(CNN) - Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, raised eyebrows last month when he told a constituent at a raucous health care town hall event, "Trying to have a conversation with you would be like arguing with a dining room table."
Now Rep. Pete Stark, D-California, is involved in a similar instant YouTube classic, telling a town-hall participant over the weekend that he wouldn't "waste the urine" to pee on the man's leg.
First reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and confirmed by a YouTube clip of the event, the longtime congressman made the remark after the participant launched into a long, but calm, litany about government inefficiency when it comes to nation's health care system. The man concluded his remarks with warning Stark not to "pee on my leg and tell me it's raining."
As the audience cheered, a calm Stark responded: "Well, I wouldn't dignify you by peeing on your leg. It wouldn't be worth wasting the urine."
There was a mixture of laughter and boos as Stark motioned for the next question.
From CNN Politics
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What Frank said might have been abrasive, but this is vulgar and disrespectful to his constituency and plain rude. Why are so many Republicans so crude?
Hahahahahaha!!!
Classic!
This is the problem in American politics and you see it on this board. If you are Dem you only see things one way and the same for Repubs. Why comment if you are not able to understand that both sides love America but just have different views on what is best. I know on both sides that there are people that will never change and they only spew hate and call names.
It appears that the Repubs hold no monopoly on democratically elected idiots.
Almost forgot to mention, this rep obviously thinks that he is better than some people. Please remember that we are all equal.
And they want to censure Joe Wilson???? All of these stupid congressmen/women need to stand in a line so someone can wash their mouths out with soap!!
Why would he want to pee on the guy's leg anyway?
Tacky. But those right-wing dingbats are so obnoxious and so foolish that the exasperate mature adults. Their eternal condemnation of government – about which they know nothing except thousand dollar toilet seats and welfare cadillacs – is so irritating.
"Keep government out of my medicare." "Keep government out of my union sponsored health plan" (Which was created by Harry Truman) "Keep death panels from snuffing out my old grandma."
These hayseeds are being played like a harmonica by Conservative leaders and corporate employees who specialize in political theater. They will be the ruin of us all.
Oh thank goodness it was the dumbcrats who said this.
And these are the leaders we have elected? Shameful.
The next elections should draw on the wisdom of the people; pursuing honesty, ethics, and common sense.
It is about time the members of congress stand up to these rude, nasty, right wing wacko's....look at where the GOP is taking this country. God Bless America & keep our troops safe....I am a proud democrat from SC...
the arrogance in washington... arrogance that exists on BOTH sides of the aisle.
of course, CNN won't post this... mostly because it is a reasonable post, and isn't the usual partisan garbage they post.
CNN- GET HONEST, OR YOU'RE OUT OF BUSINESS!
The Democrats can say all sorts of derogatory comments to constituents (the people who pay their salaries) and get away with it, but when Republican Joe Wilson states the fact that Obama lies, he gets raked over the coals. Double standard, as usual.
I love these libs, ever so tolerant, full of compassion and extolling the highest degree of civility. At least he didn't tell the questioner "You lie!"
Perhaps because he wasn't?
Good for Stark – about time someone came back at these morons and their moronic statements and lies.
Disgusting response and behavior from an elected Democratic Official. Listen, empathize with your constituent and respond accordingly with dignity regardless of the man's metaphorical phrase however if cornered in your party line political lies and deceit, sling it baby . Typical....
It is amazing how people are upset when they get a response that they are not expecting. The gentleman got what he deserved. He made a nasty comment and expected nothing in return. Well, he got what he deserved. Good for Rep. Stark.
The title of this article is misleading and only meant to incite more negative feelings. Be respectful to your work as a journalist and/ or editor.
And we have a new champion in the dumbest elected official event!!!!
Seriously, what the heck was Stark thinking? I can't wait to see the slogans that his rival comes up with!!!!
Wow, what an intelligent comment from a Democrat, from California no doubt. As a Californian in this idiotic Liberal controlled state where they keep voting in Pelosi, Feinstein and Boxer...............the rest of the country should take a close look at California, we are bankrupt and these losers won't quit providing all the freebies to the illegals that are bankrupting us. No, they just think we should smile and pay more taxes. Their only solutions to save money is to threaten to close parks. California is undeniably the Land of Fruits and Nuts! You want this for the rest of the country? If you said yes, keep on voting for the Democrats!
This demonstrates the TOTAL disregard liberal democrats have for real Americans and their ideas and beliefs. It is their way or nothing. Thankfully, 2010 is right around the corner. Mainstream America will be heard.
Good ! Strike back at these political punks, who suddenly have become interested in Town Hall Meetings, after crawling out of their holes where they have been hiding for years. Some stupid jack ass mouthing Boss Limbaugh "Government Inefficiency" diatribes deserved that comment. Democratic Politicians: Strike back. Don't take the abuse amymore.
B T W: About Government Inefficiency – you mean nearly backrupting the U S A, economic collapse, foreclosures across the Nation, destroying the job market, getting 4000 young people killed and 10,000 seriously injured in a war with a nation that did nothing to us, all in the period 01-20-01 through 01-20-09, and then leaving office with a 23% approval rating? Do ya think?
Let's face it: Bush was just a quitter. He got tired of his new toy (the Presidency), and just walked away from it in the final three years. Typical rich kid.
Good for him. It's time people start standing up to this very loud, yet very small minority. In dealing with children and the mentally ill, the authority always has to keep the upper hand, and sometimes that means getting down on their level. Most of the time it shocks the offender so much they snap back into reality, but the tea baggers, birthers, deathers and all their corporate handlers are too far gone. It's just best to get in a good dig and move on. Kudos to Rep Stark! The guy you responded to didn't vote for you last time, and he won't be voting for you the next time.
Perhaps the gentleman who asked Stark the question realized that his childish approach merited such a response.
For these slack jaw Christ Nazi Tea Baggers, maybe the term garbage in/garbage out should be applied or better yet "Poor White Trash in/trash response out.
And people are upset about Joe Wilson?
Finally the Dems are showing that they have a spine are starting to stand up to these stupid people
Barney Frank is the only person who knows how to deal with these
Heathens.
He should be appointed Idiot Czar.
Frank is correct – take of look at these T-Baggers for example. They claim they aren't racist while carrying signs that accuse the President of not being an American and depict him as an African witch doctor. Please! Not Racist? Who are they kidding?
They're worried about unconstitutional policies! OMG! These people sat on their duffs and said nothing while the Bush Administration was violating due process, equal protection, free speech, and states rights!
Bush Inc. trampled Amendments 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 on a daily basis!
Where were these people then and why are they suddenly concerned about the Constitution? President Obama is a constitutional scholar and knows very well how shredded it has been for the past 8 years.
The T-Baggers are either racist or simply ignorant – probably both.
This kind of blatant dismissal of a constituants concerns is exactly what continues to feed this fire and will ultimatly cost the Dems dearly in 2010.
NOW-There's an intelligent response!!!!-WHAT AN IDIOT!!!!-but will the other Dems call him out on this or will it be swept under the rug????-Imagine if a repub, said this-all hell would break out!-Let's hope they call him out on this-
CNN – is this ALL that you can come up with? Certainly acting like FAUX news these days...
Simply: What a very SMART answer from Start to a very DUMB remark from a person in the room.
What does this say about us Democrats: We're quick on our feet and can think with our brains.
CNN... why do you report this junk??? I'm not particularly a democratic supporter (actually don't have any party affiliation), but it should be obvious to everyone that when someone introduces a comment about peeing on their leg with intent to confuse urine for rain... that he/she leaves it wide open for a response in kind. No brainer here, no harm no foul. Find something more newsworthy... or , oops, did you run out of Coast Guard Training runs to report on???
Vote them out asap , the democrats have controlled cogress since 2006 and as we all know congress hold the purse strings. "If you are young and not a liberal, you have no heart. If you are old and not a conservative, you have no brain."
–Winston Churchill
Democrats.............always classy
This story implies that the congressman spoke about pee first when in fact, he was only responding to the person's question about pee. If you show respect, you will receive respect in return.
Sensationalizing a story because you know several idiots will not read the entire thing but the headline only. Kudos to the congressman for not sucking up to the moron.
After watching the town hall fiascos, teabaggers, birthers, and an idiot calling the President a liar...I will never again vote for the party of hate.
And you say Republicans are crazy, at least they have the intelligence to never say something as ignorant as that!
The whole country is going to you know where in a hand basket. There is hardly anyone to look up to anymore – be it in sports, entertainment and most importantly, politics The only public figure who seems to have any sense of decency and composure, even when the kitchen sink is thrown at him, is the current president of the United States.
What is the matter with people today? That is no way to talk – why can't everyone treat each with respect. I just don't understand anymore.
You tell them Stark! Your liberal pee it too good for them. Even if they are your constituents.
Rep. Frank and Stark talking down to the people who hire them is worse than anything Rep. Wilson called the President. They forget they work for us not for themselves or special interest or do they? Censure them both with Wilson if the democrats are not having a Kangaroo Congress.
Gotta love how this loser Democrat handles a situation, lacks any class at all. Guess he had to say that, since he didn't have an intelligent response that relates.
Pete Stark answered the man-what's the problem
One thing is for sure, there is no civility in politics....
While terribly inappropriate, I can certainly sympathize with Rep. Frank's comment! When faced with the vapid, uninformed, and nasty comments from some of these 'tea baggers," I think that his comment was certainly head on and, although somewhat childish, certainly understandable.
One smart remark deserves another!
It seems the older folks are so misinformed about the key issues being debated on the health care reform that the anti-Obama forces perpetually fan the fire with misinformation and deception in order to create an evironment of choas for the older folks. What is sad is the older folks are so vulnerable to these tactics being used by the insurance companies who had a monopoly on the health care system along with the Republicans who have been benefitting from the insurances companies with coffers. Bottom line for the Republicans is if health care reform passes no more easy money from the insurance companies for their coffers, plain and simple.
Great comeback Stark,... some of these folks are totally stupid, or else, how do you explain them vilifying and opposing a president who is trying to help people by fixing a huge problem that wasn't even of his making.
Libs believe they are not answerable to those that elect them hence the arrogance.
LOL...Oh My God...this is so hilarious!
But, on the serious note: What is wrong with all of these people?
Also, does anyone else think that Obama's heavy focus on the healthcare issues is in part used to distract us from the failing, unnecessary, unethical, atrocities...of the Afgan and Iraq wars?
Bring them home, please!!!
Seemed like a fair response to a baiting comment.
I mean if someone makes the insulting comment, not to "pee on my leg and tell me it's raining." should we expect Representative Stark to beg for understanding?
Tempest in a teapot.
How true this is. It is so sad at how nasty the right a become.
The "don't pee on my leg and tell me its raining" comment has been making the rounds as a commonly used catch phrase for the right. They shouldn't be surprised that someone is going to be at the ready with a similarly idiotic comeback.
Why won't Glenn Beck release the long form police report? Why has he retained a lawyer if he hasn't done anything wrong? Why hasn't he just come out and denied the rumors? What is he hiding? Have a nice day!
I`m still waiting for some of those "socialism haters" to gain my attention and respect by tearing up their social security and medicare cares -- I cannot stand hipocrites
It's about time the Demns started to fight fire with fire. These un-American, hateful and ignorant protester have over stayed their welcome in this country.
It's time to take back the debate from these sour grape losers..
Its about time someone told these idiot protestering uneducated fear mongers how stupid they're being. Go Stark.
It's about time they start giving these clowns the foolish answers they deserve, because this has become a mockery and disgrace to this country. I just don't understand where in the world was all these people when this country started going down the toilet eight years ago? Where were they? I forgot we had a different person in office. It really makes you wonder people, who are you really talking too, can our african and hispanic soldiers trust the others they go to war with, can you really trust your boss, can you really trust your teachers, can you really trust your babysitter? I know you can't trust some in the school system, that has been proven already. This country is determine to be Hell bound. Maybe Ben Laden is right, not that I agree with how he handled his frustration with America, but America is wicked and evil and it destroys any and everything it touches. We must face facts, this is not a godly country.
my problem with government controlled ANYTHING has to do with the FACT that they suck at running it. Its the nature of the beast. for a politician to respond that way doesnt shock me anymore. any politician with over 12 years in wahsington should be voted out. the whole system is boken and fresh blood every so often is what will fix it. or out and out bloody revolution in the streets. its up to us to decide.
Is Congress going to vote to rebuke them? No, probably not. Dems are exempt from accountibility.
Brilliant comeback for an obnoxious member of the crowd!
the democrats are so blind,all they have to do is involve illegal immigration in the health care reform,because the gop is scared to death of talking about illegal immigration,the gop wants the media to think they care about it,but in reality their scared to death,because the they no if the latino in asian cummunities vote the way black people vote,it would be the end of the republican party because 92% of the people who vote for republicans are white,compare to only 59% for democrats,if minority voters give obama 90% of their vote obama would have to get only 34% of the white vote in 2012,in the gop nominee would have to get 67% of the white vote to even tie obama,for example obama got 80% of the minority vote and only 43% of the white vote in won very easily,the gop got 57% of the white vote in still got killed,because the gop could only get 18% of the minority vote,the democrats dont see this major problem the gop is facing,so all the democrats have to do is bring immigration into the health care topic,in beleive me the gop will back down immediatly,the healthcare bill will pass with republican support,but the democrats are to blind not to see this.
The video clearly shows the other guy talking about urine before the democrat, and the dem simply says not to worry that he wouldn't waste his time. I hate these title's and how they take everything so out of context, this is why people hate the media in this country so much but it's all we have because not many in the media are truly honest, and they'll spin everything just like this article is trying to do.
That was funny. Don't take smack from these guys anymore Barney. The neo-cons can get away with it. Stand up to these buffoons.
This is priceless! I love it! Yeah for Peter Starks,what a great American !
Awesome. Its about time.
So, a guy makes a snide remark, the Congressman responds in kind, and everyone (well neo-conservatives, anyway) are upset? I guess they can dish it out, but can't take it. That's no surpise.
Good for Stark. The participant could have used another analogy. If he can dish it out, he should be able to take it.
I watch the clip, and fail to see the controversy. The gentleman asked a great question and at the end he asked the congressman not to pee on his leg. He destroyed the question by saying something nonsense. Thus, he got the appropriate answer. There is nothing wrong for the congressman to tell him that I would not dignify you by peeing on your leg. If a constituent is ready to give anything to their elected officials, they need to be ready to receive anything back from them. Being an elected official does not mean losing your emotion and your personality. The constituents get to be respectful too.
Good grief! I wouldn't give you a dime for the whole lot of these spoiled children we have in congress. No incumbents. Vote third party.
And the utter contempt by our elected officials towards their constiuints continues, sigh.....
Don't start anything you can't finished. The participant should have made his point and sat down. Instead he had to add, for effect, "Don't pee on my leg and tell me its raining"...Well, if you are going to accuse someone of peeing on your leg, then you had better be prepared for their response. Rep. Stark's response was appropriate. Since the man wanted to use metaphors, Rep. Stark used the same metaphor to convey his response. We use to say, "Don't start none, won't be none".
Good for you Pete! I wouldn't waste a drop of Pi_ _ on them either.
gosh and this is just coming out NOW? Sounds like something a Republican tea bagger would say.
Perfect answer to a pathetic question.
Is Stark how one spells Palin in Idiocy
It's OK he's a Democratic and only talking to voters. The don't insult rule does not apply to Democratics like when they booed President Bush during one of his State of the Union address.
As I have always said you have the control of term limitation vote them out alll of them.
Dems, Kanye, Serena, Oliar, Waters, Conyers, Clyburn are showing their true colors.
Give me a break CNN...this headline is so sensationalistic and gives the impression that the congressman initiated the "urine" comment out of nowhere, when it was the questioner who brought up "peeing" in the first place. And I'm not just apologizing for Democrats - people do the same thing with Republican politicians' quotations to try to make them seem more extreme than they actually are. The quality of news on CNN has been reduced to a few journalists with integrity and the remaining filler articles are crap.
Nice to see Democrats finally giving up on actually trying to talk to the hate filled and falsehood fueled fools on the right.
The only way to get through to these idiots is to say these things. Barney Frank got it right asking if these people live on another planet with the lies and crap they are chanting out there!
This video is incredible!
Pete Stark is arrogant, demeaning, rude and innapropriate.
Wow.
I'm so happy that I left California.
Go Barney! Go Stark! Stand up to these morons who don't have a clue what they are talking about and only get their scripts from Lush Rimbutt.
Colorful language, to be sure. At least the Dems aren't inciting people to violence like the Republicans.
Shhh! He's a democrat.. How dare you report this!
Seems like the headline writing and 'tease' tags here are somewhat misleading.
Without my attempting to pass judgement on the actions or words of either party – CNN's "Congressman says some people aren't worth peeing on" is just a blatant LIE.
The actual exchange is buried in the story, where the congressman was actually just responding in kind to a remark made by a constituent.
Journalism is dead, unfortunately so is civility.
CNN to sassy Congresspeople: Don't use colorful language even when responding to colorful language, or we'll make you look bad.
So now Pete Stark is acting like a dog. I wonder if Pelosi is going to have the House censor this mutt.
And this from the Democrats that are belittling Joe Wilson? I will take Joe any day standing up for what he believes in. Go Joe!!
This perfectly illustrates the elitist and condescending attitudes of the democratic leadership. Shameful!
Despicable. Stark should immediately resign. If he doesn't the voters should throw him out. he's supposed to represent the people not insult them at every chance. What have our politicians turned into? It's really our fault for keeping to reelect these bafoons.
The congressman, though crude is absolutely correct. There is no reasoning with these individuals who view the government as the devil. They constantly rail against the government's inefficiency, and seem not to have any idea where a lot of our fellow citizens would be if the government was not able to step in when protection of civil rights is needed, or children need to receive insurance coverage when they cannot protect themselves, or paying for the necessary services we all use, or saving us during this economic crisis we are experiencing. I say thank God we have the government. I am a hardworking woman who has paid her taxes for over 40 years, never complaining about them, and believing that if everyone does their fair share where taxes are concerned, that we can all continue to receive the help when and if we need it from the equalizer, the lender of last resort, the government.
In context, this is a big deal over nothing.
The problem in America is that there is too many manipulable ignorants that cannot think rationaly.
Everybody is concerned about the Deficit and I strongly believe the president is as well but HOW IN THE WORLD CAN YOU FIX THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR HOUSE WHICH IS ABOUT TO COLAPSE WITH NO MONEY IN THE BANK WITHOUT BORROWING MONEY?
Is that too hard to understand?
People wants unemployment rate to go down with government doing nothing while the private sector cannot get loans from banks and shreading jobs and an auto industry which affect millions of jobs to go bankrupt to make the situation worse.
So, basically, instead of making a question to the congressman (which was the reason for him to have the opportunity to talk to him), the man made a speech and ended it with a remark to the congressman. The kind of remark that DEMANDS a
Stark was right on. This past week, I've made donations to the DNC, the DCCC and to Rob Miller, Rep. Joe "The Heckler" Wilson's (R-SC) Democratic 2010 challenger.
VOTE them OUT!
It's time for these old dogs to get out of Congress!
We're sick of their spending and corrupt ways!
He replied to the comment - he didn't initiate the train of supposed thought. There is a difference.
I think the Congressman's retort was well considered, totally apt, and actually pretty mild-mannered, considering the vulgar overture may my the questioner. What's more telling about this post is the out-of-context, over-the-top headline, "Congressman says some people aren't worth peeing on." That really does say it all about the media's voracious appetite for sensationalism. and their need to create controversy where none is warranted.
what kind of people are running washigngton. It's time for all of them to go.
what ever he says...nation needs to pass this much needed health care reform with public option....we can use PAs for rural area practice for cost cutting....all these hospitals are hiring bunch of foreign doctors and robbing thenation....we need health care reform....with public option....ok....stricter immigration is needed too....
A stupid remark deserves a stupid respond.
he's right.
So, basically, instead of making a question to the congressman (which was the reason for him to have the opportunity to talk to him), the man made a speech and ended it with a remark to the congressman. The kind of remark that DEMANDS a quick answe, just like the one he received.
It reminds me of Churchill saying to the woman who said that if he was her husband she'll put poison in his tea that, if she was his wife, he'll drink that tea.
NICELY SAID CONGRESSMAN!
Excuse me. Should read: "...overture made by the questioner."
While Congress is wasting its time to rebuke Rep Wilson who has already apologized for his outburst, there will be no apology demanded of this Rep who has shown an incredible amount of contempt for the exact people he is "supposedly" representing in Congress. Sad commentary on how the Congress is run, if you are with us you can say anything and we will turn a blind eye to it if you are against us we will treat every instance of disagreement with overkill.
Good for the congressman!
Politicians = Kanye West-like behavior. Disgraceful.
Your reporting is skewed - you're creating an issue over what Stark said in a REPLY. Please correct.
There ya go, California. You know what to do. Vote his pompous arse out of office. This is exactly the type of thing that prompted the tea parties. When these politicians don't listen to their bosses(we the people) they need to get the boot and it doesn't matter what letter they have after their name.
CNN, Yet another misleading blog headline with text that tells only part of the story.
1st: The constituent said "pee on my leg and tell me it's raining." first. Pete Stark didn't just come up with the peeing on your leg being a waste of time out of the blue.
2nd: The participant launched a long litany but you provide no details as to whether the man made valid statement or whether they were just a long list of GOP talking points. I suspect it's the latter but obviously none of us can tell from reading the ticker.
Poor reporting (if you can really call it reporting at all).
Love it! Just shows the contempt that the democrats have towards your average American citizens. Looks like Mr. Stark will be joining the others dem's when they find themselves unemployed after 2010.
Given that the man was being calm, not shouting or accusing the President of being bin Laden in disguise, I think Stark overreacted.
The crowd was definitely a bunch of teabaggers though. Them, I wouldn't have pee'd on, but more out of fear one had a Glock in his waistband and would exercise his 2nd Amendment right to kill anything that he wants – oh wait, that hasn't been added yet, has it.
You got to admit the old man set himself up for that one.
You get what you sow, I see nothing wrong with Barney Franks response nor do I see anything wrong with Pete Starks come back.
He did it for the lulz, I am sure.
What would you expect from the Democratic culture of corruption. In Stark's eyes we owe him. He is just another lowlife politician.
It must be the end of the world. Our senators are all acting so immature. Thank God Obama is the only person that still acts like a professional.
Democrats are so classy guy should have knocked his teeth out. That would have ended these congressmans degrading comments.
an appropriate response
After giving all kind of title and name to president this guys should receive same treatment.
Congressman is absolutely right saying that.
"It wouldn't be worth wasting the urine."
Just as I'm sure it wouldn't be worth voting for this man again.
hahahahahaha
very funny but true
Good for Him....guess it would have been OK if he had shown up the the meeting packing two guns. You know like people do to Obama's meetings.
And the GOP think that is really OK.....at least the comment was non-violent.....geeze little old republicans are getting their feelings hurt do tell.
...and thus reinforcing the old axiom "it’s better to be pissed off than pissed on".
This is news? How about something on the Acorn scandal, CNN?
Why did Stark even bother dignifying him by responding to a vulgar comment from this guy? I guess he felt he needed to stoop that low. So much for the high road.
With this sort of blatant disrespect directed at everyday Americans by their elected representatives, you'd have to be insane to want these same people in charge of your health care!
If these people can't tolerate a little dissent now, what makes anyone think they'll tolerate any mention of dissatisfaction when their next boondoggle of socialism starts flying apart at the seams?
This is just more proof that the government is completely out of touch with the REAL mainstream and isn't fit to be making any kind of inroads into managing our health care system.
Pete Stark...the same loon who accused Bush of starting wars for profit? And he`s talking to others about dignity????????????????
I'm glad these Dems are putting these under cover hate group members in their place.
I think its a great comeback. Its a little ironic that after many of these reps have been deluged with insults, hate mail and threats that people are suprised when one of them shoots back with something. The same people that want to canonize Wilson are probably frothing about this.
Too funny!!! The Democrats should have stood up to these idiots from the beginning. If anyone would have pulled that crap at a Cheny/Bush funtion, they would have been arrested. They should thank God we have free speech again. We did not have free speech when Cheny was in office.
We are children after all. Wish we could all take our toys and go home, but we have to kick this administration off the playground.
The CNN headline "Congressman says some people aren't worth peeing on" is totally inaccurate and uncalled for. He never said "some people" and his response was only directed at the idiot who brought up the pee on my leg analogy in the first place. The CNN headline should have been "Jerk makes stupid remark about peeing to congressman who comes back at him with a justified retort that the idiot deserved".
Good for Rep. Frank and Stark.
Fire every one of these over-paid lunatics!
We citizens have REAL problems out here and these morons act like
grade school kids.
I can do a better job than any one of them, and I will gladly trade paychecks with them too.
hahaha..got to love a one liner like that but he probably should know better to say such things.
Looks to me like Stark started it. Why don't we all get down to business, Medicare for all, let the bankers crumble, and stop pissing our money down the Military hole.
WAY TO GO REP. STARK............we liberals will fight back those irresponsible, ill mannered, satanic attacks, YES, we will!!!!!!!
What an idiot!
I wonder how soon it will take some people to take these comments out of context in order to make a political point?????
I am no fan of Pete Stark, or any of these House healthcare reform proposals,
but, as the gentleman concluded his comments with the pee reference I think it excuses Mr. Starks response.
Maybe as Congressman not the best response – but I will concede he was entitled and should not make a big deal about it.
Why is it ok for these clowns in the audience to shout out, call you names and ask you the most outrages question you can think of like, death panels, the Pres. is a Nazi, why are you supporting a socialist as Pres., the Pres. isn't a real American and so on and so on but if you as a Congress person answer them like the way Franks and Stark did, it's a problem. I say, the Congressmen haven't done anything wrong. Why waste your time with these nut cases. GOOD FOR YOU Rep. Stark.
Seems that the headline is very misleading. it was a natural and funny response to a very rude statement by the other person.
That is the type of response more Democrats need to give to the totally IGNORANT morons from the ultra right that fill these Town Halls.
These people are about as educated about the FACTS of the Health Care Bills as a slug on your sidewalk and need to be treated as such.
These people are a disgrace to the United States and really make us all look like backwards idiots who couldn't read and understand anything more difficult than a McDonalds menu.
Government officials who act like this forget who they serve – and they remind blue dogs like me that I need to hold on tight to my 2nd amendment.
I hope our politicians can continue to be the grown ups in these conversations, in spite of the incivility of the tea baggers/birthers/pro-corporate/antihealthers.
Hey you people in California that are "represented" by this guy, you have your proof of what he thinks of you. Its time to shake up these politicians, of both parties. We need to send a big message in the next election.
Nov. 2010 can't come fast enough.
This is exactly what this administration and these Dems feel about honest hard working American citizens! VOTE THEM ALL OUT!
How in the world do all these crude guys get elected?
His comment shows how elite our politicians place themselves, regardless of party affiliation.
Ridiculous. Just like with the Republicans and their comments, this is unacceptable behavior from a supposed politician. I am a Dem, and I think this is just absolutely incomprehensible that he would say something so offensive.
I am not surprised by this.
Our "elected" officials have nothing but disdain and contempt for 'We The People' but they just show all kinds of love and respect to special interests.
ALL INCUMBENTS MOST BE VOTED OUT ASAP. Period.
actaully stark is right after trying to deal with all the fear mongering and lies of people it is not worth peeing on them.
Finally, the democrats are not being pushovers. Except for Pelosi, she'll always be a pushover.
This story isn't worth peeing on, other than what I'm sure will be the same forced outrage we see at town halls from conservatives. It's funny, it was recently pointed out that while the debate is heated on both sides that conservatives seem to really lose it when any idea not cenceived by a fellow Republican is even mentioned.
It's strange that grown men and women, dressing and acting like they are going to a football game, struggle to understand inability to take them seriously.
Another stupid incident that will make headlines all over. The media has really got to be desperate for news to publish junk like this. So much for the 24 hour news cycle!
Just what we need more government. How about instead of asking for input from citizens just tell us what to think. Mr. Frank should not be representing or managing people in any manner if this is his level of professionalism.
I just watched the video. It was created by a conservative tea-party guy, so there was some editing involved. That said, the town hall was relatively calm and people asked good questions. Unfortunately the video editor didn't include the Representatives responses with the exception of the Im not going to pee on you.
and he would be right.
While a poor choice of words what he is getting at is that these crazed republicans who only watch FOX have it drilled into their heads that reform is a bad thing and refuse to listen to reason. It's sad to see these people fall for the lies that Glen Beck and Rush spew.
Dem or repub...you are supposed to be representatives that are to be looked up on...are you reallly that ignorant? It's scary who's out there taxing, spending and deciding a lot of our future. That's why we need LESS federal government. These people care about power and their cronies.
An excellent response to an absurd non-question, Congressman. Next!
The man concluded his remarks with warning Stark not to "pee on my leg and tell me it's raining."
So I guess since the Congressman himself says he wouldn't bother to pee on him someone ought to tell that poor man that it really is raining. Maybe mention that Medicare and the VA are government-run health care programs as well. Which is not to say they're perfect - few things are - but I somehow doubt the gentleman is rushing off to sign up (and pay) for the alternative. I know I wouldn't if I were eligible for government-run. Better the heartless but accountable bureaucrats than the out of control greed-heads.
Good for Pete.
Does he get a rubuke from Congress??? Seems way worse what he said then "you lie".
Enough of this garbage.
There was a time when Congressmen were supposed to be leaders, and listen to voters, as opposed to indulging in arrogant dismissals of voter opinions. So, where was the comeback on how government is supposed to be efficient on healthcare? One more jerk to vote out in 2010!
Bravo! Well done sir.
at least he didn't swear i would have said my dog ! now fix fix the stuff u idiots, made ur greed has no limits all goverment workers buy ur own insurance out the loop , i want see what u have.
Good for Congressman Stark! As an old retired Army sergeant myself, Mr. Stark is a lot more polite than I would have been!
Perhaps Barney Frank should issue a public apology.
What would you expect from a Democrat, they are all cut from the same cloth, mainly BURLAP.....Unsophisticated and irritating
Sorry, but that whole exchange is pretty funny.
But what is getting up there and going on and on about how government can't do anything right going to solve? Just sit down and shut up unless you have a better idea. What's funny is that guy will probably be on medicare in the next few years, and extremely grateful for government's healthcare.
He is so ignorant! What gives him the right to say things like that?
That's it. I'm starting a new video franchise: Government Gone Wild!
"All the outbursts! The rage! The raw! The stuff we couldn't show you on TV!"
Who's on board with me? LOL.
Much ado about nothing.
and he would be right.
The congressman exerted incredible self restraint. He had to put up with some of the most intellectually dim individuals I have ever seen.
For heavens sake America, wake up! 45 million people without healthcare isn't a result of laziness or a lack of hardwork. Sometimes it all comes down to luck, and so sometimes people need help.
It is sickening to think that opponents of Universal healthcare would rather watch someone die than help them because it costs them money.
I suppose I was LUCKY enough to be born in a country with universal healthcare.
Some people are not worth peeing on. We want honesty out of our politicians but when they are we rip them apart especially since most of us know someone we wouldn't pee on to put them out if they were on fire.
Good for you Mr. Stark. As far as I am concern he called you a dog. I am sure if someone can call the president a lie and nothing is wrong, you can say "Well, I wouldn't dignify you by peeing on your leg. It wouldn't be worth wasting the urine."
Talking to these childish fools is a waste of time. They don't respect anyone who treats them as equals. They want Dubya to come back and treat them like dogs again, so they'll be sure where they stand. And I wouldn't bother to pee on a birther if he or she was on fire, and I won't be hiring these people from now on either.
Some of these politicians are so cushy and detached from the people that every once in a while it really comes out. While I support Obama's health care reform, and think that most of the town hall yellers are out to lunch in terms of how uninformed they are, making a stupid comment like Stark's is not helpful at all and only feeds into the image of a corrupt, arrogant, and useless Congress.
Some of these veteran Congress people need to look at Al Franken's attitude and passion for the job to see how it should be done.
Good for Stark!
Most of these anti-everything jerks are bigots and racists.....and hypocrites.
Take their social security and Medicare away from them! More left for the rest of us.
I agree with Franks, sometimes you just gotta put these people in check. Old neo-cons don't listen to rationality, who cares what they think. Their party already left this nation in shambles.
America voted for change not status quo, sorry the train left thestation about 9 months ago.
This congressman doesn't seem to have any respect for his constituents. Whether he agrees or doesn't, he needs to hear the concerns and logic of the common man. Of course, Frank gets FREE health care for the rest of his life – so why should he care? Until Congress does away with the golden parachute health plan they quietly voted in for themselves, I can't really take anything they say seriously. They have no right to our tax dollars for their health care for the rest of their lives (and their families). Now if a Congressman wrote a bill to take away their plan and give the money back into the pot, THAT Congressman will get my vote. They should be patrolling themselves instead of attacking the rest of us concerned citizens.
keep it classy dems!
Bravo for Mr. Stark. We're all sick to death of these crazy people who blindly follow FauxNews and their caricature pundits. It'd be a miracle if any one of them actually did some research, acknowledged a fact, thought for themselves or knew what reality is.
Rep Stark was absolutely correct because the town hall participants misrepresentation of facts was not only criminal but an abuse on the role of organize labor and the government in providing benefits (medical/retirements) for workers who otherwise would have been taking to the wood sledge by organize employers.
These guys need to put on their big boy pants and learn how to control themselves. The public is generally awful but these guys were elected to WORK for the public and our public servants need to treat us with respect whether we deserve it or not!!
Isn't it wonderful to see an employee treat his boss this way? Both of these pompous gasbags deserve to be thrown out of office based on their contempt of citizenry
What a horrible time to live in America to see and hear such disrespect coming from members of Congress ... LEADERS! We are losing our minds. How about we just get health care to the people, SOON?!
Another Dem who thinks he shouldnt have to justify his stance on any subject. remember folks we can be rid of them in 1 year, they dont think you can.dont listen send them packing. We need new faces in dc next year, those who work for us. these are the people who where in charge when the economy went south and just before it did they told us that fanny and freddie where completly sound,and where examples of economic soundness and then the boyyom fell out. its time to clean house,
So classy
Moron. Should be titled: "How not to Treat your Constituents."
sounds like a great reply to me. You can't take people on medicare complaing about government healthcare serious.
And the Republicans are the party of NO? Democrats can't fathom why big government is objected to by so many people!
Of course this comment would only be reported in retrospect, as the media would hate to show that their beloved liberal friends are just as capable of making ridiculous comments as their republican counterparts. If it weren't for the youtube clip, the media would have pretended like it never happened. Now, if a republican had said this, it would have been on page one of every paper in America. Shameful...
Barney Frank is a joke. I used to be a Democrat, but will never vote for one again. They are toast in 2010, and Obama will be a one-term president.
Can't wait for the Fox entertainment outrage. By the way, In 2005, Sean Hannity said that anyone who demonstrates against the president is a communist. Then, according to him, it looks like 65,000 commies descended this past weekend, far short of Rush's 2 million. If you want to see what 2 million in Washington looks like, go back to Obama's inauguration.
What an idiot...
While I have always enjoyed Congressman Frank through the years, he needs to make sure he doesn't get caught up in the disrespect that is taking hold of this nation. Just as we need to respect our elected officials, they certainly need to respect their constituents.
Tit for tat
Um, it was the town hall commenter who brought up peeing, not the congressman. The congressman was only responded to what the town hall guy said.
This hatred is typical of democrats whenever they've spent what little intellect they have.
How much more evidence does the voter need to know that their Government is no longer in the people's control? Both of the major parties are no longer representing "We The People".
Our government is working for everyone but the people; they are in election mode 100% of the time, accepting money, gifts and favors from the lobbyists, special interest groups,PACs, Wall Street, Banks, global Corporations, auto industry and unions. They could care less what is constitutional, ethical, or what the role of representing the people requires.
Is this the rational discussion that Obama called for? Now I'm a big fan of clever insults, of which this is one, but for an elected official to say this to a room full of his constituents, that's pretty stupid. The fall of the Democrats may be just as glorious as their rise. Let's hope so.
typical liberal does not care about the people what these politicians do not realize is they are PUBLIC SERVANTS they are supposed to do what the people want not carry out their own agenda no one agrees with
Applause, applause, applause. Mr. Stark is exactly right in his response. The opponents at these town hall meeting have been ignorant and disrespectful since they started. I you can't act like an adult without the constant barrage of negatives, then stay home and hold your gun and your bible in your hands and hope you never need public health care, because the likelyhood that you will is probably about 80%. Morons.
Pretty rude, but after seeing some of the filth on the signs at the "tea parties," I'd say the comment was not only appropriate, but accurate. After taking a good long look at them over the weekend, a lot of these "tea partiers" really aren't worth whizzing on. I'm an Independent; I used to vote Republican fairly often, but they've become an embarrassing, theocratic party now.
Whatever happened to the Republicans who had some concern about their credibility? Are there *nothing* but lunatics left in that party now? The Democrats used to complain about Bush for things he'd actually done, but the Republicans are screaming about Obama for crazy stuff that they think he _could_ do.
It's sad that civil discourse has dropped to this level, but they started it.
Pee on the man's leg? Must be something they do in Frank's "alternate lifestyle".
Could it be that Dems are finally growing a backbone. I must be dreaming.
In both cases the congressmen were justified in the attitude of the constituents.
Whatever you do, don't say ACORN.
LOL that is the funniest thing I have heard today! Stark is right, i wouldn't wast the time of day dealing with those ignorant protesters.
This is exactly the attitude that justifies the need for term limits for congress in this country. This Congressman’s comment to a constituent is beyond crossing the line and lacks the respect an elected official should present to the public. The us versus them attitude in congress is overwhelming common in the Good Ole Boy’s Network of Congress and in Big Government. People they are Correct! It’s Us vs. them! "Elected By The People For The People!"
Show them that at the voting booths! Let them see the error of their ways or in this case How they “Pissed” their careers away!
I strongly disagree with the congressman. The town-hall participant IS worth being peed on. To say otherwise is UnAmerican. I volunteer.
keep up the good work rep stark. many of these people have no solutions and don't want any. they just want to stop anything and everything that obama or the dems want to do. you can argue all day whether the ideas will help or not. the bottom line is that they don't care whether it saves lives or helps the economy. they could care less about other people. all that matters is what ist may cost them personally and stopping that big, bad obama.
Unfortunately USA, is still ignorant of Universial health care for his citizens. If not for pride, i will ask them to borrow a leaf from europe or Canada.
America is a King with so many prodigal Sons.
it is great to see democrats telling the people what they really need to hear and that is to shutup and listen to the truth
People need to stop and think before making such comments. They leave a bad impression on the public.
The man asked for it. He is probably on medicaid and now want to dictate what goverment should do for the rest of Americans. Good Job Congressman. We need to start fighting fire with fire. It is time to get Raw with some of these wingjobs.
Treat people the way they treat you, the gentle opened the door to being urinated on so Starks just replied. It is sad to see the RACIST, HATEFUL posters about our President. This is not just about Healthcare but about THE COLOR OF THE PRESIDENT. I fear for the Prez and his family. Although he won the truth is comming out that this country is still VERY MUCH AGAINST BLACKS AND ANY OTHER RACE OTHER THAN WHITE. Our freedom of speech gives these RACISTS the right and the truth be known they will do ANYTHING to see to it that this Prez goes down and I fear for him and his family.
Just shows the contempt law makers in general have for the people who pay their salary. We need a total house cleaning in Congress.
Thank God there are still some politicians out there who aren't afraid to say what's on their minds.
Completely sick of these "[Comment] raises eyebrows!" stories on CNN. Either it's news and you should report on it as such, or don't; just stop wasting time pushing these pseudo-scandals.
In this instance, the questioner raised the "pee" issue, and Stark retorted reasonably wittily. Next story.
Hey, the two congressmen are simply being honest. These windbags aren't worth the air they breathe. It's pathetic beings such as them who have ruined our once great country with their tin foil hat conspiracy theories and unhealthy fixation on keeping america in the dark ages.
Good for him. The grossness was begun by the lunatics; this guy may not have been yelling but he still had to use a nasty reference. Congressman Stark just played along. Contrasted with the death threats against our President by the "9-12" or "teabag" initiatives, this is nothing.
Well done Dems. Anyone asking for salt must not be given sugar. Give them what they ask for.
The town hall participant did impugn the integrity of Congressman by suggesting the congressman would be someone who would pee on his legs and telling him it's raining. Now, Republicans will tell you there is truth in what he said. That is not the point. Most people will react negatively when another person says that they are less than honorable people. Just imagine if a Democrat calls you a racist. Even if the Democrat believes what he said about you is true, you will be offended by what he said. I will also say that the Congressman overreacted himself and should not have said what he said.
That's hilarious! And it's the only logical response to the public's insulting and uninformed comments/questions at these meetings.
You usually get the same amount of respect you give. So it would appear neither deserve any respect. Acouple of real classy guys.
Disrespectful... Boo.
Wow what's going on with the beautiful america I knew. The rotten is really showing at the top! where's the moderates its time you back your president what the world is seeing is the racists, the right wing red necks and its very very ugly.Wake up the moderates,show the world that your country is great and beautiful, back support your president.
God bless america and its people and president.
Hal
Let's censure Barney Frank and allow Joe Wison to move along without a reprimand. Those republicans are slimy weasels!
Jeez, what a horribly misleading title.
And this isn't the same situation that Rep. Barney Frank was in. The woman was asking why Rep. Frank supported Obama's 'Nazi policies'. Obviously she was being irrational or preventing a rational discussion from occurring by making such a claim, and Sen. Frank was frank in his reply to her.
In this case, it seems Rep. Stark crossed the line. The man speaking hasn't been reported as being illogical or hostile. But, even if he was, Stark insulted his humanity, not his information or views.
The American people are already tired of the Democrats / liberals who are in Congress. We are going to clean out the Democrats / liberals in Congress in 2010 and the community organizer / social worker president will be out in the November 2012 election, we will welcome in a new Congress and new president in January 2013.
Perhaps Rush Limbaugh and the other republicans are right! Cancel Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security! These programs were all started by those Commie, Pinko, tree-hugging gays like Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson! That would save America billions of dollars!
At last two Democrats with strong spines, tell the crazies to get of the bus.
I bet that guy is on Government MediCare and Government Social Security.
I think that the title of this post is misleading. Really, this town hall garbage was a waste. These events are meant to be informative discussions, but some devolved into shouting and hateful diatribes where no one cared to lend an ear to listen. I wrote my congressman and expressed the need for a public option, but he wrote me back and basically told me to take a long walk off a short bridge. He takes money from the lobbyists, and I get a letter telling me to pound sand: Representative Democracy at its best.
I think Republicans should have the taste of their own medicine and see how it feels.
Republicans have pushed and pushed and pushed with their fear and hatred that I don't know how things haven't gotten worse. Where were these people for 8 years while the country was totally screwed by Cheney and Bush? They don't even care that the insurance companies have had "death panels" for years, denying coverage for millions.....Geez, it's unbelievable to me that so many people can be so ignorant.
Pete Stark tells it like it is. I would'nt want to share the same air with these half dead morons.
Looks like the constituent receives Medicare. Is he complaining about his government-run healthcare? The better response for Rep. Stark would have been to guarantee he wouldn't pee on the man's leg, but I would have advised him to see me after the meeting so the man could be removed from the Medicare program since he thinks it's so inefficient and wasteful.
Lol finnaly some one tells these crazy people the truth preach on congressman the time for action is now we all need health care reform this is coming from a young man if I need to pay higher taxes in the future so be it it a price me and many of age are willing to pay for the greater good go obama
Seems like a perfectly rational response to a very rude and irrational statement.
I applaud Rep. Stark for his razor-sharp with, but I know that I'd be saying the exact opposite if he had an (R) after his name.
Typical of what everybody from the President on down in Washington think of US Citizens. We are just waste of "urine" to these people. Somebody needs to run against this guy that really has concern for the citizens there. This is also proof of what happens when these people get elected over and over. They believe they are above their citizens. Washington is pathetic right now. Don't believe me then look at this and so many of the other videos.
In order to know if Rep. Frank and Stark were aggravated into making such a statement, one would have to know the whole story, not just what the Rep.'s said. Unfortunately CNN just reports the snip-it to sensationalize the story. We have a first amendment right in this Country to free speech. That freedom applies to everybody. There is a far right lunatic fringe in the Country that thinks free speech means you can lie about everything and people should believe you. The lunatic fringe said that over a million people showed up in Washington, DC last Saturday to protest Healthcare Reform. Truth is that only about sixty thousand people showed up. But the real scary part is that we have sixty thousand conservative, racist morons in this Counrty.
The headline is deceiving. After reading the entire story, the Congressman was on point. If only more of our leaders would keep it real, there would be less foolish spinning of every issue.
Better yet this person needs to run against Stark.
Barney Frank needs to remember who pays his check and how good his life is because of having the job he has and not to smart mouth
the hand that is feeding him.
Good for Mr. Stark
I think the American people, the reporters and the politicians not only need to start listening, they need to start doing their homework on the issue. The little fact checking the reporters are doing isn't enough. The politicians need to start understanding there is alot of mistrust out there, and while this may work to the advantage of some in the short run, it is going to come back to haunt everyone eventually. And the American people are going to have to educate themselves on the issue as difficult as that is because the only thing you can count on is what you know to be true and the only facts you can trust are those you verify for yourself.
What strikes me is that the man is complaining about the government and he is more than likely on a government run healthcare.
This out-of-context stuff is not even worth reporting. Come on national media, you're not a local tabloid rag.
While personal remarks toward some people at the town meetings seem inappropriate and over all non-productive, I can understand the frustration that some of our lawmakers are having with these rude, misguided ,or outwardly racist individuals regarding helath care reform. They appear to be in a frenzied state, and it is clear that they have already made up their minds long before the meeting. The Republican Party and the insurance companies are mainly responsible for this situation. If President Obama comes to harm, the Republican party will have blood on its hands!