And the point of publishing this story is.........???????

jesse, i agree....do they really think that if they "shoot" the president that that will be the answer to all of their problems....not in this day and time...back in the day under cloak of darkness, those thugs had their way...well, not today...

everyone in that arena should be held accountable for what was said...that includes the politician...there should have been a lock down...the person who made the threat should be incarcerated...do they think this is comedy...

i can go on but i refuse because i lived the 1960s...

We are but, what, a month away from Tuscon, and this same subclass of people are still advocating assassination as a means to solving their political problems?

I hope they find and prosecute that 'unknown' person to the fullest extent that the law allows.

People sometimes laugh when they are in an odd situation or nervous... people laugh when they sometimes dismiss stupidity. And sometimes they laugh when they think it's funny. What kind of laugh did we have?, how loud of a laugh was it?, how much of the crowd participated?

The purpose behind this story is to continue to create the divisive atmosphere that forces people to one political party or another.

The question is in poor taste, it isn't funny for a lot of us... but it'll make a fine news piece to incite a bunch of brash reactions. Did the Representative do the right thing by changing the subject or ignoring it?, hard to say... I'd think I'd have prefered to have called him out on it, but I can see a person being shocked in disbelief over it. Sort of like yelling out "you lie" in the middle of the State of the Union.

And, mishnu, that wasn't a threat... it was a question, one likely meant as a joke, but a poor poor joke indeed.

....well it is Georgia after all, if you run through the AM radio dial downthere you will run on to all the hate your stomach can take. Preacher's talking about black people being beast of the field and KKK types retching hate for blacks like you have never heard before..........it is shocking to the civilized person.

Leiya: The story stated that the Secret Service already interviewed the person and found that he/she was not a threat. Apparently, the person is just stupid. While I hope that Obama loses his bid for re-election in 2012, I hope he lives a long life and dances at his grandchildren's weddings.

Love the spin by Braun, "...and chose not to dignify it with a response." But he DID respond. He said, "The thing is, I know there’s a lot of frustration with this president”

Of course, he could have easily condemned the comment immediately and demanded that the person get thrown out, but that might have upset his "constituents", right? Especially those that laughed.

I wonder if Braun got a chuckle out of it, as well.

The speaker was wrong to not disclaim this immediately. The GOP is fostering anger, hatred and ignorance. This is much more serious than the response it is getting.

No, the scary part is that this is the new band wagon everyone is jumping on. Everyone at that meeting laughed because they were there and heard it in context, knew the person who said it, and knew it was said as a joke.

The politician did fine ignoring it, but then turned the guy in to the secret service? I guess the next thing will be people being arrested by the political correct police.

Of course I do not condone threats against the president or anyone else, I'm just saying we were not there, we do not know the guy who said it, and we should not be so quick to judge.

No, the scary part is that this is the new band wagon everyone is jumping on. Everyone at that meeting laughed because they were there and heard it in context, knew the person who said it, and knew it was said as a joke.

The politician did fine ignoring it, but then turned the guy in to the secret service? I guess the next thing will be people being arrested by the political correct police.

Of course I do not condone threats against the president or anyone else, I'm just saying we were not there, we do not know the guy who said it, and we should not be so quick to judge.

@ Spider: The purpose is to prove what ignorant, hipocritical and plain off "stupid" the conservative movement has become. If your will is not done then let's kill someone, or force them into it. Years ago that person would have been jailed. Had that happened I'm sure Obama would have been taking the heat. Remember all those people arrested for protesting at the Bush appearances a few years back. That's what they should have done in this situation.

It's a sad day in America when we can't discuss our differences respectively.

Boy the lefties are really grabbing at straws these days. They see the writing on the wall. Their agenda is being rejected evey day so they have to make big news out of something like this. Remember what President Obama said "if they bring a knife we'll bring a gun". I have an idea, find out who the person was that made that idiotic statement and send the union thugs to their house. Maybe the DNC could pay for a bus to get them there.

Eric - do you mean like in Wisconsin? Shut everything down and run and hide?

I think the story is news wothy. Jesus, if you can't tell the difference between a story about a regular person being punched and someone insinuating an assasination on the President, you are beyond hope. And, by the way, it doesn't apply to Obama. There were comments, I recall, about Bush W. which were properly met with the same level of disgust.

Learn, people, that threatening the life of the President, even as a joke, is not a joke at all. This guy is lucky that the Secret Service let him go. Probably because not only was he not a threat, but they determined he was so F**king stupid.

Sometimes I wonder if this divide has gone too far. I wonder if we really will have another civil war, between the Democrats and the Republicans. A war like that will end this nation, as surely as free speach and openess ended the Soviet Union. And what would the world be like, with a fractured America?

I agree with jesse7025 -- it's sad and scary that the (mostly republican) members of the audience laughed rather than condemn something like that. It's equally sad that the republicans here on Newsvine are trying to spin a threat against the president as if it were no big deal.

Yes, I know that the secret service determined that the guy was just kidding but I don't happen to believe that it's EVER acceptable, even in jest, to imply that violence should be used against the president. Nor do I buy the argument that the laughter could have been nervous laughter in reaction to something the audience disapproved of. I've never seen a roomful of people laugh in response to something they TRULY found offensive.

It's also silly to say that it's a question, rather than a threat. Come on, give me a break. Anyone that isn't completely blinded by partisanship should be able to see that a question like that STRONLY implies that the speaker thinks that someone SHOULD use violence against the president. The legal standard for a threat, in fact, involves the idea that certain statements would imply a threat in the mind of an objective, reasonable observer.

I believe that the guy meant it as a joke if that's the conclusion that the secret service came to, but I'm dismayed that the guy wasn't shouted down immediately for making a joke like that in the first place. As a democrat, I certainly wouldn't laugh if someone make a joke like that about a republican. I'd tell him to sit down, shut up, and grow up.

Spider with numbers - here's another take on the point of publishing this story.

A U.S. congressman held a public town hall meeting in which a constituent, in all seriousness, implied the President needed to be assassinated.

I believe wholeheartedly that if the question of "who is going to shoot the President" was asked to John McCain, he would have made it a point to say that this type of question is completely inappropriate. Rep. Broun didn't do that.

What Rep. Broun did do is provide an answer sympathizing that there's a lot of frustration with the current President. Then, hours later, Broun talked out of the other side of his mouth by declaring that the question didn't dignify an answer, even though he did answer by saying, "I know there’s a lot of frustration with this president"

Rep Broun showed very poor judgement. Then he tried to cover it up by saying he wouldn't dignify the question with an answer, even though he did just that. Folks in Rep. Broun's district need to know these things and the point of the article was to show Broun's hypocrisy and poor judgement to his constituents and the rest of the country.

It's a story that needs to be told again and again. I hope you understand why.

Leiya123 #1.4,

From the article:

The politician stated: "After the event, my office took action with the appropriate authorities". "I deeply regret that this incident happened at all".

"The Washington Post reports that the Secret Service has interviewed the constituent and determined that he or she is not a threat and was merely acting 'in poor taste'."

Maybe you should read the article, before making your comments.

Matt, you apparently don't read the comment forums of black media if you are clueless enough to thinck there are no black racists. we have a black president. he got there because a whole lot of white people voted for him. back to your cocoon.

MGinrochester, I guess you weren't concerned when George Bush was threatened numerous times. You liberal nut jobs are special. You can put your blinders on so many different ways so you see the world in your own special way. Whatever, the world, and Obama, are leaving you behind. Have a nice day.

Broun should resign, especially in light of what took place in Tucson a few months ago. Threatening the life of an elected official on the level of the President is a Federal crime, not a joke.

Poor taste indeed.

The question this numbskull asked is all it would take to send someone around the bend and over the waterfall.

There is someone out there who is on the verge of cracking....we all know it. I hope he / she doesn't hear about this unfortunate incident.

Does anyone recall the President's call to action that included a statement to the effect that,"if they bring a knife, you bring a gun"! His Attorney General dismisses a case against the New Black Panthers for voter intimidation with violent overtones (blackjacks, billy-clubs, pipes, etc.), and this comment gets calls for prosecution? The comments by the President and the inaction of Justice Department are what is fostering the "frustration" and questionable vocalizations! Put the blame on the source...the most divisivePresident in US history, the man with hate in his heart, and bigotry in his soul! The great unifier has cast himself as the great divider from the day he mad his statement that "police acted stupidly" with the professor incident!

Harold of the Rocks ~~~ I totally agree. This went WAY beyond 'poor taste'. This is the kind of thing that I think requires IMMEDIATE ACTION. He/she should have IMMEDIATLY been taken into custody, and made an example of. To me, it's like standing in the middle of the market and yelling 'FIRE'. The disrespect that this portrays to the president (or any official) is HUGE, and it breeds dis-content, and anger. It shows people that you can threaten the president or other officals and just say you have poor taste. It's disgraceful, crass, and low class, not to mention DANGEROUS. Even if you don't like the president, or other officials, there is no excuse for 'poor taste'. Many things said in 'jest' are actually what a person really means to say .

i count among my proudest days, the day my son graduated boot camp to become a marine, and the day he wrote me from Iraq to say when he returned he was going to vote for Barack Obama, and then the day Obama was elected; not because i necessarily believed he was the best man for the job, but because i never thought i would see, in my lifetime, our country elect a black president. i thought it might be the beginning of the end of racism, corruption, good-ole-boy politics and hatred that has tried to destroy this great country since the civil war. and then, reality set in. now my son is gone, and our president has been under attack since even before being elected. sadly, i have watched our political system rear its ugly head time and again. honestly, i was surprised he has survived, and no assassination attempt as yet, until i learned, from the help of friends here, on this vine, truths i have never known about the assassinations of former presidents JFK, Lincoln, and McKinley. While i fear for the safety of our president, it appears he may be safe, unless he goes after the biggest threat to our freedom, the "Federal" Reserve. If you have an ounce of american left in you, after the republicans and democrats suck you dry, please read the Bankers Manifesto of 1892, and Bankers Gone Wild on whatreallyhappened.com, and remember, "a nation divided against itself cannot stand". (paraphrased from memory), it believe it was Abe Lincoln.

Broun did not respond directly to the question, instead changing the subject to the issue of the Obama-backed health care bill that passed last year.

That's great. A representative doesn't have the moral courage to stand up immediately and denounce this kind of rhetoric that has gotten government officials shot just this year in Tuscon.

These crazies need to be taken seriously, not laughed at. If the far right keeps spouting BS that Obama is not just somebody they disagree with on political issues, but is a Marxist Kenyan Militant Communist Terrorist Socialist vampire space alien, they shouldn't be surprised that they're mobilizing their idiot listeners to unacceptable outbreaks of violence.

Kathryn,

Should I assume from your post that folks like Jeremiah Wright are ok with you? Or that The Black Panthers are really just misunderstood?

Of course since your statement reads "radio stations down there", I should probably understand that you are not from down here and you simply have no clue what you're talking about. You probably just have a case of diarrhea of the key board like the questioner had a case of diarrhea of the mouth.

Chandler

The affect to the country on the economy of the Bush years was the result of two parties. The wars were voted on by both parties. The Bush administration did in fact try to put the brakes on the housing disaster but were blocked at least three times by the democrats. Those are FACTS. The democrats have controlled Congress from 2007 until January 2011, they still control the Senate. The economy will never recover from the past 4 years of spending if things don't change. Believe WE GET IT!

Amen.

Chandler,

So tired of the "soak the rich" chant. Eventually, after all the "rich" are soaked they will come for YOU.

Hey Matt, fact: the Tucson shootings involved one nut job with no apparent political affiliation. Exactly what "subclass" are you referring to who is still advocating assasination? Can you name a source or two, or did you just make up some crap to throw at some folks who don't agree with you?

And, yes, the proper resonse to the question would have been "I will not dignify that with a response."

http://www.garynorth.com/public/6951.cfm

beware bogus documents...

Rat Poison,

How can you even vaguely defend this person? Was it a direct threat? No. But asking the question "Who is going to shoot (President) Obama?" says two things:

1) The person is advocating the assassination of the President of the United States; and

2) The person already assumes in his/her mind that the President will be shot, it's just a question of who will do it.

Since the question was asked of a GOP congressman at a GOP meeting, you must also assume the person asking the question is a Republican. Furthermore, with laughter coming from the audience (it dosen't matter how many, obviously alot more than a few) you can also conclude this position is also advocated by a number of Republicans. This is not a "lone wolf."

I don't understand why the Secret Service did not arrest this person. Advocating violence against the President can never be assumed to be a joke. The person should be tried, and if appripriate, sent to prison.

Otherwise, expect similar comments at GOP/TP meetings in the future if this one is simply written off as a joke with absolutely no consequences.

Maybe you are confused rapture2010. I am not defending this person, I am not applauding his question but have condemned it... what I am stating though is that this level of reporting by MSNBC is first meant to enrage the bases, to create the divisive atmosphere that gives them ratings, and pushes people to political parties. I am also saying that... this "question" is not a threat, despite the claims from people... and you seem to agree with that.

Beyond that, and how you interpret the article's claim of "laughter" in response to is full of assumptions. You've made many yourself to get to your point. Worse yet is that people will use this to further their derogatory stereotypes for this group which is unfortunate since I'd dare to say that the vast majority of people aren't seeking the President's death.

The other thing that I am saying... primarily to the people who think that this is typical from the GOP and only from them... that this sort of behavior and style of outbursts occur at Democrat events. Condemn this action... fine, but make sure you condemn the ones on the other side.

You think the Secret Service should investigate it... that's fine... you think the man should be arrested... that's fine. But where are the same consequences for the other side of the aisle?... Where were your complaints 3 years ago with Bush?

It's amazing in this country what can pass the "acceptability" test ...

The "N" word can get you fired; racial or sexual remarks or innuendos can land you in court, but death threats or threats of violence are acceptable?

Something is wrong with the scenario ....

I am opposed to any ban on language ... because it simply drives the feelings expressed "underground;" concealed, hidden from view, to ferment, only to be shared with like thinkers ... I want to hear your how you really feel .. not how you want me to perceive you. If your a bigot, I want to know!

It's about the "Truth" ... your true feeling ... those that you want to hide from all but the other bigots you associate with.

Let everyone speak their mind, without fear of reprisal, thats how we learn what evil lurks beneath the calm water...

But the threat of death or violence, needs to be politically incorrect, unacceptable, in all but the most desperate of situations ....

The comment made about our president was entirely inappropriate & unacceptable, and should have been answered at the moment from the podium, regardless of political affiliation by the speaker.

In a statement issued Friday, Broun said he "was stunned by the question and chose not to dignify it with a response."

"After the event, my office took action with the appropriate authorities," he said. "I deeply regret that this incident happened at all. Furthermore, I condemn all statements-made in sincerity or jest-that threaten or suggest the use of violence against the President of the United States or any other public official. Such rhetoric cannot and will not be tolerated."

Are you new? He clearly condemned it.

I seriously cannot believe that anyone would not find this kind of comment by the "unidentified constituent" to be at once deeply disturbing and very telling. I further don't want to believe that some prior posters are trying to link the existence of black panthers, or some frustration with recent legislation, or the fact that they have a strange sense of humor as some sort of justification(?!) for comments like this -- The person who made this "joke" is guilty of threatening the President of the United States -- for the love of God.

The comparison of white hate groups by some posters to black panther groups (as if they are truly an organized threat to citizens at large and they are as deeply ingrained in the American culture as say, the kkk) -- is ludicrous

The idea that Broun did not immediately extinguish this person's hateful comment with something as simple as, "hey, hey -- we may not all agree with the president, but he is the president and that kind of remark is way out of line -- let's stick to the issues." -- I mean duh, how hard is this to do??? Apparently it's really hard, when you think your audience is ok with what the "unidentified constiuent" had to say.

And as far as hateful rhetroic and violent references, sure you can find these on both sieds of the aisle -- but please, republicans, while the majority of conservatives do not spout this cr*p -- have the guts to own the origin of it.

It is so frustrating, as a political moderate, centrist, whatever - to constantly hear you folks defend these types of comments out one side of your mouths (because the average guy is just so darned frustrated) then turn around and accuse others of using the same tactics. Seriously, there is an entire conservative "news" network dedicated to this stuff with the likes of Beck leading the paranoid, conspiracy loving pack. And don't even go there with citing MSNBC as the reason FOX is necessary; think George Will, Joe Scarborough, etc -- they are all over MSNBC, they fact check, and they actually have discussions with opposing view points in primetime (without a chalk board)

Maybe there is a ray of light, though, as given Beck's latest hijinks it seems even Rrupert Murdoch is beginning to see the diminshing returns (and ratings, sponsors, etc) of broadcasting the ravings of a lunatic -- sadly that jeanie seems to be out of the bottle -- having now taken up residence at the town hall meeting

So if I jokingly say on a plane "who wants to bomb this thing"...then im gonna be in trouble.

But if I say at republican townhall "who's going to shoot the president"...nothing happens?

Intersting.

Excellent response Woman Voter. May we all be as eloquent.

Does anyone recall the President's call to action that included a statement to the effect that,"if they bring a knife, you bring a gun"!

Godalmighty, this was a quote from a 25-year old movie. Tell you what, since you're so concerned about it, read every single one of Barack Obama's public utterances and writings, then do a ratio of this sentence and ones like it to everything else he has said. The ratio will be something like 1:1,000,000 at minimum.

I appreciate that anything as subtle as considering context and proportion is very difficult for the conservative "mind," but you could at least try.

You are either okay with the behavior Citizen K., or you are not... make excuses if you'd like, but the hypocrisy of your convictions will derail the value of your complaints. If this man has done wrong in his statement and should be punished, as some declare, then why should it be any different for anybody else.

I particularly enjoy the seeds and articles that highlight "bad jokes" made by Democrats, and the people that come around to say, "oh, lighten up GOP... it's a joke." It's odd that I don't see people from the right running around saying that it's a joke, and you all should lighten up... I wonder how that works out.

No matter what, whoever asked the question is being investigated by the authorities. If ANYONE makes a comment like this, the government is all over it.

Rat Poison - you are especially articulate today. You are always articulate but today you are exceptional. I especially like post 1.49.

My friend in the police force says he hears violent crims claim in their defense, that they were just joking after he has them apprehended and arrested... the last time he heard a crim say something like that was two weeks ago, the young male gang member said it was just a practical joke to knife that person, to make his gang members around him have a good laugh at the expense of the victim, a jogger that was passing through his territory, lying down on the ground and crumpled up in a fetal position, bleeding. A practical joke just to get a laugh, he said.

rradiko ... Great post! ...

This reads like a "Life Imitating Art" version of the Shirley Sherrod drama, but where are the Right Wingers with all their righteous anger now?

Oh - I forgot. This is 21st century America, where white folks have proven that they can -and do - say anything they want about "them colored folks".

Exciledknight: that was about the douchiest thing I have read all day long !

And why go after good Republican Senators like Dick Lugar and Olympia Snowe?

Why are the left going after the likes of Ben Nelson, D-Neb, or Max Baucus D-Mont.? Doesnt seem like they like moderates or blue dogs either.

From the article

Broun, a doctor from Athens in his third congressional term, routinely calls Obama a socialist and said shortly after Obama's election in 2008 that he feared the president would establish a Gestapo-like security force to impose a Marxist dictatorship.

When someone says something like this and scares their ignorant constituents into believing things like the President will have a "gestapo-like security" force in this country, how can one be surprised when people start talking about trying to kill the President.

"Mr." Broun, the people in this country would not have such a "problem" with the president if ignorant POS's like you wouldn't make up such ignorant garbage.

Take the credit for your loonies. You helped create them.

Well ,we have witnessed KING OBAMA and KOMRADE HOLDER "deciding" to ignore bat wielding UNION/ Black panthers at voting booths

"Bringing is a gun to a knife fight" is a well worn, if not downright trite, metaphor. Every intelligent person realizes that, even though a few disingenuous people are reluctant to admit it here.

Or is there somebody here dense enough to think that a bunch of Senators were going to face off in a dark alley out behind the Capitol Building right after the election? (Oh, wait! there IS no alley behind the Capitol Building!)

"Who will kill the President?" is not a metaphor for anything except perhaps hatred, incivillity, and dehumanization; and appears nowhere in literature or common usage.

Well ,we have witnessed ... "deciding" to ignore bat wielding UNION/ Black panthers at voting booths

Which is what every single voter did that day, as well. (Not that those idiots were actually inside where the voting booths are. They were outside playing with their night sticks, or 'bats' as you call them. And they were not representing any union.)

I hope you are not losing too much sleep worrying about those very scary men and their very scary sticks.

But as to your POINT, are you saying that you are so afraid of black people with bats that it's okay to talk about shooting the President of the United States at a gathering called by an elected public official?

No actually I have found Louis Farrakhan a source of amusement for years !

I wish KOMRADE trumka would send a couple of thugs ,my way......again !

i'm pointing out the nauseating hypocrisy of the left ,wasn't so long ago

child abuser and progressive hero ,Alec Baldwin ,was calling for killing republicans

Same PROGRESSIVE Crap Different PROGRESSIVE DECADE

It was a legit question, after all he is the most disliked man in America.

I wanna know what R L kraft's thoughts are on the RNC's voter intimidation squads. I mean who is gonna be scared of all two of the New Black Panthers?

Roland Tibbs I hope your door is the next one Secret Services knocks on

Taliban Emulating A$$holes Party.

We need to start prosecuting these nut-bags before they start another civil war. Is there anyone that they don't hate? They hate Obama because he's black -- nobody believes their lies to the contrary! But what is their excuse for hating everyone else?

They are getting WAY out of hand. Time to give some of these nuts a well-deserved vaction -- in the penitentiary!

Too late Towne. Your people have spoken.

SNK

ONE person said a stupid thing. Towne is one person too. Towne represents "his people" just as much as the fool who asked the question.

But that doesn't help your propaganda that the right is violent does it?

Ever noticed whos protests get violent? It isn't the right's genius.

Maxwell, there have been several people beaten at republican rallies for voicing opposition. Palin's "reload" comments etc.

I think there is enough evidence that factions in the republican party are violent.

"Maxwell, there have been several people beaten at republican rallies for voicing opposition. Palin's "reload" comments etc."

Several doesn't come anywhere close to the hundreds at liberal whack job protests. Were you upset when participants at the Republican Convention in 2008 were attacked and had blood thrown on them? Doubtful. You apologists are all alike.

Eric: Prove your statements about the beatings! I've only seen violence from the left, even obama's comment, "bring a knife" etc. How's about arresting Obama for his smart a$$ remarks all the time. Grow up and start to see for yourself what the Conservatives represent. Quit listening to all your FAKE news stations and get out and see what is really happening. Liberals are such good people, just look at the signs in the protest in Wisconsin! I'll stay a Conservative anyday over you whack job liberals. You people just can't stand to hear the truth.

Chris,

You mean incidents like the one where the SEIU thugs beat some guy up because he was selling his wares at a conservative rally. Is that the violence you're talking about?

Eric-913730 : Republicans members are just as violent as members in the Democrat's party and are produced at relatively the same frequency. I'm truly beginning to believe that party loyalty can only be accomplished by ignorance or a very jaded perspective.

even obama's comment, "bring a knife" etc.

As I wrote above, this was a quote from a 25-year old movie. Tell you what, since you're so concerned about it, read every single one of Barack Obama's public utterances and writings, then do a ratio of this sentence and ones like it to everything else he has said. The ratio will be something like 1:1,000,000 at minimum.

I appreciate that anything as subtle as considering context and proportion is very difficult for the conservative "mind," but you could at least try.

What makes the US so great is that we all have the right to express our thoughts, but when it implies hurting someone else, be our president or anyone else, it is not acceptable.

We are all Americans - and although there are whack jobs in both parties I think that the majority of us are able to agree that sometime we will disagree, but we have to find a way to move our country forward together.

Funny, I think some of those whack jobs - for both parties - are on this vine..........lol

Citizen K. : You either are fine with the behavior, or you are not... attempting to draw lines through it, make excuses, and give exceptions wittles and erodes away the value and depth of your conviction.

If you want to hold people accountable for every statement and misstep, bad joke, inappropriate comment... then go for it. But make sure you do it for your favorite friends in the same manner that you do for your worst enemy.

I'm sure you've made more than just one or two off-key statements and jokes in bad taste... I know I have.

This reads like a "Life Imitating Art" version of the Shirley Sherrod drama, but where are the Right Wingers with all their righteous anger now?

Oh - I forgot. This is 21st century America, where white folks have proven that they can -and do - say anything they want about "them colored folks".

Citizen K. : You either are fine with the behavior, or you are not... attempting to draw lines through it, make excuses, and give exceptions wittles and erodes away the value and depth of your conviction.

bull@!$%#. What Citizen K said is 100% correct. One CANNOT equate Obama's "knife/gunfight" quote with what this nutjob said regarding "when do we shoot Obama."

Obama's quote is a wellknown, oft-used saying thats been around for decades; it's akin to quoting Shakespeare for christ sakes. The 2nd quote is advocating for the assassination of a sitting President.

The two are WORLDS apart and cannot be equated in any way, shape, or form. If you do not understand this, then you're either willfully ignorant or dreadfully misinformed. Either case serves to disqualify your opinion on this matter...

I'll stay a Conservative anyday over you whack job liberals. You people just can't stand to hear the truth.

You couldn't find the truth if you had a map.

What about the woman who was headstomped at a Rand Paul rally? Or the reporters who were threatend by Joe Miller's bodyguards when they were trying to interview the creep.

This is who and what the republican partyites are today. With many it's by design. With others it's unwitting stupidity and/or ignorance. Admittedly, some of the southern republicans seem much worse, yet, one must also consider the likes of Palin, Pawlenty, fox news and this screwy wisconsin governor. There is a pure "Fascist" movement taking hold in this country and these people along with the likes of Congressman Broun of Georgia are leading it. Those yelling about "Socialism" may well rue their ugly rants as they are crushed beneath the booted heel of the new American Gestapo.

It seems okay for the Democrat elite to call Bush vulgar names and threaten him but let one nut job at a Republican meeting same something stupid all hell breaks loose. Strange how its toleray=ted on the left to say these things. Mass. senator wants blood in the streets i guess thtsa okay????? What a bunch of two face party the Dems are.

What Dems threatened Bush?

But, vulgar names? Of course people will call him vulgar names... he and the GOP drove this country right into a cesspool. Does he want a thank you card? The guy was an egotistical POS. "I'm the decider!" He/They decided to create a false economy built on the greatest increase in signature and refinance debt in any president's term -- not by a small amount, but by an extraordinary factor of 3x. And now we're paying for it. He is a self-centered, low-life POS.

And, that's the truth. But i won't threaten him...

glass steagall

Bin laden offered up on a paper plate

200 marines killed in Africa

SS Cole

Twin towers attacked the first time in 93

Baby food factory "blown all to hell" ,on the very day Monica testifies ......

YEAH

that was ole George bush !

Impeached Rapist =Good guy !

DrowningGrover : Glad to see you came out to make excuses for rhetoric from your side and to condemn it from the other. What is so hard about picking a principle and sticking to it?, why do people compromise their integrity for political parties.

The least you could have done... is gotten the quote right. Or have you taken to a tactic you all constantly accuse various news organizations of doing... The quote isn't "When are we..." but "Who is..." And don't mistake my stance... I'm not the one making comparisons from one quote to another... using another person's example and representing it as mine is a bit of a falsehood in itself.

And how is your stand against the Democrats coming lately? You are aware that they wish death upon the other side of the aisle with regularity still?, that members or supporters of the party have asked for the lynching of a black Supreme Court Justice.

The rhetoric, and the tactics are coming from both sides... because a divisive atmosphere encourages a stronger more emboldened political party. And both of these parties would like nothing more to perpetuate the atmosphere.

Certainly we're not to the point where violence is called for......yet.

@RatPoison

no no no. its not both sides. it is a world of difference between members of a movement saying something and the leader of a movement saying that same thing.

when some dude in the crowd shouts 'kill him', that individual should be publicly shunned and expelled from the movement and his statement should be unambiguously refuted. something republicans, as was the case in this article, do not do.

republicans have no problems with feigning ignorance at birthers, islamophobes, 9-11 deniers, racists, homophobes and so on because they are useful idiots that vote republicans. not only do they refuse to denounce that kind of thing, the leaders of the republican party peddle those things themselves.

so no, it is not happening on both sides.

And hate generates more hate. And all in stories like this is the other side telling and asking the other... "when are you all gonna stop being hateful", "when you stop, we'll stop."

But I don't have to look far to see that people, not much unlike you Chris Gilliard, are willing to participate in perpetuating the cycle. The hypocrisy is so easy to find and see... and I have been engaged in a conversation about just this... with a lady by the name of Brianne Oshiro, who is a progessive Democrat who likes to make jokes about Republicans being killed.

Indulging this fool (in the story) with this amount of attention will certainly help keep this cycle running full speed.

zaruski : Oh, it's on both sides. How else do you explain hanging the a full sized manneqin of Sarah Palin from a noose on a house? Or how about we just Google "Bush protest signs", and see how many "kill Bush" signs we find?

And let's be accurate here... the guy didn't say "kill him", he asked who was going to. That doesn't make it any less of a bad joke.. but lets not misrepresent information.

Oh and it is on both sides. Check out the California's gay community's statements about the black voters in the previous Presidential election and how the referendum failed... was all the black voters fault. Lets look at statements about lynching a black Supreme Court Justice.

It's out there... on both sides, and denial of that requires some pretty big blinders.

Where did you get your information about lynching Clarence Thomas? Cite your source please? And for the love of all that's Holy, don't say Fox.

oldlady

TV news had a video of a protest where the protestors were asked about Clarence Thomas. The comments ranged from lynching him to send him back to the fields where he belonged, There were numerous persons asked that question as well as questions about Alito. Alito got the same treatment. I personally saw it on the TV news. It was sickening. I am a conservative and would never think of making comments like that about any african american, liberal or not, even the black panthers. By the way there are more than 2 of the black panthers and carrying clubs intimidating white voters to not vote so that they would not vote against Obama is not as bad as crazy white guys wearing sheets? I despise the KKK but they are basically all talk now a days. Playing at being the big bad Klan. The FBI has effectiviley neutered them.

It's out there... on both sides

And yet, people still insist on choosing one of those sides. Get a clue, people, NEITHER PARTY CARES ABOUT YOU! YOU ARE BEING USED!

oldlady, put you hearing aid and your coke bottle glasses back on. If you can't see or hear the vit5riol spewed by the left I sure hope to hades you aren't driving.

The New Black Panthers were investigated by the Bush administration. Nothing was found and the case was dropped.

Research and read.

Wanda
Get real. It was probibly one of your planted union thugs in the audience trying to start trouble. If you want to get indignant talk about your Dem Senator fron Mass that said sometime you need to get a little bloddy just this week and how about all the cross hairs and NAZI postere in the union protests in Wis. When you get your glass house in order then you can throw stones. Liberalism is a mental disorder!

Chris: You are one hateful person.

Still haven't seen proof of the "lynch Clarence Thomas" statement. I get a little tired of the same old lies, scare tactics and ignorance that comes from one particular party. Most of us know who those people are because most intelligent people see right through the lies.

Wandapa...

When reports of violence are reported, the right really has to search hard and even prevaricate (lie) to find news about violence committed on Republicans by whoever. Even these are probably committed by members of the far right, the ones with the guns and militias.

bicfj : ... Go down the long list of political ... terrorists?, or basically people who have performed violent acts and what their political ideals were... You'll find that the club isn't as exclusive as you'd like. It's nice to claim whatever you'd like but your claim is so far out there it's not even orbiting our sun.

zaruski ... good post!

dessoftruth : I often wonder just how far it goes... when somebody demands evidence from somebody they don't believe... just whether or not they'd actually "believe" it once it's provided. So... here is my recommendation for you dessoftruth... type the keywords of the event you are questioning and see what you get.

"lynch judge clarence thomas"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JJesWvO3-4
http://ricochet.com/member-feed/Peace-Loving-Leftists-Want-to-Lynch-Justice-Clarence-Thomas/
http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/violent-racist-progressives-lynch-justice-clarence-thomas-murder-fox-news-roger-ailes-call-for-violent-revolution/
http://hotair.com/archives/2011/02/03/video-koch-protests-include-calls-to-lynch-clarence-thomas/
I'll stop there... with just the top few results from the search engine.

RatPoison -

You've "provided" claptrap from some idiot conservative websites...maybe your own. Sorry I need real news not fringe b.s.

Truly. How about an actual source, not some doof who calls Jim Hightower a communist.

And that answers the initial question... as expected.

So if information doesn't come to you from a mainstream source, it's definitely not true... the point is though that the video alone, is evidence enough that people at a Progressive/Democrat rally made those statements.

If you'd like to declare that these people were "plants", then what's to say that the person in this article was not also a "plant"?

So what kind of slippery slope were we going to be jumping on? because at some point in time you aren't dealing from the top of the deck for all players here... just the ones you want.

Folks, it happens on both side of the aisle. Hate to break it to you, but there are nuts that are Democrat, Independent, and Republican, but those are part of the "ruled". That aside, I am curious on who's leadership advocates the most violence. That should be an interesting and relevant topic!

NO it does not! There is a level of hatred against this President in some places that is totally accepeptable. I have seenit and heard it for two years. I live in a blue state and I NEVER heard anything about Bush that was anywhere close. People didn't like him but the rhetoric was NOTHING like this.

You people keep threatening Us Dems with your violent directed at us and our President, and I hope to God it comes back to bite you. Because it is NOT acceptable. It is treasonous. It is McCarthyism.

The Representatvie should have said it was unacceptable , right then at the meeting.

Actually, it seems, according to the story, that the candidate in question DID denounce the sentiment! Why is it that you folks can't read? Or is it merely convenient to project your prejudices onto the other side, because, frankly, when it comes to intemperate rhetoric, one would be hard pressed to find worse offenders than the Left/Liberals in this country.

to fart- No he did not denounce it. He issued a denouncement after the story circulated that he did not.

@ OP - This is just routine for these folks. And the republickers are and will remain accountable to the people who own them, never to the country.

There is a strong undercurrent of racism against this president, that is hidden by excuses .....

you don't think that "bigots" can admit their "bigotry" openly do you? They just make excuses for their action. I, for the life of me, can't understand why anyone would want this president, (or any other president) to fail .. UNLESS you just want him to fail because he's a African American!

Barrack Obama is the elected leader of our nation, like it or not, It's a fact, and making scurrilous remarks about him, brings discredit to the whole nation, at a time when we need to promote discourse, not abandon it!

Before your mind gets in a twist because of your underwear ... I'm neither black nor liberal, nor a supporter of the policies of the administration. But I do believe that truth & fair play is a basic tenet of a democratic society if it's to succeed.

The vile lies that are spouted about this man are disgusting ! ...

You know what they say about a person looking to find racism in the world... they find it. Even when it doesn't exist. Heck I had a person the other day tell me that if I disagreed with the President it was because I'm a racist.

Take a good look at what is racism, the portrayal of one race being superior or inferior to another. Then cut away your assumptions about people and look at what is being said... is it hate for Obama as a man, as a President...? is it dislike of Obama's policy and agenda?, or is it hate because a black man can't be a leader? Most of what you'll find is that it is hateful, or insulting... but it isn't racial unless you already believe the people saying it are... racists. It's an assumption built on actions that have were no different towards the previous President.

JustAThought....during the 60s in the south, the media did not address civil rights issues until martin luther king jr..was assassinated...and this was only to let the people know what had happened...i agree that conservatives want to turn back the clock...they want state rights without federal government interference...look at what is going on across the country...this is indicative of what conservative governors get together and plot and plan in their conferences...if you notice, certain governors are taking the lead on issues that are designed to turn back the clock....unions, immigration, education, infrastructure, privatization of what were once government-controlled agencies (post office, prisons, hospitals, etc.)...communism is coming to america draped in a flag and carrying a bible...it is called the fiscal conservative right-wingers.

superlogi...another faux veteran wrapping himself in the American flag. Pathetic.

Mishnu

you sat that “communism is coming to America draped in a flag and carrying a bible...it is called the fiscal conservative right-wingers”

If this is true then why is the Democratic party platform the same as the Communist parties???? http://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/archive/14388/

You probably have a double V plate in your head too but I'm sure you won't be boasting about that would you superlogi? Your SUV must turn many heads in your local Walmart parking lot, right? Flag wavers are truly so un-American. So sad.

to mishnu, I agree with you 100% And your thoughts are not twisted. You and I have the very same rights to our opinions as anyone else.

"superlogi

Well, I've got double V plates on my SUV. Do you? Yeah, that's what I thought."

I served with the 101st Abn Div 1965-1966 and I've got the double V plates as well, on my SUV, but still the Vietnam was another unnecessary war that was trumped up by false intelligence, that time by a Democratic president. The Gulf of Tonkin incident, which was our justification for escalating the Vietnam war, never happened and, yes, there were men, women and children who were murdered by U.S. Troops.

Honor the troops, who served honorably, but not the war. Same for Iraq, another unnecessary war.

And, SNK (I assume that stands for SNAKE), where and when did you serve? I thought so.

justathought You hit the nail on the head. The people get what they voted for while the rest of us just go along for the ride. We get what we deserve.

"during the 60s in the south, the media did not address civil rights issues until martin luther king jr..was assassinated...and this was only to let the people know what had happened"

The MSM began covering the Civil Rights movement well before King's assassination. King was a regular guest on programs like Meet the Press (albeit the questions were often condescending and poorly informed). Film images of attack dogs and fire hoses turned loose on movement demonstrators -- especially at Selma, AL's Edmund Pettus Bridge -- put the fundamental injustice and inhumanity of Jim Crow on display and played an import role in making the American public widely aware of the atrocity of the daily life lived by southern blacks.

Well Superlogi, you seem to claim some authority on the sixties, yet you make the dumbs comment that the lefties didn't protest LBJ. You are an idiot. Haven't you ever heard of the chant "Hey, hey, LBJ; how many kids have you killed today?" You, after all, are an authority on lefties.

There is no place for hate mongering in our society. Unfortunately the Repubs have encouraged such tendencies in sublte and sometimes not so subtle ways. It shows the true character and beliefs of the so called 'republican leaders' and it will come back to haunt them some day. When speaker Boehner cannot address the 'birther' question head on it speaks volumes about his character. These are not leaders. They are simply glorified goons.

It just doesn't surprise me anymore -- what the Republican Troglodytes come up with...

It was a liberal plant.

Bill? Why is honesty is such short supply these days?

Um, that union supporter was talking about being willing to receive a beating from the thugs, not about delivering one.

Nice try, but a swing and a miss.

You're exactly. Media Matters was discussing that on the radio this morning. At the Tea Party rallies MSM, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, NBC and CNN made HUGE headlines out of any sign that depicted Hitler etc. But now....now that these Democrat Union Thugs are carrying all kinds of HATEFUL signs...not a peep out of any of them!

Earlyout: He was advocating violence, plain and simple.

They might have had signs, but did you see them carrying weapons? Were they "armed and dangerous"? Did you see a sign that said something to the effect that every once in a while, liberty need the blood of patriots? When it comes to being biased, you guys haven't a flipping clue. Perhaps truth is biased to you...is that it? I can't understand your reasoning any other way.

Yeah NewMalthus, and your point is?

I notice how you have no comment on the content of the article. May we then imply that you support such rhetoric directed at our President or any other elected representative whom the American populace disagrees with?

Obviously you still support the entities you listed, since you took time to post on this MSNBC sponsored site.

Sayitaintso: I agree the person making the remark is an idiot. I merely point out the double standard as to how these things are reported in these media outlets. I support none of them, but do think it wise to take news from seveal sources to distill some notion of what the facts actually are.

we all heard loud and clear a D-MASS "elected official", in public, advocate "bloody uprising", oldlady...

but that, like obama "focusing like a laser" on jobs, lasted about 3.5 SECONDS on liberal rags...

we also saw HUNDREDS of angry protesters surrounding the HOMES of republicans...

earlyout: um...i saw absolutely nothing in his statements that led me to the conclusion he was "merely" advocating a will to "receive" a beating...nice spin, sparky, but, unlike with billy "got milk" clinton....no cigar...

We also heard Walker saying that he had thought about sending people out into the crowd to try to incite them to violence. Your posts are confusing some times (a lot of times, truthfully) What is with "billy "got milk" clinton? And I absolutely, positively KNOW you didn't go there with the Jobs thing, did you? The Republicans laser on Jobs lasted not ONE flipping SECOND! They are counting on Americans to forget they were elected for Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. It's been nearly 5 months and name just one, one, job they have created.

I believe the house was turned in early January, that is only two months.

oldlady - it's has not been 5 months since the ELECTIONS. It has been 4 months. They haven't had time to do anything yet, only took office in Jan.- unlike Obama and all his cronies who have had over 2 years to make a difference.

Still name any job that they've help to create. Unless you are rich or a bigot the republicans have no use for you if you're the middle class, the poor or the working man. You defenders of them are idiots. And for those of you that stated that the news doesn't cover situations on both sides fairly and that you think they portray democrats and liberals in a positive manner you clearly only listen to FAUX news. Listen to different outlets, news from other countries.

oldlady they might have been elected in November but have only been in position to do anything for 2 months... Also the Repubs only have the House unlike the Dems having both the House and the Senate for 4 years. Funny how you guys use the defense that it's going to take more than 2 years for Obama to fix what Bush broke but after only 2 months your using the same argument against the Republican House...

That's because people were shouting that the President wasn't doing enough within weeks of his taking office. I first heard of the Tea Party within a couple of weeks of him taking office. Now they are responsible for actually doing something - we'll just ignore that they were in office for 8 of the last 10 years - and you're defending them. If they campaigned for office surely they something in mind. Yet we've heard NOTHING!

Not true, annrich -- I flip around through all of the networks, and I am from WI -- they not only covered the sign issue on MSNBC, they did a couple of interviews and at least one feature story on the signs -- ALL of the signs.

I just find it pretty darned interesting that our own governor "considered" bringing in planted agitators, then decided it wouldn't be a good plan. Why? He was asked this by Murphy (aka the fake Koch brother), and his reply is pretty revealing -- not because it was wrong, or because it was dangerous. He didn't go through with it because of the "ruckus" that might ensue, causing people to "think the governor might settle..." not one word about it being wrong -- just perceived incorrectly. Yup.

I strongly believe in standing up for worker rights and my passion for preserving those rights may have gotten the best of me yesterday in an unscripted speech. I wish I had used different language to express my passion and I regret my choice of words." -Michael Capuano

I'm still waiting to hear something similar from the teabaggers. I'm in for a long wait.

He was endorsing tactics Union thugs have used in the past and you've seen being used against both conservatives and tea party members.

Historically, unions have been the ones on the receiving end violence. You might try reading up on American history. It's interesting and informative.

Perhaps you could explain which union thugs you are talking about and provide specific examples. Compare them against the long history of peaceful union activity and violence directed against unions, the draw a conclusion about unions and violence. Defend your argument using objective, peer-reviewed sources.

Here here Citizen K!

Had it been reversed, and a Republican President was the target of the comment, you would be asking for this person to be jailed.

Seektruth, carrying the jock strap of the ignorant right inbreds is not is very becoming for you. unless your one.

Johnsonb: Any fair minded person would be worried about that comment whether they are Republican or Democrat. Life is precious to me and probably the rest of the people on this site. I am sure we would all agree that more than a chuckle or slap on the wrist is warranted. Any person making remarks like that should have spent at least a couple of hours in jail, Republican or Democrat. That remark wasn't cute nor funny. Maybe if people were "inconvenienced" a little more, they'd think twice about what they say in a room full of people.

There were many things I didn't agree with that Bush did, but when people (and the media) attacked him personally, I was the 1st one to stand up to that kind of desecration.

"Ignorant right inbreds" fall into the same category.

We can either contribute to the vulgarity of politics, or demand better from it.

Exactly. When the guy threw the shoes at Bush, I thought that no one, American or not, should disrespect the President of the United States.

And I didn't vote for his daddy either.

And when some liberals questioned McCain's citizenship, they were told to shut up. Democratic leaders were told, "not to go there."

Republican leaders need to stand up and show respect. They don't.

I voted for W, both times. When I saw him ducking those shoes, I just laughed. He was pretty nimble if you ask me.

well, i have to ask the liberals here and everywhere, what is it going to take before you get yourselves and your friends and families up off their lazy butts and vote next election to make sure that the right wing radicals don't take over? i voted on election day, first thing. i helped pass out pamphlets. i wore my liberality proudly and i still do. any threat against any president is a felony. that's the law. it's not funny and the congressman should at least be reprimanded for not addressing it immediately. i don't care for mccain, but he at least knew when to draw the line and decency during his campaign. now, it seems like the sky's the limit and it's no longer a problem threatening our president. forget that it's obama or a democrat. he is a duly elected president and if nothing else we should respect the office.

so, unless you want mitt romney or rand paul or huckabee or worse as your next president, you better get a move on NOW! the next election will be horrible, i'm sure. i can only imagine the lies, the hatred and the money that is going to be thrown around. we didn't need fewer democrats in congress, we needed more so that the republicans couldn't use their backroom tactics to stop and slow down the good work our president is trying to do. but, as always, we americans are guilty of instant gratification and if things aren't fixed RIGHT NOW, we get pissed off. republicans scream and shout and democrats stay home. well, how did that apathy thing work for you in 2010? now we have at least 2 yrs to have to deal with a bunch of people who don't give a rat's behind about anyone who doesn't have money. if you're out of work, and have no place to live and your unemployment runs out, and your health care is cancelled and your right to determine what you do with your body and your personal life are controlled by right wing religious public officials, will you then get out and vote? if not for yourself, your children. don't you care about them?

I might consider Romney if he would stand up and be proud of his health care program.

I just want to mention that although Broun supposedly represents Athens the majority of the people in this city do not support him. The only reason he was elected is because of gerrymandering done to take Athens's representation away.

Those are the types that they grow in the south.Rep. Broun is a prime example of it.

It was a liberal plant.

please stop insulting rednecks by accusing them of being political. true "rednecks" couldn't care less about politics.

What do you mean....make you LOOK bad.........look in the mirror

Eve, what are you babbling about?

You are correct. The right is use anything, lies, misrepresentations, violence, and dispruptions to spread their bile.

Its not going to happen because President Obama will not be beaten by any of the lightweight radical extremists that they currently have. The economy is turning around, we still manufacture cars in this Country and If the Party of NO would do somethng to help instead of hinder, we would all be doing better. God bless the USA and God bless our President. Have a good day.

Eve - You want to get rid of this horrible administration? I suggest you call Boehner and the rest of the Republicans asking where are the JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!! Sooner or later Americans and going to stop being distracted by HCR, Abortion, WI and all the rest of this. Unless they keep their promise of jobs, I doubt that Americans are going to go along for another ride...at least I hope they don't. You never know.

Actually, high unemployment would hurt Obama's re-election chances. That's why the Republican's are so eager to cut so many government jobs. More unemployed Americans.

It is still scary to think GW was re-elected.Ignorance is bliss on the right

oldlady - it's only been 2 months since they took office - unlike the 2 years+ your side has been in.

Well if the democrats had found a better candidate than Kerry...

So Eve1776299........I assume you are from the South? You can deny it but I know a southern rant when I hear it. I was raised in the middle of this crap in the south and it made me hate living in the south.

Eve, what are you babbling about...again?

"Eve" ummm I know this is something you probably overlooked but he is also half-white. In fact raised by his white family so the stupidity that you wrote of him "hating everyone who's white" is not only inaccurate but also shows your own ignorance and bias towards the President which is clearly not b/c of his job performance. Just a quick civics lesson for you, it takes more than the President to run the country i.e. elected officials in the Senate and House of Representatives. A little reading never hurt anyone.

No Eve, it's because the root of many of the so called "oppositional stance" is based upon racism. Why is it that so many of those opposing this president, who is bi-racial and of African-American descent, use the appropriately recognized code words: Socialist, Communist, Fascist, Muslim.

You think that just because they aren't out calling him a N!GG&R there is no racist intent?

Let me put it to you like this, African-Americans have become experts on recognizing closet racist and understated racism. As the saying goes, give me an old-fashioned southern racist over a northern racist any day. At least the southern racist has the guts to say exactly how they fell directly to your face. A northern racist will simply compare you to some other undesirable element in public, yet call you the N-word when they are in comfortable surroundings.

Lastly, if you're not a racist then don't get offended. Maybe you're just to "Overly Sensitive". Isn't that what you tell African-Americans when they say they're offended by similar remarks?

Of course it has nothing to do with the POSOTUS being incompetent.

it is too easy to dismiss Republicans as simple racists, remember the hard-on they had for clinton, remember the crucifixion of carter, the stolen election from gore...oh wait, those were all southern rednecks, right? any way we can keep our debates civil? the americans across the aisle are not the enemy, greed and corruption are the enemy.

Eve, you are an effing idiot if you think Obama is worse than the prez (small p) who lied and said there were WMDs that could be used - implying this Muslim country might use them on us - then proceeded to invade a country that had not attacked us while also admitting that they "tried to kill my daddy, you know". And don't try that b.s. about throwing out a ruthless dictator either. You are the dumbest person on earth if you think this is the dumbest prez after you had the one that spent $2B per day on the aforementioned war while the housing market, Wall Street and jobs fell into the basement. Our current President inherited this mess and unless you have been under a rock, which would not surprise me, then you would recognize that instead of trying to help America, the Republican party has opposed him at every turn and insisted on sticking to the same failled policies that they've always salivated over. Now I suppose you might be so unintelligent that you think Mr. Obama is worse than Bush and if that's the case then something else is blinding you. However, I think the more likely scenario is that you and all the others who call him incompetent are simply liars. Even physically blind people are not that blind.

so a white guy has a problem with Obama policies it has to be because he's a racist.. is the same true for a black guy that hated Bush's policies.. they are racist too?

I agree that it is very sad how many people will pick up a gun before a book.

Young people from across the political spectrum ignored any facts that disproved the official story of 9/11 and picked up guns to fly halfway around the world to oppress people that had nothing to do with it. So sad.

And I think I may be the ONLY one here who sees the possibility of this person having meant if from the other way: not that they WANT Obama assassinated, but that they believe it's only a matter of time before the Right does it and wanted to draw attention to that by asking, "Who they were going to have do it?" Y'know, will it be a CIA op on American soil (again)? Will it remain unsolved like they did with JFK? Will it be some "crazy, deranged" ex-military type "acting on his own" (even though evidence shows that to be impossible) like McVeigh?

I personally don't believe there will be any attempt on his life from the establishment because they've already demonized him enough in the publics' mind that he won't accomplish anything major...and we've already seen him EXPAND the War of Terror into other nations, so we KNOW he won't be any threat to the Military-Industrial-Congressional complex.

Eve, stop the ranting, try to have a civilized conversation. Do some research, educate yourself. Stop listening to Limbaugh,Beck, Palin, etc.etc. after all they are paid very well to brainwash people like you. If you learn to think for yourself, you may be a happier person.

Fayse, your post is as they say "spot on". Its easy for people in this country to pile on to a not so well thought out vision for this nation's future when so many people are hurting. Even in better times... you will always have that infamous 10% !

It was a liberal plant.

Don't blame plants! I truly think the American vegetation is trying to stay neutral in this matter.

:P

It was standing right there in the corner. Not moving a leaf. It was green and we all know green means liberal.

Why didn't you research the left-wing nut cases along with the conservatives. Don't you remember the people Obama aligned himself with in Chicago? Bombers of govt. buildings under the guise of "Peaceful Protests". Just to name one of many.

If you are refering to Bill Ayers, don't be so stupid. Obama was born in 1961 which would have made him five or six when Ayers belonged to the Weatherman.

The Ayers Obama met was a respected member of the community.

Stop bringing up trash from 2008 meant to discredit Obama. Done and done.

Conservative violent rhetoric is always specific and tremendously violent, calling out targets by name and advocating armed revolution. Also, conservative nutjobs have ACTUALLY been stockpiling guns and plotting death and destruction.

There's just not anything comparable on the Left. The Right is quick to point fingers when a liberal says "We're going to need to get bloody in this fight" or something, but it's a far cry from "We need to be armed so we can start a revolution if we don't get the tax breaks we want." I mean honestly.

When was the last time you were seriously concerned that a liberal would shoot you? Be honest here.

Conservatives are like high school bullies. They take what they want. If you don't give it to them, they lie to get it. If you still don't give it to them, they punch you to get it. If you fight back, it's your fault for choosing to have a fight. Afterward they lie about everything so the victim gets blamed. Anything is justifiable as long as they get what they want, because hey, they're right in the first place, and if you can't see that it's your problem.

Toasty, No doubt about it,...We are and always have been a violent nation! And I surely have no logical answers,...But Politics in the past and present is a dangerous bussiness!

I am an absolute right winger, and find no reason for the Arizona shooting spree,...How can anyone blame one politician for the mess this country is in?

But I can relate with a lot of right wingers,..In the fact that President Obama and most other Democrats, believe in some sort of Redistribution, and or Socialism. And it scares the hell out of us!....Hopes this helps.

With any organization you have crazies

The right and left are no exception. I will also say that the shooter at AZ was not conservative or a right winger just a nut job

Redistribution? Socialism? Much of what happens in this country could be called socialism. Why is health care socialism but public schools are not. Why are taxes to create a highway okay, or to fight a godless war okay but not to help a poor mother who can't afford insurance. I am a liberal - I'm proud of that fact. I consider helping a poor mother get health care for her child being morally decent. You can call it socialism all you want. And please save the "she should have been able to afford the child" rhetoric. Some of the poorest people out there right now are the families of former soldiers.

Toasty, Are you implying that Democartas do not commit criminal acts of violence? If so you are off your rocker.

you speak too generally. most democrats don't want socialism or communism. i'm a democrat and you know what? i believe in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. i'm not an athiest. Jesus said 'love thy neighbor as thyself.' in fact, this was one of the two most important commandments given to him by God. read Matthew, chapter 12. you can read the whole chapter so you know i'm not taking this out of context, but his statements about the two great laws starts are about line 29. how can you love your neighbor when you judge those that you don't know? how can you love your neighbor when you hate those who disagree with you and turn a blind eye to their suffering? democrats aren't looking for communism. we realize that not everyone is made of the same stuff, can't always physically take care of themselves and if we don't help them, then we are not good christians, or even descent human beings. we just want everyone to be treated equally. we understand that there will always be the rich and the poor, but that doesn't mean that the rich should be able to exploit the poor. it doesn't mean that if you're poor and you get sick you should just crawl away and die. that your children shouldn't be allowed to go to school and have the same opportunities as the rich kids. is intelligence only reserved for the rich? is health only reserved for the rich. i thought the declaration of independence said that 'all men are created equal' and that we have certain 'inalienable rights' endowed upon us by our Creator and that among these are life(not existing, but real life full and happy), liberty(not being the indentured servant to some rich corporation) and the pursuit of happiness. that's not communism, it's not socialism. it's being worthy of a decent day's pay for a decent day's work. it's being treated like a decent human being, with respect and dignity when we work hard. democrats, whether or not they profess a belief in God are better Christians than most of those i read here who claim to be so spiritual. we love the planet that God gave us and we want to protect it, not just for ourselves but for our children. we love the animals that God put on this planet and it is our responsibilty to treat them with dignity and care. this isn't communism, it's being a decent human being who has compassion for those who are less fortunate and respect for our planet. so, i don't know who you think you're talking about, it isn't MOST democrats. name me one right, designated by the constitution that president obama has taken away from you. i can tell you one that Bush took away. Habeus Corpus(SP?) that's the 4th amendment that protects you from being hauled out of your home, held by the authorities without being charged with a crime, without being able to see a lawyer, without a trial for an indefinite period of time. Bush took that amendment away with an executive order. and the only fault i have with Obama is that he hasn't reinstated it.

Hey Chandler W. Thanks a lot for the great laugh!

Ayers the former American terrorist bomber is now a "respected member of the community". ROFL!

How in the wide world of sports does and unrepentant terrorist bomber become a respected member of the community? Boy! That must be one pretty classless community with no sense of morality.

allesa,...I totally agree with everything you stand for,...and couldn't agree more!....But here is where the moderate right wingers stand basically,.....The unions for example,..where do you think most of your union dues go,..To democratic politicians mostly, and the rest to the mob......And all the while the left just wants to raise taxes, never problem solve.

The unions are responsible for corporate america going abroad,..To avoid unions,constant tax hikes, pension plans, health ins, etc......We can no longer compete against all these monster emergeing markets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE FREE RIDE IS OVER

Toasty McGrath

Thanks for lining these out for us...lest anyone forget.

Well, the credit goes solely to the CSVG. I merely brought attention to their fine work.

Alessa:Add a paragraph or two and I am down with that!

Toasty: As usual a nice and toasty post...y

It's amazing how these ultra-conservatives are willing to take up the gun and wield violence. Have they given up on our democratic system? Have the US Constitution and the democratic institutions already failed that they advocate an armed revolution already? Perhaps they feel that the US has already become so heterogeneous, so multifacted and complex, they just want to impose their will upon rest of us. I bet if they got want they wanted, they will take away the rights of those people they disagree with. They will be the ones to establish a secret police. They have already convinced themselves that they are right and that they are the only ones who know what's best for the country. They don't seem to realize that they are going the same path they accuse the left of. Ultra-leftists will go for socialism/communism and the ultra-right will go for fascism. Either way, it's totalitarianism.

I think alessa's statement needs to be publicized, repeated, and shoved in the ears of every American. Too many people forget that people who disagree with them aren't nameless faceless bad guys. They're people, and they're not as bad as they are being made out to be.

As much as Bush and Cheney wiped their butts with the US Constitution for 8 years, do you think any republicans care about the Constitution anymore? Criminy -- it's covered with so much of their crap now, you can barely read it...

Dessoftruth, excelent statement !! I`m not a liberal at all. Actually I`m conservative in my thinking. But its hard to argue with facts and the truth, that is when your not filled with hate. I too believe that you as a citizen should work hard to support you and your family. But I know there are those that have a harder time at it then others. And I also know that in this great country of ours that the playing field is`nt always level for ALL of us ALL the time. Thats a truth thats hard to say and harder to admit. But when we as a nation spend half as much on its people as we spend on its corporations maybe there wont be any mothers that cant afford health care for her children. Unfortunately for some thats an appalling notion.

Did you ever consider that maybe the congreeman didn't want to give this jerk the publicity that he's now getting?

From a different report:
From Georgia, the Athens Banner-Herald reports that at a townhall meeting Tuesday night Republican Rep. Paul Broun was asked by a person in the audience when — or who, depending on the person doing the reporting — someone is going to shoot President Obama.
Broun, his press secretary confirmed, moved on. "Obviously, the question was inappropriate, so Congressman Broun moved on," spokeswoman Jessica Morris told the Banner-Herald.

This whole thiing is foggy. The congressman should have denounced the question though.

Yeah, sometimes people aren't so quick on the draw when it comes to dealing with sticky situations like this in an instant. The senator obviously did some deflect and redirect tactic and later said he refused to dignify the question with an answer. So he didn't jump down the guy's throat then and there. So what? He didn't encourage this ornery old guy. I say give him the benefit of the doubt.

don't count on it. This country is irrate at Obama and the Dems and are tired of seeing it destroyed.

That warped view only lives in warped teapug minds.

This country was on its way to hell long before President Obama took office. What I find intriguing is that it took about 12 years to get into this mess and you expect it to be fixed in 2 years. Get a clue. Perhaps this will teach you to vote on relevant issues as opposed to a self-serving political party.

As to keeping America ignorant, could the assault on teachers be part of the plans of GOP/TP?

Yes. Keeping the people ignorant makes them easier to control. The repitition of lies keeps people stupid.

The sad part is that other industrialized countries are educating their citizens for the future.

The Republican Party wants to pull us into the past.

Chris Giiliard - who is resorting to name calling now? Teapugs? How would you like it or how would you respond if I started calling you a Democrap or Dumbocrat? No where in the article was it stated what the person's political affiliations were, who asked the question (not threat).

You are just another example of the rhetoric that is bringing this country down.

In response to, "Where are the jobs, jobs, jobs?",

superlog posted, "Barry is still President and Reid is still majority leader. Why not ask them?".

For all the conservatives stating how badly the Dems are gonna get it in 2012, I'd just like to remind you all how sure you were that Reid would NOT still be majority leader after 2010.

You people couldn't even land all the "sure things" in 2010, and now you're gonna have to explain away the lack of "jobs, jobs, jobs" in 2012. Your cockiness is not apt.

Uhhh...2010 was a "shellacking" in which one needs to go back to something like 1938 to find somethng comparable.

Reid's reelection was doubtful almost until election day.

Keeping the American people ignorant and uneducated keeps a cheap working class. I know conservatives don't want people talking like that they immediate start squealing and screaming "communist" but the middle class is being destroyed.

"Keeping the American people ignorant and uneducated keeps a cheap working class "

So hows that 60 years of "Brittney has 451 mommies and a even tempered kangaroo ".........going for you?

annrich: it's the other way around. How else could a half black man win the presidency? It's because of the horrible performance of your man, that little chimp for brains, GW Bush-league and that dick, Cheney. This country will "refudiate"(you betcha) the Rethuglikkklan trash (wink).

Your one short sentence shouts VOLUMNES!!! Well said.

People have been killing each other in this country for a long time based on political views.. Revoloution started because we didn't agree with English politics.. Civil War started becasue the North and South couldn't agree on the division of power and money. Presidents and other poilcitical leaders on both sides have been killed at different point is US history.. Heck look at Egypt and now Lybia over the last few weeks.. People will always continue to fight to be heard and to to have power especially when you have 2 larger groups like the Repubs and Dems... I wouldn't expect it to ever change

Unfortunately I have to agree with ste1997.

We didn't start the fire. It was always burning since the world's been turning.

I'm with you but understanding that these Communist MSM types have to throw something out there daily in their attacks against the people. That's okay, we've got 2012 coming.

Look. Spin it however you want. If this individual was at a gathering for Broun it is a pretty safe assumption they identify themselves as a Republican. Good lord.

Sorry trblnatl but this was a Town Hall meeting. That means all constituents can and do attend. It wasn't a GOP rally supporting the Congressman. Nice try to put your spin on it.

This is what Republicans stand for.

So, you are saying that the talk during the last election cycle of "Second Amendment remedies" and "what we can't win at the ballot box we'll win at the end of our gun barrels" as recorded by Republican Senate candidates and Republican senate staffers didn't really happen?

And, by the way, they did say that the FBI had identified and talked to the person. The fact that we don't know the person's political stance is a joke. The audience laughter tells all.

Please turn your AM radio off and your TV away from Glenn Beck. There are facts out there that don't change based on viewer and listener demographics. Try finding reality, it isn't so scary once you get over your Fox addiction.

daryl, from the article "The Washington Post reports that the Secret Service has interviewed the constituent and determined that he or she is not a threat and was merely acting "in poor taste."

Secret Service, not FBI. Can't you guys get anything straight? And the article still doesn't say what this clown's political alliance is. He could have been a dem, repub, independent or just some jerk who thought he was being funny. We just don't know. And NO, I don't think he was funny or agree with him.

Dan,

Whatever. I can't guarantee anything but all you are trying to do is hide behind the slight possibility that this person was anything but a redneck repub. nice try.

trblntl, that's not true. I'm stating what few facts are available and I've been to other sites looking for them. It seems the loudest voices at these Town Hall meetings are the opposition. Think about it. Remember the TEA Party at Town Hall meetings two years ago that the dems complained about so much? For being 'loud & disruptive'? This sounds much the same. Liike I said we don't know anything about this guy. He could just as easily been a redneck dem.

"Communist MSM types"! HA!

Would those be the ones that helped Bush push a war based on lies, and then helped demonize Obama? Ha ha! Yeah, we've got a real "liberal-leaning" media, don't we? HA!

Dan: It sure comes accross as phony when your only counterpoint is that I said the FBI rather than Secret Service. The change does not invalidate my point at all, rather it sidesteps it by spinning the conversation off topic.

As for the person's political agenda, I'm pretty sure he said it for himself. In any case, it is another sidestep of the topic. The topic is why did Rep. Broun respond to the question other than to denounce it? I mean even McCain (the insane) stopped tea baggers from calling Obama unAmerican, Muslim and evil. And then why did Rep. Broun LIE about his response? Remember, he said he didn't respond but this has since been proven false.

This is about Rep. Broun first and foremost. Next it is about people using violence or suggesting violence as an appropriate political tool. Lastly it is about the idiot who made the statement. He is about as inconsequential to this discussion as is the difference between FBI and SS in my statement.

If this moron's political stance is of importance to you, then you seem to be needing to change the subject more than investigate the incident. Until and unless you have even a shread of evidence that this person was not a Republican/Tea Bagger you are acting the part of shill. Your purpose is not to encourage debate or learn the facts, your purpose is to protect your political party no matter how immoral or unethical you have to be to do so. Please explain how this is any better than the guy asking who gets to kill Obama? Your purpose and his seem to be the same.

So, now that we are back on topic, do you have anything of relevence to say?

soazDan: Really? A useless and factless article, followed by useless postings? Are we supposed to think that you aren't part of the crowd? Unless you're doing something different than "posting" your opinion?

........oh get real.............

I am thankful that my vote counts just as much as yours.

Lori, What worried me is that he denounced any violence, serious or in jest, against any president or public politician. Guess if they shoot us, then it is ok to the GOP and Rep. Broun.

So long as he isn't in DC with a gun tomorrow. I'll bet he still quilifies to buy one in most states.

And the radical left is on display im Wis. "Oh, I'm a teacher, don't take my pension, it's not my fault I'm overpaid. To hell with the state and the other 88% of the people that can't afford my annual pay raises" While the rest of us worry if we'll even have a job tommorow, the unions and the liberals chant "more more more, we want more"

Eric, read and understand the facts. The unions agreed to salary and benefit cuts but Walker wants the unions out. Plus he only picked on teachers and not the cops. Read your history and learn the good unions created in this country. The sometimes get greedy and need to be reigned in but overall workers are better off for unions.

Unions destroyed this country moron, that is a fact! The union moto is "minimum work....maximum pay"

your ignorance is outstanding! Public workers have NOT have pay raises in years! Not for more than 5 years! When all of you in the private sector were getting 8 and 10% raises 10 years ago or so, the hightest we ever got was 4%! no bonuses, etc. Working for the government has usually meant more of a stable income, not high when things were really good and not bad when economy is bad. You lie or are just ignorant to say that they are overpaid. Studies show for equal levels of education, etc. that public workers are paid less than private and had better benefits. We have NOT been getting annual pay raises for a very long time! If you think that public workers have it so much better why didn't you try to become one? Instead of pulling middle class families down, why don't you wonder why you keep getting things cut at the same time that the upper people in companies are making 400 times that of the rest of the workers, average of $158,000 BONUSES this year and record profits for companies were recorded this year! Look to your companies for fleecing you. Get angry at them and stop trying to destroy other middle class workers.. It is insane!

No, you are insane and your "facts" are as screwed up as you are. I never wanted a public sector job because I could never be a union parasite. I have gotten every raise I've ever had because I deserve it, not because everyone else got one....it's called merit....try it sometime. And you talk about stability...news flash, this country and the economy is not stable anymore.......we all need to cut back...including unions.

Rethuglikkklan criminals like Lil gw bush League and that dick, Cheney, destroyed this country along with narrow minded right wing NUT wannabe rich losers.

Unions destroyed this country moron, that is a fact! The union moto is "minimum work....maximum pay"

Um, ok. But...why is it that the only union workers i know are republicans? Every police officer i have ever known, every firefighter, every auto worker I have ever known, every logger, every publicly-employed equipment mechanic... I mean seriously... These people are NRA members, rednecks, jesus-freakin, right-wing republicans.

You keep yakking about this like it's a democrat problem. But sorry folks...every union worker i have ever met swings right. Go to your next local Police Union meeting and ask how many of them are republicans -- it'll be at least a 4 to 1 slant to the right, if not wider. And, are cops lazy? How many of them are overweight...a lot of them wear their uniform shirts out where the steering wheel rubs it because they're so fat... How many ex-military end up in union jobs? A huge percentage of them! Please dont try to tell me that the military is mostly Dems. They aren't -- they are mostly redneck republicans who couldn't get into college or get a job after high school, so they enlisted.

So, man-up and own your crap, will ya?

Only if you throw in a pack of Camel cigarettes.

Again, Tommy & Chris, you base your statements on speculation and opinion, not on facts. Show me anything that states he was a conservative, republican or a TEA PArty member. Show us some evidence.

Who else would be at such a meeting?

Truly a disheartening experience if you have put yourself through such a thing. We libs in my area have stayed way far away from the town halls and certainly would rarely venture into a gathering of Tea Partiers or Republicans. Not a pleasant experience. I live in Demint country. Very similar to the area of this incident.

Believe me, I know, having attended a Palin rally in '08. Really nothing you would ever want to see more than once. Pretty much ruined may faith in chunks of humanity. Racist Christians being baited by a succubus from on high. The language on the floor was just appalling. By the end the crowd was so riled up they would have torn Obama to pieces had he been present. Reminded me very much of the Two-Minute Hate of "1984". Obama is of course your Goldstein. The source of everything sinister. A murderer who never kills, a dictator who allows free speech, he has brought forth economic ruin in what were utopic times under Bush. He is an alien usurper. Of course all of that is illogical, irrational and without merit of any sort as are the other lies told against this man.

"One person said a stupid thing" (and a hundred others laughed)...

By the same evidence...it was a liberal plant.

AHA (Affordable Healthcare Act) was based partially on Massechusetts universal heath care (instituted by Romney a Republican) and on ideas from multiple Republicans over the past 10 or so years including Orrin Hatch, John McCain, Boehner and others. To a weasel (I refuse to call those who act this way men) they all switched their philosophies the moment a Democrat introduced the EXACT SAME LEGISLATION!!!

No chiz, we're mad because he sucks. And yes, Bush is a dumbass to.

We all know the south has lagged behind the rest of the world in education and common sense

Oh yeah you Yankees are SOOOOO brilliant! That's probably why you all move to the south to retire with all pension money extorted for you by the Unions. Wonder if you'd be screaming like this if the comment had been made about Bush? I'll bet you dollars to donuts the person who said it, wasn't even from the south. Just 'cause you live here, doesn't make you a southerner, just another Damn Yankee.

Patricia: Don't worry, your south is rising again. I've got money on another civil war within the decade. This time though, no reconstruction. It's time to put an end to the evil of southern hatred forever. I say after we kick your butts again we take away your citizenship for 6 generations. And only after your progeny repay the US for two civil wars can they even reapply for illegal alien status. Lastly, for 200 years noone from a secessionist state may hold national office nor statewide office, only local office and even then the US government will appoint someone with 2 functional brain cells or more to review or reject all legislation from southern states.

And you are so right. It take more arrogance and hate than any reasonable and sane human being can muster to be a true southernor.

Replace the star cross of the Confederate states with swastikas; show your true colors.

And replace the donkey as the democrat symbol with an azzhole, because that's what you are.

No need for a Nazi comparison. Seeing their treasonous flag fly still flying while they proclaim themselves patriots and true Americans says more than anything else could. Why do we let people serve in our military and goverment when they sanctify traitors and proudly wave and wear a secessionist treasonous flag? We don't let other aliens run for office or vote? And secessionists by definition abandon their citizenship in the USA.

"we don't let other aliens run for office and vote".......I haven't seen a birth certificate....have you?

Your lame arguments are pathetic.

I've been reading Eric's posts. I'm almost willing to bet money that he's one of those paid bloggers that Koch Brothers have going around toting the Tea Party line....much in the same manner that unions tell their members to promote union backed political agendas.

When you become obsessed with the enemy you become the enemy.