will offer basic healthcare to someone who needs it. Especially when a visit to the emergency room will cost taxpayers $10-20K and up for a single visit if they end up there and can't pay. I guarantee you not one Tea Party protester seen shaking a sign on TV is lacking healthcare coverage.

I have personally felt the sting of the the latest tactic of tech companies that only hire permalance (permanent freelancers) employees to avoid paying healthcare for them. I have turned down or left positions because of it. I'm glad to see the tide finally change in favor of mandating affordable health coverage for the middle class. The unbridled hatred that has bubbled up from the Teaparty Republican party against this life saving bill, is heart wrenching and it shows the true colors of the Republican party.

I heard one Congressman when speaking on the "Baby Killer" remark, "...would you allow this to go on in your workplace..." and "...would you tell your 6 year old daughter what you said?" How low has the Republican leadership sank that they are cheering this racist disrespect, as Stupeck said "shame on you..." I think the Republicans will be very surprised who looses the seats in November and who does not.