The Rise of Anti-Government Bigots: Spitting, the N-Word, Anti-Gay/Lesbian Slurs

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by key

The most powerful image of this whole health care debate (or screaming match if you will) is the man with Parkinson's disease who simply sat in front of the people who were wanting to deny him health care (to be his personal death panel).

His name is Robert Letcher, he has a PhD and was a nuclear engineer before being diagnosed with Parkinson's 15 years ago.

He is also a Martial Artist and he said he used his breathing exercises while he sat there and absorbed the hatred and condescension that was being violently hurled at him.

Personally I consider him an American Hero because of that moment.

Like Martin Luther King Jr, like Gandhi, like others have shown us throughout civil rights struggles in the past

pure and centered, righteous peace in the face of injustice really can change people's hearts. And when you have changed their hearts, they will change their minds

Yes, this struck me deeply. Change of heart, exactly. I am having a hard time with all of this because I turned 59 today and for the very first time in my life (have been an activist for decades), and no longer believe much heart changing will happen in what is left of my life. And for the first time, I am seriously considering leaving the US. Very seriously. At least an african American has been elected president, but my well of hope is drying up.

[Soft*Silver]

for you, ALH, and all others who are tired soldiers, who have lugged signs or signed petitions or sat in large groups or jumped on buses or formed a human fence...who are greyer now, move stiffer, and see not quite as well...I say this...

it seems as though all your work has been naught enough. You look around Today and you think, where is all my effort? Surely there has to be more progress....more noticable change? When I look on tv or on the internet or listen to the radio, Why do I not hear how radical the differences are? Why does it seem its all in vain...why is there not enought change?

to you, I say,

to you, who battled to open domestic violence shelters when women were still considered objects

for you who fought to make rape a crime of power and not an act of unrequited lust

for you who said 46 cents to a man's dollar is not enough for a woman to live on

for you who said racial intolerance is unacceptable and dared to drink at the only the fountains as anyone could....

for you who said education should be for everyone, not just the 12% who own 95% of the nation's wealth

for you who saw children and knew they had no rights...and committed to them a career that most would never want

for you who understood that saying "he" and "mankind" to refer to all of humankind was WRONG

for you who dreamed a life where orientations could co-exist together in a non hierarchal platform in the nation, let alone a neighborhood

for you who voted and voted and voted AND VOTED to put the right people in...

for you who fought wars to protect our nation and for you who fought so wars wouldnt be needed to be fought...

for you who made the statment "hate is not a family value" a household phrase

for you, I thank you....

and caution you...not to look ahead and think of how much is yet needing to be done. Each generation has their own legacies that they inherit, of what is still not done. Instead, look back and see all that has been done ....

by you

the individual

and the era's collective heroes...

and while your work is done, oh silver ones...yes, THE work is not all done.

So to those young who step up to the plate...

thank you

for continuing onward....




=AtLastHome;71638]
Yes, this struck me deeply. Change of heart, exactly. I am having a hard time with all of this because I turned 59 today and for the very first time in my life (have been an activist for decades), and no longer believe much heart changing will happen in what is left of my life. And for the first time, I am seriously considering leaving the US. Very seriously. At least an african American has been elected president, but my well of hope is drying up. [/QUOTE]

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by key

Have you ever listened to Thom Hartman? He is on AM radio stations. the smartest man (regarding politics and US history in particular) I know alive today. And also very courteous and respectful even as he argues for liberal principles. He is really quite refreshing! Sort of the Anti-Glenn Beck, though is much more than that, more like a professor, as he deals in facts, but is very entertaining and easy to listen to.

http://www.thomhartmann.com/

Anyway, he is always reminding his listeners about how this moment we are in is part of the larger story of our very young, very immature nation. If you do not know of him I just wanted to turn you, and everyone on to him. he might be able to replenish some of your hope reserves.

Happy Birthday BTW.

Thank you!

yes, I have listened to Thom and am inspired. he does not scream his convictions and gives historical back-up. I think the last couple of days have just been rough with the kind of hatred I have been seeing while following the Health-Care-Reform voting and debates. Also this past year and the Tea Bag loonies. The town hall meetings in which the man with Parkinson's had money thrown at him by those assbites just sent me over the edge.

But, I do need to listen to Hartman more often. Thanks.

Originally Posted by softness

for you, ALH, and all others who are tired soldiers, who have lugged signs or signed petitions or sat in large groups or jumped on buses or formed a human fence...who are greyer now, move stiffer, and see not quite as well...I say this...

it seems as though all your work has been naught enough. You look around Today and you think, where is all my effort? Surely there has to be more progress....more noticable change? When I look on tv or on the internet or listen to the radio, Why do I not hear how radical the differences are? Why does it seem its all in vain...why is there not enought change?
to you, I say,

to you, who battled to open domestic violence shelters when women were still considered objects

for you who fought to make rape a crime of power and not an act of unrequited lust

for you who said 46 cents to a man's dollar is not enough for a woman to live on

for you who said racial intolerance is unacceptable and dared to drink at the only the fountains as anyone could....

for you who said education should be for everyone, not just the 12% who own 95% of the nation's wealth

for you who saw children and knew they had no rights...and committed to them a career that most would never want

for you who understood that saying "he" and "mankind" to refer to all of humankind was WRONG

for you who dreamed a life where orientations could co-exist together in a non hierarchal platform in the nation, let alone a neighborhood

for you who voted and voted and voted AND VOTED to put the right people in...

for you who fought wars to protect our nation and for you who fought so wars wouldnt be needed to be fought...

for you who made the statment "hate is not a family value" a household phrase

for you, I thank you....

and caution you...not to look ahead and think of how much is yet needing to be done. Each generation has their own legacies that they inherit, of what is still not done. Instead, look back and see all that has been done ....

by you

the individual

and the era's collective heroes...

and while your work is done, oh silver ones...yes, THE work is not all done.

So to those young who step up to the plate...

thank you

for continuing onward....




=AtLastHome;71638]
Yes, this struck me deeply. Change of heart, exactly. I am having a hard time with all of this because I turned 59 today and for the very first time in my life (have been an activist for decades), and no longer believe much heart changing will happen in what is left of my life. And for the first time, I am seriously considering leaving the US. Very seriously. At least an african American has been elected president, but my well of hope is drying up.

[/QUOTE]



Thank you.... I needed this. Very disillusioned of late. To the point of just pain in terms of the human cruelty around us. Yes, I do get tired and frustrated.

What I need to focus on when I feel this way is what I experienced with working along side much younger people during Obama's run. I was encouraged by seeing students back in the process and people that have never voted. On election night walking in SF to the election parties and seeing the street filled with bright, young, hopeful people did my heart good. I just am feeling that this energy must continue during such times as mid-term elections. And even though I can get mad at Obama about some things, I know that it is very important that I continue to support him and others I voted for. I have to get the energy to once again, and get back to the precinct work needed before November.

Just feeling so frustrated! And in many ways, I want to hand off the candles to younger folks. Live a little more of my own life for me.

Last night while watching some political strategists on CNN I was so angry with not just GOP analysts BS about these infractions in DC, but also those from the Dems making excuses for this behavior! They talked about how high tempers were and how both parties were reacting via being tired. So, that means that this kind of behavior can go on without taking some responsibility with making it clear that it will not be tolerated? The GOP wants the tea Bag votes and frankly, so do the Dems! The only people that said they were offended and made it clear that this behavior cannot be tolerated were the African American analysts! However, the head of the GOP national Committee, an African American man, made excuses for this, too! [B]THERE IS NO EXCUSE!!! They are just courting votes and do not give a damn about this display of bigotry!![/B]

[Jess]

Perhaps it is just my simpleton way of viewing things, but I personally feel that it is time for a clear cut anti-discrimination/ pro human rights bill/ law in this country. When FDR said " we have nothing to fear...." and when LBJ said " until we are all color blind.." and when Clinton said.."don't ask don't tell".. they were all well meaning in their attempts for us to put aside our fears and bigotry. Even though years later, those very ideas may have become outdated and even in some cases failed miserably, these leaders tried to make a difference.

We are at a point in our brief history where once again the population is bubbling over with fear and discrimination and it is obvious every time we turn on the news or open our computers. The way I see it, Pres Obama has the perfect opportunity and in my opinion, obligation to help end all of that. Not because he is a POC, but because he is our leader. In much the same way that our little planet here is attempting to discuss and create an anti- discrimination statement, our country should be doing the same thing. It could end DADT, DOMA, and a great many of our healthcare issues, by simply stating "we are all equal" under they eyes of the law. Gays can marry and receive equal benefits. Differently abled or ( sick) people can get healthcare without risk of losing homes/ properties. POC cannot be denied jobs/ housing/ growth opportunities based on skin color or ethnicity.

We should have "hate laws" that reflect discrimination on it's many levels. I agree with dreadgeek in that we can't legislate "prejudice" or "thought". We can however legislate behavior. Senators/ Congressmen especially should be held to higher standards, as they represent larger groups. Sanction/ fine their asses when they show them. I like the statement Linus posted regarding CAN and how they view the "freedom of speech" notion.

For me, we elect officials to go in there and do a job. If they aren't doing it then we have been dubbed and hopefully we will replace them with someone else we think will do it. I don't know exactly what "the" answer is regarding our politicians and our ongoing discrimination in this country. I do however feel strongly that a human rights bill would go a great distance in ensuring a more level playing field. How do we do that without becoming "big brother" ? Do we need more government involvement in our personal lives? Where does thought end and action begin? How do we truly move from the "dark age" to an enlightened equal country?

I think it is very easy for us to see what is "wrong", but it is very difficult to create laws that truly do make things just for everyone. There will be resistance to any movement that takes away "privilege" as some folks see it, as they equate what they have come to know as their "rights" for "privilege". Someone mentioned car insurance and wondered if it was not the same as health insurance. Well, frankly, it's not. The "privilege" of driving a car on state and federally maintained and monitored highways, is just that , a "privilege". Having healthcare available for all human beings should be a "right".

Perhaps in all of our distraction with this healthcare reform ( which falls short of the goal) we should be more focused on human rights. It just feels an awful lot like we are doing ( as a nation) what modern medicine does. Fix the symptom and not the illness.

My 2 cents about the "dark age" of politics, that's all.

[Greyson]

I invite you to join in this effort of letting our elected officials and the US Capitol Police know, we as a people will not sit passively and quietly while this assault upon our elected officials takes place in our nation's capitol while doing the work of our nation.

Where was the US Capitol Police when United States Congressmen were being spat upon and being subjected to implied threats, racists and homophobic comments?

Must we wait for one of them to be seriously and permanently injured or worse? I think not. It is time to take back OUR country from the Right Wing Extremist that are leading this Republic down the path of destruction.

For the record, if Left leaning people were acting in this same manner, I would be just as disturbed by such despicable behavior.

Finally, please do not give me the "Freedom of Speech" sentiment. It is not Freedom of Speech to use hateful disparaging language that incites fear and to spit upon another human being.


_____________________________________________
Ray Taliaferro - KGO Talk Radio

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

1:00a.m. - 5:00a.m.: Ray expresses his outrage over a group of tea party protesters who on Saturday menaced and harassed three Black Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), a hero of the civil rights movement, Representatives André Carson of Indiana, and Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri. The protesters hurled the N-word at the Congressmen as they walked to the Capitol to hear President Obama’s final speech on healthcare reform. One of the lawmakers, Emanuel Cleaver was spat upon. Teapartiers also shouted the homophobic slur “faggot” and “homo” to Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), as the group laughed. Ray is encouraging KGO listeners to express their outrage over the spitting and slurs directed at the lawmakers.

To express your outrage, contact Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi's District Office in San Francisco at (415) 556-4862 or her Capitol office in Washington, D.C. at (202) 225-4965. Email Congresswoman Pelosi at: AmericanVoices@mail.house.gov

To register a complaint with the United States Capitol Police, call (202) 224-9806.

To reach the Congressional Switchboard, dial 1-866-220-0044 and ask to be connected to your district representative's office.

[AtLast]

BUMPING this post- USE THESE phone numbers! Send letters, emails... this has to STOP!! ACT!!! Thanks Greyson.

Originally Posted by Greyson

I invite you to join in this effort of letting our elected officials and the US Capitol Police know, we as a people will not sit passively and quietly while this assault upon our elected officials takes place in our nation's capitol while doing the work of our nation.

Where was the US Capitol Police when United States Congressmen were being spat upon and being subjected to implied threats, racists and homophobic comments?

Must we wait for one of them to be seriously and permanently injured or worse? I think not. It is time to take back OUR country from the Right Wing Extremist that are leading this Republic down the path of destruction.

For the record, if Left leaning people were acting in this same manner, I would be just as disturbed by such despicable behavior.

Finally, please do not give me the "Freedom of Speech" sentiment. It is not Freedom of Speech to use hateful disparaging language that incites fear and to spit upon another human being.


_____________________________________________
Ray Taliaferro - KGO Talk Radio

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

1:00a.m. - 5:00a.m.: Ray expresses his outrage over a group of tea party protesters who on Saturday menaced and harassed three Black Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), a hero of the civil rights movement, Representatives André Carson of Indiana, and Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri. The protesters hurled the N-word at the Congressmen as they walked to the Capitol to hear President Obama’s final speech on healthcare reform. One of the lawmakers, Emanuel Cleaver was spat upon. Teapartiers also shouted the homophobic slur “faggot” and “homo” to Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), as the group laughed. Ray is encouraging KGO listeners to express their outrage over the spitting and slurs directed at the lawmakers.

To express your outrage, contact Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi's District Office in San Francisco at (415) 556-4862 or her Capitol office in Washington, D.C. at (202) 225-4965. Email Congresswoman Pelosi at: AmericanVoices@mail.house.gov

To register a complaint with the United States Capitol Police, call (202) 224-9806.

To reach the Congressional Switchboard, dial 1-866-220-0044 and ask to be connected to your district representative's office.

[Soft*Silver]

[B]THERE IS NO EXCUSE!!! They are just courting votes and do not give a damn about this display of bigotry!![/B[/COLOR][/FONT]][/QUOTE]

Mr Smitty the one eyed rocking on limping kitty says that sometimes a skid-daddle is just a skid-daddle and not a run for anything but...

to transcribe that, he means, sometimes politics are just politics and not actually have any basis in being political. We who work the trenches and not the policies can never forget thats its all politics! ...because we know that its all personal, and that all personal is political. But those who practice policy, laws, words, not WE the People, well, sometimes they just run crazy with their words to justify their neediness to win their battles...

[AtLast]

Although, I can't get behind the Coffee Party movement (too conservative, but might help drain the Tea Party swamp, dunno...) , this quote says a lot to me-

"If our children acted like our politicians are acting right now they would be grounded for a very long time," says Ryan Clayton, a Coffee Party spokesperson in Washington DC.

I do understand why people are freaked about our national debt. It does hurt us all. I want the new Health-Care Reform actions to be fully funded so that they can work! But there has to be a way for this concern to be addressed in a manner other than via racist lunatics!

While watching Obama sign the health-Care Reform Bill, I cried for my neighbor and best buddy, Kenny. An African American man that died 3 years ago as a 57 year old, uninsured citizen. A hard working self-employed carpenter with a heart of gold. He was such a good friend to me. As I saw him getting sick, and not being able to get diagnostic care as well cancer treatment, I was outraged. Yet, he represents so many. Other people's relatives and buddies, parents, kids. I also cried for Kenny when Obama was elected because Kenny didn't live to see him take office.

Kenny had all of the untreated ailments that so many uninsured POC have (high blood pressure, etc.) that are easily treated with preventative care and access to medical care. His cancer might very well have been detected in time for it to be treated. His mother (in her late 80's) does have SS and MediCare, but can't afford supplemental insurance. She skips taking prescription medications she needs continually.

And kenny's common-law wife had to work and could not be home with him as he was failing. I used to go over during the day and fix him lunch and watch sports with him. I loved spending this time with him, but saw how his wife earned to be able to be with him during his last weeks and days.

I am so tired of these conditions in the USA.... and I am happy to pay more in taxes if it gets to needing more $ from people under that $200,000/year mark. My property taxes are nuts, but, if somehow they had an attached tax for health care for all, I will pay it with a smile. And, I have no problem at all with any immigrant of any status getting health care. To raise healthy, productive children, parents need to be healthy!

Sure, I feel the impact of higher taxes and want the government to make sure they stop fraud and abuse in our health care systems (MediCare), but there is no way that I want private insurance companies to continue make profits of over 400% on my back and have people go without medical care!

[Zimmeh]

Good Afternoon AtLast,

When I resigned from my job and put in for a transfer with my company so I could move to be with my ex, my regional manager terminated me and I lost my health insurance. I received the paperwork to continue the COBRA coverage, but it is over $500 a month, which I cannot afford since I no longer have a job. Since this is a right to work state, he can fire me for anything...

Have a good day,

Zimmy

Originally Posted by AtLastHome

Although, I can't get behind the Coffee Party movement (too conservative, but might help drain the Tea Party swamp, dunno...) , this quote says a lot to me-

"If our children acted like our politicians are acting right now they would be grounded for a very long time," says Ryan Clayton, a Coffee Party spokesperson in Washington DC.

I do understand why people are freaked about our national debt. It does hurt us all. I want the new Health-Care Reform actions to be fully funded so that they can work! But there has to be a way for this concern to be addressed in a manner other than via racist lunatics!

While watching Obama sign the health-Care Reform Bill, I cried for my neighbor and best buddy, Kenny. An African American man that died 3 years ago as a 57 year old, uninsured citizen. A hard working self-employed carpenter with a heart of gold. He was such a good friend to me. As I saw him getting sick, and not being able to get diagnostic care as well cancer treatment, I was outraged. Yet, he represents so many. Other people's relatives and buddies, parents, kids. I also cried for Kenny when Obama was elected because Kenny didn't live to see him take office.

Kenny had all of the untreated ailments that so many uninsured POC have (high blood pressure, etc.) that are easily treated with preventative care and access to medical care. His cancer might very well have been detected in time for it to be treated. His mother (in her late 80's) does have SS and MediCare, but can't afford supplemental insurance. She skips taking prescription medications she needs continually.

And kenny's common-law wife had to work and could not be home with him as he was failing. I used to go over during the day and fix him lunch and watch sports with him. I loved spending this time with him, but saw how his wife earned to be able to be with him during his last weeks and days.

I am so tired of these conditions in the USA.... and I am happy to pay more in taxes if it gets to needing more $ from people under that $200,000/year mark. My property taxes are nuts, but, if somehow they had an attached tax for health care for all, I will pay it with a smile. And, I have no problem at all with any immigrant of any status getting health care. To raise healthy, productive children, parents need to be healthy!

Sure, I feel the impact of higher taxes and want the government to make sure they stop fraud and abuse in our health care systems (MediCare), but there is no way that I want private insurance companies to continue make profits of over 400% on my back and have people go without medical care!

[AtLast]

WOW, that is as much as I pay per month for a group policy myself, which is high- I'm stuck with this at the moment due to pre-existing conditions. So, as soon as the part of the new bill goes into effect banning the pre-existing refusal, I will look around. And I live in a state that is usually more expensive in every damn thing!

Now, from what I can tell (and yes, I have been watching this closely all year), the new legislation will also cut the costs for high risk policies or eliminate them.

I know we have to wait out the complete process of implementation of the new legislation, but, I think you may now have a chance for some coverage within 6 months that is more affordable.

I in no way see this as a panacea, only a single-payer system would be that for me. I also know that I am in a group of people that will not reap much savings for a few years. But, I am OK with this for now because of the millions more that will get some coverage and preventive care. I am especially concerned with poor people that are at such risk with obesity (including their kids) and things like diabetes. They have no means to get care and education about nutrition and better ways to prepare food.

What is so amazing to me is that this has brought to the forefront the most ugly of the ugly of people that have so much and don't want to give a little for others to become more healthy. This will cut costs in the long run as well as give people a fighting chance. We have to get people to stop using ER rooms for primary care! That is such a waste of money!!

I have been thinking about a way to just have a small group in my home to teach food preparation that cuts down fat intake. Trying to figure a way to start this. Maybe via my community center where I live. I would love having a few teen mothers on a rotational basis to just bring them some basics. Gotta explore how I might be able to do this. No gourmet here, but have some good basic skills with low-fat cooking.

One really great thing about retirement is having time to do these sorts of things. yes, my working and professional life gave me a lot of satisfaction, but, this is another way to feel this in a much broader sense.

Originally Posted by ZimmygLrL

Good Afternoon AtLast,

When I resigned from my job and put in for a transfer with my company so I could move to be with my ex, my regional manager terminated me and I lost my health insurance. I received the paperwork to continue the COBRA coverage, but it is over $500 a month, which I cannot afford since I no longer have a job. Since this is a right to work state, he can fire me for anything...

Have a good day,

Zimmy

[MsDemeanor]

Originally Posted by ZimmygLrL

I received the paperwork to continue the COBRA coverage, but it is over $500 a month, which I cannot afford since I no longer have a job.

Could you afford it if it was only $175 a month?

COBRA Continuation Coverage Assistance Under ARRA

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), as amended on March 2, 2010 by the Temporary Extension Act of 2010, provides for premium reductions for health benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly called COBRA. Eligible individuals pay only 35 percent of their COBRA premiums and the remaining 65 percent is reimbursed to the coverage provider through a tax credit. To qualify, individuals must experience a COBRA qualifying event that is the involuntary termination of a covered employee's employment. The involuntary termination must generally occur during the period that began September 1, 2008 and ends on March 31, 2010. (An involuntary termination of employment that occurs on or after March 2, 2010 but by March 31, 2010 and follows a qualifying event that was a reduction of hours that occurred at any time from September 1, 2008 through March 31, 2010 is also a qualifying event for purposes of ARRA.) The premium reduction applies to periods of health coverage that began on or after February 17, 2009 and lasts for up to 15 months. See Temporary Extension Act of 2010.

linkyloo

[key]

Originally Posted by AtLastHome

Yes, this struck me deeply. Change of heart, exactly. I am having a hard time with all of this because I turned 59 today and for the very first time in my life (have been an activist for decades), and no longer believe much heart changing will happen in what is left of my life. And for the first time, I am seriously considering leaving the US. Very seriously. At least an african American has been elected president, but my well of hope is drying up.

Have you ever listened to Thom Hartman? He is on AM radio stations. the smartest man (regarding politics and US history in particular) I know alive today. And also very courteous and respectful even as he argues for liberal principles. He is really quite refreshing! Sort of the Anti-Glenn Beck, though is much more than that, more like a professor, as he deals in facts, but is very entertaining and easy to listen to.

http://www.thomhartmann.com/

Anyway, he is always reminding his listeners about how this moment we are in is part of the larger story of our very young, very immature nation. If you do not know of him I just wanted to turn you, and everyone on to him. he might be able to replenish some of your hope reserves.

Happy Birthday BTW.