CNN Political Ticker
November 13th, 2009
08:49 PM ET
820 days ago

Tea Party organizer vows to burn Pelosi and Perriello in effigy

mug.hamby
Pelosi will be burned in effigy at a Tea Party rally in Virginia next week, the event's organizer told CNN.
Pelosi will be burned in effigy at a Tea Party rally in Virginia next week, the event's organizer told CNN.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The organizer of a "Tea Party" protest in Virginia says he intends to move forward with plans to burn House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Tom Perriello in effigy next weekend at a rally to protest Democratic health care legislation.

The event is scheduled for next Saturday in Danville, which borders North Carolina and sits at the southern end of Perriello's congressional district. Perriello, a Democrat, narrowly won his House seat in 2008 and is considered a top target of Congressional Republicans in next year's midterm elections.

When news of the rally surfaced Friday, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen condemned the plans as "shocking and despicable."

But Nigel Coleman, the organizer of the Tea Party, told CNN he doesn't see what all the fuss is about. The attention, he said, should be on the Democratic plans to overhaul the health care system.

"We're not going to actually set Perriello on fire or Mrs. Pelosi on fire," Coleman said. "But we have been trying to months to get our point across just how vehemently we are opposed to this health care legislation. For the House vote to come so close and to know that Mr. Perriello is on the other side, it's a kick in the stomach that a lot of people couldn't take."

Coleman said none of Perriello's potential Republican challengers have been invited to the event, which he expects will draw about 100 people.

"Something shocking and despicable is how they've handled this health care legislation," Coleman said, responding to Van Hollen's statement. "Going behind closed doors, writing a bill that is going to fundamentally change what America is. More people are going to be killed by this health care legislation than this bonfire."


Filed under: Extra • Nancy Pelosi • Virginia
soundoff (333 Responses)
  1. chelseafran

    Appalling, totally out of control. A disgrace to civilized Americans (hopefully there are stll some left).

    November 13, 2009 07:48 pm at 7:48 pm |
  2. Mark

    Someone has to bring attention to Pelosi's out of control socialism!

    November 13, 2009 07:48 pm at 7:48 pm |
  3. Fitz in Texas

    Can't be there in person, but I certainly will be there in spirit!

    November 13, 2009 07:49 pm at 7:49 pm |
  4. g

    how much does david koch pay these people i guess a job is a job i wonder if they get health insurance

    November 13, 2009 07:51 pm at 7:51 pm |
  5. JG Filiatrault

    I see you have cowardly avoided the name Loo Dobbs in your site.
    I am telling you that L,Dobbs has quit CNN and so do I ..and many of my friends ( tell your sponsors)
    You cannot take the pressure from the White House, I say " you are NOT a news Network just a sheep of Washington"
    Thank you
    John

    November 13, 2009 07:51 pm at 7:51 pm |
  6. Debbie in VA

    I just once want CNN to report the real news but I am impressed that there is nothing new about Sarah Palin, I guess she hasn't burped since the third article about her on the ticker today. How is that Rangel investigation going? If it is not going why aren't we hearing anything about it? If I would have done the same or if a Republican would have done the same I would have been in jail over a year ago and the Republican would have been forced to resign but because he is a DEMOCRAT we don't hear anything about the lack of an investigation CNN? What has happened to journalism in the US? Oh that's right CNN is too worried about Palin burping.

    November 13, 2009 07:53 pm at 7:53 pm |
  7. Keeth in California

    Ignorant childish behavior.

    November 13, 2009 07:53 pm at 7:53 pm |
  8. Rob from Chicago

    You have got to be kidding me. He doesn't see what all the fuss is about?

    I am very opposed to PelosiCare, but really, this is disgusting. The Repubs need to reign idiots like Coleman in (of course, perhaps he is just a lib in disguise working to discredit the opposition to PelosiCare)

    November 13, 2009 07:57 pm at 7:57 pm |
  9. Senior Lilarose in Oregon

    the teabaggers movement will be short.

    Don't worry about them. They don't have that much of a following.

    Besides, when they are publicly forced to refuse Medicare when they get old, they will really regret all this cr....stuff.

    November 13, 2009 07:58 pm at 7:58 pm |
  10. Time to speak up and act out

    Pelosi is a disgrace to the US Congress. She deserves to be burned in effigy along with Reid, Frank, Dodd, and Obama. What they're doing to our country is an outrage.

    November 13, 2009 07:58 pm at 7:58 pm |
  11. We Won Get Over It

    Isn't it a shame that the republicans have children that have taken over here lately...how juvy can you be.but then we all know republicans are dumb as dirt else they wouldn't be republicans.

    November 13, 2009 08:00 pm at 8:00 pm |
  12. Danny J

    People are angry. People are angry that the majority of Americans disagree with any of the Health Care plans being circulated. People are angry that the Democratic leadership are not listening to their constituents.

    With that said, I totally disagree with what this person is doing, and I think it hurts his cause. Sometimes I think these wackos are either secretly hired or encouraged by the Democratic party.

    November 13, 2009 08:01 pm at 8:01 pm |
  13. richard miller in montana

    I hope that the man will wear some laundry on his head and wrap himself in nice white cotton flowing robes and he is doing so. Are we performing like we hope to become? A third world country ruler by zealots? Get a lift for Christ sakes!

    November 13, 2009 08:01 pm at 8:01 pm |
  14. catmom

    You have to wonder why Republicans/conservatives/right wingers hate Pelosi and Obama so much? Why do they feel threatened by them? Democrats didn't like Republican policies and they didn't like Republican leadership but you never saw the hatred and determination to do everything they could to see the administration fail. President Bush did numerous things like going to war based on faulty intelligencewhere a case could have been made for impeachment but unlike Republicans, the Democratic party decided not to drag the country through that. Ten months into a term and Republicans/right wingers whine about impeaching President Obama because he is having to make hard decisions in order to clean up the mess left behind by Bush and Republicans. Why are Republicans so threatened? Why are they so determined to ruin our country?

    November 13, 2009 08:02 pm at 8:02 pm |
  15. Jack Lowe

    OOOOOOHHHHHH! He's not really going to burn them – just an effigy. Who cares?

    November 13, 2009 08:02 pm at 8:02 pm |
  16. Gary from Madison, WI

    I really don't understand these Tea Party people. Where were they between 2000 & 2008 when our national debt doubled? Where were they when US jobs were being shipped overseas? They only seemed to protest when the GOP lost power. This is America and the majority rules. The 'moral majority' is not what most Americans want. These people seem very disingenuous to me.

    November 13, 2009 08:03 pm at 8:03 pm |
  17. Exasperated

    We have votes to express our opinion. We elect legislators who in turn we authorize to vote on programs, bills, etc. We don't decide to "burn in effigy" those people who do not agree with us. We wait for an election and vote them out of office. Is this man aware of what "burning in effigy" has meant throughout history? From a nation of laws we appear to be going to a nation of lets throw out the laws we personally do not agree with. Again look at history and why our forefathers from the 17th through 20th centuries came to these shores. We are making a travesty of their adventurous spirit in leaving their homes to come to a land where they could be free to speak their mind, hold to their own beliefs, and provide a more prosperous future for their children. We need some common sense in today's world!

    November 13, 2009 08:04 pm at 8:04 pm |
  18. Disgusting

    What disgusting and perverted people these so called Tea Party activists are.

    They have absolutely no idea what real patriotism is, only a perverted and twisted ideology.

    November 13, 2009 08:06 pm at 8:06 pm |
  19. not alone

    tea party or terrorests.they burning imagase just like they do in the middle east.clearly the tea party leadership is going way over the line.We try to be fair minded in this country about everyones beliefs and political party affiliation.So these so called tea party folks are way out of step with the beliefs of the US.Sad day indeed when we as citizens pull this CRAP on our own.

    November 13, 2009 08:07 pm at 8:07 pm |
  20. Gary

    Perhaps Sean Hanity will be there to take the pictures.
    Headlines " Tea Party draws 35,000 at Jonas Brothers concert"
    " Tea Party draws 65,000 at Dallas Cowboys Football game"
    Keep dreaming Tea Baggers, you're a failure.

    November 13, 2009 08:08 pm at 8:08 pm |
  21. disgusted

    Seriously don't these people have anything better to do or protest??? They need to read their history books and understand the full depth of the original tea parties, then they will see that they are idiots to have chosen a name that that for themselves.

    November 13, 2009 08:10 pm at 8:10 pm |
  22. kr

    This is sick and shows the mentality of the teabaggers. I have never in my life seen or heard such hate and rhetoric that is constantly displayed or reported. I assumed that all these teabaggers have good insurance or they are on a government plan called Medicare. These action remind of an unsettled foreign country and I do not know where the word treason disappeared to. People have known about this bill for months and have led many of obnoxious scenes retaliating. The only sure thing they have accomplished is hate that makes this country fearful and unsafe.

    November 13, 2009 08:12 pm at 8:12 pm |
  23. terry,va

    How about for real? Do Pelosi!!! We haven't burned a witch at the stake in a long time.

    November 13, 2009 08:13 pm at 8:13 pm |
  24. D.

    This is the most cowardly president and administration we have ever had. Hiding behind Pelosi on health care so she takes the heat, hiding in Japan while attorney general decides on civilian trial for war criminals, hiding behind attorney general on faulting the CIA, not deciding on troops to Afghanistan (afraid of the Nobel prize committee when he faces them early Dec. when he gets the undeserving prize?).
    My goodness... and tea party goes after her rather than the WH who is in charge of all this fiasco. Go after the biggest coward first and protest the policies of this administration first and for most.

    November 13, 2009 08:14 pm at 8:14 pm |
  25. Bill Cullen

    Burning an effigy is just about as advanced a train of thought as we can expect from these people. Given the choice between a rational debate and burning symbols, I think there is a significant lack of judgment on display from those opposing the health care initiative.

    November 13, 2009 08:19 pm at 8:19 pm |
  26. Mickey

    These "Teabaggers" have a serious untreated mental disorder...this is what we get when Reagan closed all the mental institutions.

    November 13, 2009 08:23 pm at 8:23 pm |
  27. Max

    How Ignorant.

    November 13, 2009 08:24 pm at 8:24 pm |
  28. Robert

    . . . . And then the Senate will pass the Health Care Bill. . . . . . yawn..

    November 13, 2009 08:26 pm at 8:26 pm |
  29. Jane

    Yeah, I think we get it. To go on and on about what you "hate" so vehemently that you want to hang dummies up of them to taunt? I think it's sick, and not right. You teabaggers need to get a life, focus on what you can do that is positive for our country and probably get some major therapy going. It seems that you all need it, in my opinion. None of you seem too healthy to me.

    November 13, 2009 08:26 pm at 8:26 pm |
  30. Shelly CO

    These tea party loonies have completely lost it. Even in a free society there is civility and respect ; otherwise we are barbarians. God does not look kindly at these angry and hate filled people. Aren't they preached love, tolerance and forgiveness of other people even those they disagree with.

    November 13, 2009 08:26 pm at 8:26 pm |
  31. James D. Pierce

    NONSENSE. All the industriallized countries in the world have a national healthcare program. We don't because America is ruled by greed. I want to see all the earnings for these poor lamented doctors. I bet the lowest paid doctor makes 5 times what I do and I have 3 degrees. Or insurance companies who do nothing but get between the consumer and the doctors and extort money for no real tangible service. Insurance in America is the biggest protection racket and legalized extortion in the world.
    These Tea baggers, yes like the sex act, are nothing but pissed off white supremist who want to go back to the bad old days. Why don't you fools join Lou Dobbs and retire. Why would anyone not want health care. Its nothing to do with healthcare. Its to do with neo cons angry because they lost total control of the country and they want it back. Your just a bunch of pale old males who can't stand that time has moved on and left you behind with the dinosaurs.

    November 13, 2009 08:26 pm at 8:26 pm |
  32. all the news that's fit to omit

    Though I agree with his anger and his words are truthful on how Pelousy and Reid did this behind closed doors, this is STIILL the WRONG way to protest.

    The medai will ignore the message and only report the stupidity of this act and then broadly hammer all protestors and somehow blame Republicans, Fox and W.

    Not a good move on this knuckleheads part.

    November 13, 2009 08:30 pm at 8:30 pm |
  33. Ed

    What next? Will these radical Republicans start burning U.S. flags and try to secede from the Union when they don't get their way. They are disrespectful of our democratic process and are no better than people in foreign lands that burn our leaders in effigy.

    November 13, 2009 08:33 pm at 8:33 pm |
  34. Eric

    These people don't seem to believe in our form of government. They act like if a small minority wants their way bad enough, they should get it, regardless of what the majority favor.

    November 13, 2009 08:34 pm at 8:34 pm |
  35. NH

    I find it more shocking that Pelosi and Obama and Co. are imposing communism on this country faster than we can keep up with it.

    And that they are not listening to the people.

    Burn baby burn!

    This is what you will find in all Communist-takeover countries - at any one time, half the people will be in the streets burning things.

    November 13, 2009 08:36 pm at 8:36 pm |
  36. Keith in CA

    Congratulations Tea Baggers! You've outgrown name calling and grotesque signs and are now following in the time tested traditions of Islamo-Fascists and other enemies of the U.S. Don't forget to burn a few flags to complete the effect.

    November 13, 2009 08:38 pm at 8:38 pm |
  37. Joe M

    I will provide the matches and gasoline...

    November 13, 2009 08:40 pm at 8:40 pm |
  38. Captain Mainstay

    So what? Pelosi trashed our constitution by wheeling and dealing
    with the Vatican the day before they voted. She violated the church-
    state separation. Now she must atone.

    November 13, 2009 08:41 pm at 8:41 pm |
  39. Winny

    Is this what we've come to. Such a shame :(

    November 13, 2009 08:48 pm at 8:48 pm |
  40. Ndubueze Chuku

    Did you say burn Pelosi in effigy? What's the difference between you guys (Tea party mob) and the Islamic extremists that we see on TV, burning US presidents on effigy? This is ridiculous. You call those Islamic extremists names and yet you are going to do the same thing. Holy Moses! This is getting out of hand. This has gone past protesting policies. This is simply BIGOTRY in its worst form and some of you are turning to TERRORISM. Be careful what direction you are taking. Be careful what you do. May God help the USA.

    November 13, 2009 08:49 pm at 8:49 pm |
  41. Paul

    Just when you think the Tea Party couldn't get any nuttier they pull out this stunt.

    "Nigel Coleman, the organizer of the Tea Party, told CNN he doesn't see what all the fuss is about." Well, you see Nigel, the rest of the country isn't crazy and wants a grown-up conversation, not wacky protests hovering ever closer to violence.

    The Tea Party and the GOP: Partying Like it's 1859!

    November 13, 2009 08:50 pm at 8:50 pm |
  42. Saxo Grammaticus

    Burn in effigy? How can anyone take these wingnuts seriously? I'd say they're genuinely dangerous because of their apparent fondness for violence, but they contribute NOTHING of value to political debate.

    News media owe it to all of us to stop giving these people so much attention!

    November 13, 2009 08:51 pm at 8:51 pm |
  43. Love Thy Neighbor

    Yes Virginia, There ARE uncivilized people in the US today. How can we start becoming like the news media portrays the Middle East? Burn effigies! Once upon a time it was [un]ethical to burn the USA flag. Lets' go ahead and take it the the [lower] level and make a statement. Whoa! Are not we supposed to be CIVILIZED. Now THIS is getting out of hand. So much hate for a so called "Christen" nation now huh!? Beau Colby.

    November 13, 2009 08:53 pm at 8:53 pm |
  44. New Yorker

    Unwise, but it does show the temper of many people in this country who are fed up with the government's takeover. There are throngs of Tea Party supporters and those who haven't officially joined a group yet for lack of time. Most, if not all, members and supporters of these conservative groups hold full time jobs. You can bet they will be out at the polls in 2010 though.

    November 13, 2009 08:55 pm at 8:55 pm |
  45. Frisky

    You say this has been done behind closed doors yet you seem certain you know what is in it!? They can't both be true. America is GOING TO CHANGE and health care as it is, HAS TO CHANGE. The status quo is broken. You have a better idea? Bring it on. The way it is now, health care and insurance will be more out of reach for more and more Americans every year.

    November 13, 2009 08:56 pm at 8:56 pm |
  46. Drew

    Can no one see the depths of far these ultra right wing fascists are going?

    The election was won by the democrats fair and square; no allegations of voter fraud, no hanging chads, no supreme court ruling – just a solid whooping.

    But "they" cannot accept the loss; so they rally the uninformed with the same fear tactics that served them so well over the last 8 years – the birthers, socialism, loss of personal liberty, etc. There is ZERO integrity to the arguments and tactics used here.

    I wasn't alive at the time, but I know feel I have a good sense of paranoia and radicalism that the far right felt during the Kennedy administration. I only hope the vast majority of Americans see these shallow tactics for what they are and that our generation does better than those in the sixties.

    November 13, 2009 09:02 pm at 9:02 pm |
  47. BillyBobTomRedcracker

    There really isn't much to comment on, since this is coming from another in-bred hillbilly that probably doesn't have a clue what is in the Democrats proposal. Too bad none of these folks can grasp the fact that our medical system needs an over-haul. Oh I forgot, one needs to be able to read and reason to understand something as complicated as change.

    November 13, 2009 09:02 pm at 9:02 pm |
  48. Oldie

    Unbelievable. I would have to say the Tea Baggers have jumped the shark with this one...

    November 13, 2009 09:03 pm at 9:03 pm |
  49. BobH.

    Sad to see the Republican party come unhinged like this. There was a taste of this sort of stuff in the early '90s, but now it's just gone bonkers. It's amazing how intelligent and respectable the Republicans of the '60s look by comparison.

    November 13, 2009 09:03 pm at 9:03 pm |
  50. Morgan

    But the question is this...are they crazy enough to actually do the real thing if the opportunity presented itself? Most likely.

    They were just in Orlando and I listened to the fringe hate mongers feed off themselves like a unhinged mob mounting for a witch hunt. If it were a muslim community burning an image of Rush it would be terrorism.

    November 13, 2009 09:05 pm at 9:05 pm |
  51. T'SAH from Virginia

    YEP – Danville... that SMALL pocket of America where REAL and TRUE Americans live ONLY!!!! Most likely Sarah Palin would be there too getting her book signed.

    DANVILLE is Far, FAR AWAY from where it matters!!! They cannot try that in the Hampton area – or anywhere near RICHMOND or the NORTHERN part of Virginia!!!

    November 13, 2009 09:06 pm at 9:06 pm |
  52. Dennis, Amarillo Texas

    American's had better stand up for Democracy before the Democrats make it manitory to wear Obama's Insignia Circle around our arms, and have our entire paycheck confisticated by Pelosi and her Gang of Socialists!

    November 13, 2009 09:07 pm at 9:07 pm |
  53. Ed from the western slope of Colorado

    Tea Partiers need to get a job and do something meaningful with their life. Of course, seeing their level of intelligence, getting real work might be pretty hard for them.

    November 13, 2009 09:08 pm at 9:08 pm |
  54. KS Hawk

    I think this should be a crime. Further, I think it is committing murder in the heart and mind. When does it get followed up by action. What a bucnh of nut cases promoting violence. Cheney committed criminal acts and think he should stand trial for his wrong doing, however I do not support burning him in effigy. So do the baggers just believe that any American that does not agree with laws that get passed it is ok to resort to violence? And by the way tea baggers, you might be vocal but you are not the majority of Americans, that is the real reason you are resorting to violence.

    November 13, 2009 09:08 pm at 9:08 pm |
  55. Eliz

    Mr.Coleman needs to be examined by a psychiatrist...

    November 13, 2009 09:09 pm at 9:09 pm |
  56. Hendrik

    These clown are laughable if they were not so dangerous. It is simply shocking what these people will do. The tea partiers care only about their Republican agenda, nothing else. They should not pretend that their movement is nonpartisan; only white people show up. But we should not be surprised; this is how these people operate. It is a shame that our population is so short sighted. We are the laughing stock of the world.

    November 13, 2009 09:11 pm at 9:11 pm |
  57. Eric of Reseda

    The Extreme Right wants to trigger violence (See Dead Fed in Kentucky). This is another step in that direction. These people are tools for Big Business and the oligarchical, UN-democratic New World Order they want to see. War is coming, folks, and it won't be overseas. History is repeating itself...

    November 13, 2009 09:12 pm at 9:12 pm |
  58. RSB

    It's sad when this is the only way you think you can get your point across. Oh well, they'll be in good company since this has been done before. Nothing original as usual.

    November 13, 2009 09:12 pm at 9:12 pm |
  59. Amazed

    I assume this is all according to the planthat Fox News had when they started this nonsense?

    November 13, 2009 09:12 pm at 9:12 pm |
  60. Kim

    Wow, these T-baggers are no better than the militant anti-US Muslims who burn our flag and pictures of our leaders "in effigy" in their streets. Oh, but they're just protesting our foreign policies! Just like these tools are protesting the health care reform! Two sides of the same coin, IMO.

    November 13, 2009 09:13 pm at 9:13 pm |
  61. gary

    Why is this news. This retard says maybe 100 people will attend and fox news 'oh i mean cnn trys to make this a big deal.

    November 13, 2009 09:13 pm at 9:13 pm |
  62. David

    This is how bad this country has become. You crazy tea partiers are acting like people over in third world crazy countries. Why don't you burn the American Flag while you are at it. These people are the worst Americans I have heard of. Burning people in effigy because they don't believe the same as you. What kind of BS is that? Tea Partiers, Birthers, and the other crazy folks out there makes us all look bad to the rest of the world. These folks always try to claim they are the most patriot and love America more than other Americans. Start acting like it. It's one thing to stand up for what you believe in and protest. But this is just just over the line of common decency.

    November 13, 2009 09:14 pm at 9:14 pm |
  63. Daniel

    Why not burn the American flag too? You not actually going to be setting America on fire, so what's the harm? Morons...

    November 13, 2009 09:14 pm at 9:14 pm |
  64. dee

    They can burn one every day for the rest of the year and it will never measure up to how many were burned of Bush...and still are....lol..

    YAWN....

    November 13, 2009 09:16 pm at 9:16 pm |
  65. Wolfe

    Will they carry pitchforks, and torches

    November 13, 2009 09:16 pm at 9:16 pm |
  66. Cheyenne

    This is scary. This is what extremists around the world do while they chant "Death to America". Scary.

    November 13, 2009 09:17 pm at 9:17 pm |
  67. StevieB

    These radical righties sure are a violent bunch. And we are supposed to take these thugs seriously?

    November 13, 2009 09:18 pm at 9:18 pm |
  68. DJ

    When your group has a third-world level literacy rate, what do you expect? It's not like tea party protesters have any capacity for rational argument.

    November 13, 2009 09:19 pm at 9:19 pm |
  69. ronvan

    Just another reason, for me, as to why this country is falling apart. Our FREEDOM's & RIGHT's will be our destruction! All these "do gooders", who have the ONLY answer to the worlds problems, while spending vast amounts of money could be helping those that are in need. but then again THEY have the ONLY ANSWER!!!

    November 13, 2009 09:19 pm at 9:19 pm |
  70. kay

    Tea baggers act like spoiled brats.

    November 13, 2009 09:20 pm at 9:20 pm |
  71. Ryan

    Wow that sounds real "American" as the right wing likes to call it... I love how republicans do all the things a spoiled fat kid does and they consider it patriotic...

    It cracks me up that back when people started to protest the war, or start to turn on Bush, Fox called us "domestic terrorists" for not supporting our leader, and now that it is a Democrat, they resort to screaming during national addresses, holding up stupid signs during congress and pouting... Pathetic.

    November 13, 2009 09:21 pm at 9:21 pm |
  72. Socrates

    The major problem with the health care reform bill is that it allows the health insurance companies to remain in business and their CEOs to remain out of prison.

    November 13, 2009 09:22 pm at 9:22 pm |
  73. Seattle Sue

    From what I have seen of the radical Tea Party, I think they would be happy to burn Mrs. Pelosi in person.

    November 13, 2009 09:22 pm at 9:22 pm |
  74. Nick

    Remember how shocked and offended the Democrats were when the anti-war protesters burned Bush in effigy? Right, me neither.

    I'm pretty much pro-burning-any-politician-in-effigy. Must be a cathartic experience.

    November 13, 2009 09:23 pm at 9:23 pm |
  75. snowflake

    The Republicans are making themselves look like complete idiots! What a display to show the world!!! You would think they were living in the "third world"! They are a complete embarrassment to our great Country, the United States of America!!!!

    November 13, 2009 09:26 pm at 9:26 pm |
  76. Craig H Easton, PA

    What viscious, mindless people. Maybe if they had a cogent argument to offer they wouldn't have to resort to mob rule and threats of violence. It's like watching Invasion of the Bodysnatchers. What the heck do you think burning a person in effigy is meant to signify; only that you disagree with them? Another grand example of the failure of our educational system.

    November 13, 2009 09:26 pm at 9:26 pm |
  77. Steve S.

    Oh ho, wasn't the idiot Carrie Prejean just saying the other day how Sarah Palin and other republican women come under attack more often and harshly than liberal women?? I don't remember Palin ever being BURNED IN EFFIGY.

    November 13, 2009 09:27 pm at 9:27 pm |
  78. laurence

    These people are extremely dangerous. For safety of everyone else it might not be such a bad idea to burn them....I"m just saying.

    November 13, 2009 09:27 pm at 9:27 pm |
  79. chippyarm

    The tea people ( I find it hard to say Tea Party because of the true cause-not some fake organizers dressed like new England Patriot cannon watchers- that was represented by that event near Boston) have every right to believe what they do. They have every right to show it how they choose. However, with each passing event, I learn about just how disrespectful they are. They are saying that they believe it right to fight what they perceive as wrong with something that truly is wrong, showing disrespect to politicians. I'm certain that the "members" of the party will find a way to spin this as if they are right (no pun intended). I also find it intriguing how one of the spokespersons used old (and deceptive) tv footage to try to make a point. I guess that is okay with the tea people.

    November 13, 2009 09:30 pm at 9:30 pm |
  80. Patsy, Texas

    However dramatic this may sound, my heart breaks every time I
    see reports like this "effigy" hanging. America is better than this,
    and the growing hateful rhetoric, name calling, and unwillingness to
    listen to the other side has put us on a dangerous road. I could
    name the most frightening of these people, with their 'my way,
    or the highway mentality' (sound familiar?), but we all know who
    they are, and they are systematically destroying the best of
    America. I know we have First Amendment rights, but when I am
    greeted at the door of my Post Office by people with their Hitler
    signs of President Obama along with all of the above mentioned
    stupidity, and yet they have the legal right to do this I am saddened.
    There is a right and a wrong way to protest. Hate does not
    come under that umbrella.

    November 13, 2009 09:32 pm at 9:32 pm |
  81. Michael Newman

    I guess that the Republican Party will have to change its name to the Anarchist Party. These people in Danville are more un-American than the Al Queda terrorists!

    November 13, 2009 09:33 pm at 9:33 pm |
  82. nicholas

    When I first saw the headline I had to take a double take on it. I then thought this what radical islamists do. We have our own home grown radicals right here in the good old USA. They call themselves patriotic Americans, I call them enemies of the state.

    November 13, 2009 09:33 pm at 9:33 pm |
  83. Party Purity will never bring Political Power!

    Next it will be burning crosses and white sheets with just peep holes hanging President Obama in effigy from a tree.

    Of course, that is all a con needs to view their narrow and small bitter little world.

    What a sad lot the republiKKKlans have become.

    November 13, 2009 09:35 pm at 9:35 pm |
  84. solo piano

    I am conservative, and I have to say that this goes too far. Please, people, stop the madness.

    November 13, 2009 09:35 pm at 9:35 pm |
  85. Joe Terrogano

    How impotent can you get. Health care reform is about helping Americans not corporations, you misguided tea bagging dolts. Sure, let's just let the health care insurers and pharmaceutical companies keep bleeding us financially. We are4 the only nation of our wealth that does not have some form of universal health care and we pay much more than anyone else. You are opposed to health care legislation because you have some. How many tea-baggers don't have health coverage. You hypocrites!

    November 13, 2009 09:37 pm at 9:37 pm |
  86. Viktor Belenko

    I have never seen such hatred of Democrats in my 48 years in America. I truly see civil war on the horizon. Pelosi and Obama are hated more than Hitler and Stalin were, to be sure.

    November 13, 2009 09:38 pm at 9:38 pm |
  87. MVDCT

    Go for it – just like the 1776 Patriots did to King George III. Rallying against an oppressive government that curtails freedom and liberty is in our blood. Godspeed to the next America Revolution!

    November 13, 2009 09:40 pm at 9:40 pm |
  88. Rick

    I am very ashamed to be from Virginia right now because of people like this. People like that only think about them selves and hell with all the others.

    November 13, 2009 09:40 pm at 9:40 pm |
  89. Amazing!!!!!

    Wow. Just...wow.

    This is exactly why don't count myself as a Republican anymore after 2005.

    November 13, 2009 09:41 pm at 9:41 pm |
  90. Henry Miller, Libertarian, Cary, NC

    If the worst that happens is a few politicians get burned in effigy, the country will be lucky.

    People like Pelosi, and a lot of other Democrats, just don't seem to understand how thoroughly outraged a lot of us are, how furious we're being made, by their efforts to impose a government-run health on us.

    If the proponents of government health care want to tax each other into penury, if they want to inflict second-rate health care on each other, fine. But leave the rest of us out of it.

    November 13, 2009 09:42 pm at 9:42 pm |
  91. Emily

    When I think of this kind of thing, I tend to think of anti-American extremists in the Middle East dancing around a burning George W. Bush. Not the kind of thing I would think any reasonable, level-headed group would want to be associated with. So then the logical question would be how reasonable are these Pelosi burners?

    November 13, 2009 09:42 pm at 9:42 pm |
  92. victim of republican greed

    These tea party people see nothing wrong with this? Why not burn a cross somewhere you effin' morons.

    November 13, 2009 09:43 pm at 9:43 pm |
  93. Matt

    So some extremists are burning effigies of America's democratically elected leadership...

    Hmmmm...

    I know these kind of people...and I know what they are capable of.

    November 13, 2009 09:43 pm at 9:43 pm |
  94. Grahame

    You mean that's it? Is that all these morons, who obviously have too much time on their hands, can do. Dear God what a waste of time

    November 13, 2009 09:44 pm at 9:44 pm |
  95. Henry Miller, Libertarian, Cary, NC

    If the worst that happens is a few politicians get burned in effigy, the country will be lucky.

    People like Pelosi, and a lot of other Democrats, just don't seem to understand how thoroughly outraged a lot of us are, how furious we're being made, by their efforts to impose a government-run health system on us.

    If the proponents of government health care want to tax each other into penury, if they want to inflict second-rate health care on each other, fine. But leave the rest of us out of it.

    November 13, 2009 09:46 pm at 9:46 pm |
  96. usmc Markus

    wow......this is what the conservatives have reduced themselves to.....we'd might as well be Lebanon.

    November 13, 2009 09:46 pm at 9:46 pm |
  97. victim of republican greed

    Tea party attendees are much like what you would see in a third world country.

    November 13, 2009 09:48 pm at 9:48 pm |
  98. Boo

    Is this really what American has come to? Really?

    November 13, 2009 09:48 pm at 9:48 pm |
  99. Boo

    And I was talking about burning in effigy, not the health care bill...

    November 13, 2009 09:49 pm at 9:49 pm |
  100. Marie Laveaux

    No doubt the organizers will be handing out burning torches and pitchforks to the angry mob. What lunacy!

    November 13, 2009 09:49 pm at 9:49 pm |
  101. carl sutphen

    Sigh..... why do people still believe healthcare is something that is bad? I honestly do not know where all the fear comes from, it's as if, instead of healthcare, death panels were being set up based upon intelligence, Darwinism, knocking off the dumb ones.

    November 13, 2009 09:50 pm at 9:50 pm |
  102. cjc7

    i cant believe that here in america we would happily and proudly burn any member of government in effigy as i see it as an act of treason dispite the freedom of speech. speak all the hate you wish but burning is an actual action. whats next ? we burn effigys of higher ups in government? i am sad to see how inappropriate some of our fellow "americans" act. the armchair complaining and second quessing of our elected officials is getting tiresome and, to be honest, is doing nothing but wasting time and energy. dont like how things are? run for an office. dont like that idea? then put your energy where it belongs and shut up.

    November 13, 2009 09:50 pm at 9:50 pm |
  103. Bill

    Nice. Just like the Salem Witch Trials. And we got all the witches didn't we. What a bunch of morons. I hope you get sick with no health care to cover you so you can feel and understand the destruction of your misadventured and uninformed ideology.

    November 13, 2009 09:51 pm at 9:51 pm |
  104. Mattison

    Meh, protestors on the other side of the political spectrum have burned worse. American flags, effigy's of President's, Bibles, just to name a few. I think an effigy of a corrupt politician is no loss to anyone except the straw that fills it.

    November 13, 2009 09:51 pm at 9:51 pm |
  105. Dave

    Quick, send the phsyciatrists!!

    November 13, 2009 09:52 pm at 9:52 pm |
  106. R.B.

    Voters are turned off and disgusted by Tea Party organizers and their kindergarten tit for tat rhetoric that keeps the GOP PARTY of NO saying NO to everybody in creation .... but YES to WARS, SPECIAL INTERESTS, and EROSION OF CIVIL LIBERTIES. The NAY CROWD does everything they can to invade your personal life and tell you what to do with your time, faith, money, and groin, They rail agaisnt big government but they represent BIG BROTHER. They distort public opnion, by inventing news, reacting to news they've invented, protesting against the backlash of their own fabrications, ALL done to politicize every issue, including health care reform, to the benefit of special interest groups. Ka-CHING. YES. That's the real interest. $

    Voters are tired of do-nothing politicians, whether right or left, makes no difference; they do NOTHING all day long. All year long. Ad nauseum. Are there any intelligent, rational adults left in our society? If not, we deserve the asinine, hypocritical, puritanical mediocrity we usually get.

    November 13, 2009 09:53 pm at 9:53 pm |
  107. LacrosseDad

    you can't burn, you only melt wax.

    November 13, 2009 09:53 pm at 9:53 pm |
  108. German,Irish American

    And the left-wing hate filled Obama supporters did this to Bush on a daily basis at the Obama campaign rallies with Obama present, but CNN would never report or show the video on their Obama talking points network.

    November 13, 2009 09:54 pm at 9:54 pm |
  109. Jane H

    Instead of burning the speaker's effigy, ask the GOP why they had offered abortion coverage in their health insurance choices to their employes since 1991 but have publicly denied the same to the general public. Once the hypocrisy is answered, you can then come back and do what you are planning to do.

    November 13, 2009 09:54 pm at 9:54 pm |
  110. Marie in California

    Sounds like a good idea to me.

    November 13, 2009 09:54 pm at 9:54 pm |
  111. Mariann Pepitone

    I believe it to be ignorant of the Democrats not to invite Republicans to the event. That's why the Tea Party is mad enough to do what they intend to do. An effigy is not a person it is a sign on how mad people are at the Democrats. And if the Democrats keep doing what their doing at this point look for them not to get re-elected to the house or senate.

    November 13, 2009 09:55 pm at 9:55 pm |
  112. gerryluimes

    No comment on people who prefer to follow the "conventional " pattern which makes it unnecessary for them to THINK.........

    November 13, 2009 09:55 pm at 9:55 pm |
  113. SOL

    Will there be hotdogs and marshmellows at this bonfire?

    November 13, 2009 09:55 pm at 9:55 pm |
  114. Anonymous

    Wow, I thought burning people in effigy was something that was only done in the countries we invade.

    November 13, 2009 09:56 pm at 9:56 pm |
  115. John in Iowa

    Funny but this group consists of the sort of people that usually point to effigy burning in Iran or similar places as signs of how evil and hateful they are.

    November 13, 2009 09:57 pm at 9:57 pm |
  116. juge

    What you idiots have done, are doing and seem to be intent on will do is what is despicable and unamerican. We voted for the democratic platform. The majority won and at every turn you dumbniks put up a barricade. Well the majority of the voters are now represented in Congress who are bound by ethics and morality to vote for the platform as put forth by President Obama. Now that is the American way. GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE AMERICAN WAY!

    November 13, 2009 09:57 pm at 9:57 pm |
  117. ANDROLOMA, Commerce City, Colorado

    This is only the first step... then those ruffians will be burning flags.(Surely I jest!)

    Let us remember that it's better to have the freedom to burn any nation's flags than it is to be restricted in the exercise of visual protest.

    Better to burn flags or effigies than people.

    November 13, 2009 09:58 pm at 9:58 pm |
  118. CommonSense, BrooklynBranch#1215

    These Teabaggers are so trifling. They would actually go to Danville, VA, where unemployment is close to 20%, to burn in effigy someone who is actually trying to help the situation. If they hate the healthcare plan that's being proposed, why not come up with a better idea? The unemployed of Danville would be quite open to hear their better idea. Oh yeah, they have no idea. Just NO, NO, NO. This should play real well.

    November 13, 2009 09:59 pm at 9:59 pm |
  119. Jon

    Yes, because *that's* always productive. Geez...

    November 13, 2009 09:59 pm at 9:59 pm |
  120. Dan Latherer

    Savage Neanderthals, they should have zero say on the national scene.

    November 13, 2009 09:59 pm at 9:59 pm |
  121. Yet Burning Flags is Cool, right Pelosi?

    Why are the liberals whining???? They seem to applaud free speech when it involves burning a flag, so what's the big deal?

    Liberals don't like their own tactics being thrown in their faces, do they? Look what Code Pink does, and of course CNN doesn't seem to have a problem with that.

    November 13, 2009 09:59 pm at 9:59 pm |
  122. Jayden,FL

    These teabaggers are a bunch of racist idiots!

    November 13, 2009 10:00 pm at 10:00 pm |
  123. Chana

    Teriffic! Now we're acting like third world countries, burning effigies. Next thing we'll be burning the flags of countries we don't like and rioting in the streets. Come on people, let's act like adults.

    November 13, 2009 10:01 pm at 10:01 pm |
  124. GP

    No difference between Republicans and Iranians

    November 13, 2009 10:02 pm at 10:02 pm |
  125. Traitor is as Traitor Does

    Is this The United States of America or Nazi Germany?

    November 13, 2009 10:04 pm at 10:04 pm |
  126. George Guadiane - Austerlitz, NY

    If you can burn a flag, you can burn an effigy...
    Besides, I really think it just goes to show how RIDICULOUS their flailings have become.

    From "thousands" to "Hundreds" to tens of the tea baggers... By all means, let us get video of you so that the "uncommitted" can see themselves, and/or what they are attaching themselves to. Then they hide in shame when they realize how IDIOTIC you/they look.

    November 13, 2009 10:04 pm at 10:04 pm |
  127. Tony in Maine

    Oh, for God's sake.

    Will these morons ever grow up?

    I'll say it really slowly, so even the stupidest among you can understand. You lost in 2008. You don't get to make policy. You want to make policy? Start acting like grownups, not 8th graders, and begin to put forth some substantive ideas.

    Jeeez. Whadda buncha maroons.

    November 13, 2009 10:05 pm at 10:05 pm |
  128. mike

    why is this news? Why is CNN giving this legitimacy by having an article on it? This guy is a nut job and his 15 minutes should have been over 14 minutes ago.

    November 13, 2009 10:05 pm at 10:05 pm |
  129. Idiots

    If this does not prove what nut cases these Tea baggers are than nothing will. So they actually believe that health care should not improve? They are against insuring people who do not have health insurance? And they feel so strongly about it that they are planning on burning Pelosi and the Congressman in effigy to make their point? Have they no sense of history or context? THESE are the people who are taking over the republican party. THESE are the people who support Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann. THESE are the people who are being led by the noses by neocons like Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity and Colter. What a truly pathetic group. God help us.

    November 13, 2009 10:06 pm at 10:06 pm |
  130. jeremy

    Really? Really? How does this help the conservative movement? As a conservative, even I am deeply offended at this childish move. It doesn't mean I am going to support Speaker Pelosi, I just won't support the Tea Party either.

    November 13, 2009 10:08 pm at 10:08 pm |
  131. JDK in DSM

    This extremist wing of the right really has no shame. And so many of these people call themselves "moral voters." The trend toward extremism in this country is startling. Actions like this encourage violence, no matter what spin they attempt to put on it. They have the constitutional right to do it, yes, but they lack the decency and to see that their actions are stoking the fires of intolerance, ignorance, and hatred. If they disagree with the legislation, by all means, shout it from the rooftops. But these kinds of acts are irresponsible and do not exhibit any real love of country that I can see.

    November 13, 2009 10:08 pm at 10:08 pm |
  132. Joe User

    So does that mean democrats can burn an effigy of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck?

    November 13, 2009 10:09 pm at 10:09 pm |
  133. Adam from Ohio

    Well, that's just .... nice. What a bunch of children.

    November 13, 2009 10:09 pm at 10:09 pm |
  134. Marty, Grand Rapids MI

    Really, your argument against the health care bill is "more people are going to get killed"? Why, because we are covering more Americans? Is it going to "fundamentally change" what America is? I have insurance right now. It's not changing. How is America changing? Is it for the better because we are not allowing fellow citizens to die without coverage? There are some reasons not to like the bill, please take the time to come up with an intelligent reason.

    November 13, 2009 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |
  135. Jeff

    Why do CNN and the Democrats pay so much attention to fringe nutjobs? Even Michael Moore doesn't get this much attention from Fox and the Republicans.

    November 13, 2009 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |
  136. Kevin

    I would forgo the histrionics. It looks absurd when the middle easterners do it and it will look equally absurd when americans do it (burning anything in effigy). Pelosi is like Obama, let her keep running her mouth and she'll be her own worst enemy when it's all said and done. No one can do more damage to these people than they can and are doing to themselves.

    November 13, 2009 10:12 pm at 10:12 pm |
  137. Gilbert Lucero

    Mr. Coleman, The reason the Democrats are going forth with health care reform is that was what they campaigned on during the last election. And guess what, they won the elections.
    Unlike the repuplicans who always said we'll cut taxes and spending, then only do part of the job. The democrats are delivering what they promised.
    It's unfortunate that you can't lose graciously. Your party had 8 years to do this and didn't do a thing. The medical prescription plan that you passed is terrible. The country is in a financial mess due to policies that conservatives instituted in most states that leave them helpless in the current crisis (think prop 13 in Califonia).
    Healthcare will pass and when the conservatives get back in power, they will gut it, so stop worrying. You're premiums will then go up and your coverage will again be cut to almost nothing and you can be happy that healthcare was finally defeated.

    November 13, 2009 10:13 pm at 10:13 pm |
  138. GG

    Tea Does not represent America, they don't represent millions of people in a need of a better healthcare system. They are working for the insurance companies. Send TEA To Hell ....

    November 13, 2009 10:14 pm at 10:14 pm |
  139. Gobo

    "People are going to be killed by this health care legislation". That's a fearmongering, foolish, irresponsible and incorrect statement, Mr Coleman. You should be ashamed.

    November 13, 2009 10:15 pm at 10:15 pm |
  140. Strider

    I'll bet you most of those teabaggers aren't even aware that they got a tax break from the current administration. What a bunch of lemmings.

    November 13, 2009 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |
  141. demsrulz

    What is wrong with these people... My god... Lmao... Can you say freaks!

    November 13, 2009 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |
  142. curtis schmidt

    Why do you even give coverage to such incidents? These are merely individuals seeking attention- they realize the more wild their actions, the more coverage they get. Why give them fuel?

    November 13, 2009 10:17 pm at 10:17 pm |
  143. Carole

    These teabaggers are TERRORISTS!

    Sick, really sickos. I like how four of them needed to get emergency help by the Capitol Medics when they were teabagging with Captain Crazy, Michelle Bachman.

    November 13, 2009 10:17 pm at 10:17 pm |
  144. Jon

    Wow.. this is really strange... they are acting like the crazy muslims they hate so much.

    November 13, 2009 10:17 pm at 10:17 pm |
  145. just bob

    I don't recall the former administration listening when there were protests against a war with Iraq. I also don't remember anyone ever burning anyone in effigy either.

    November 13, 2009 10:17 pm at 10:17 pm |
  146. DallaMarine

    Really? No wonder people from other countries see Americans as KKK members or Bush lackies. What a joke.

    November 13, 2009 10:18 pm at 10:18 pm |
  147. Sandra

    You and your tea-party partners in crime are so absolutely crazy!!!! I am a working person, so I unfortunately cannot devote more time to go out in the streets to oppose your movement!!!!!!! it is time to make this world a better place... a world where misery and poverty are shameful, and a society that praises itself of being civilized have to address issues such as poverty, education, and universal health care, instead of ignoring it, as the previous republican administrations have. I am not a US citizen... yet, but as soon as I get my citizenship in 1.5 years I swear.... You right wingers won't ever get any support from me!

    November 13, 2009 10:18 pm at 10:18 pm |
  148. Doug

    oh dear, what a mess!

    November 13, 2009 10:19 pm at 10:19 pm |
  149. Inga

    Nancy Pelosi pay no attention to those who can destroy the body but cannot destroy the soul>

    November 13, 2009 10:21 pm at 10:21 pm |
  150. cats

    It's time to dust off the laws dealing with anarchists and traitors. Our elected officials were chosen by the majority to lead our country. These forms of third world displays by sore losers are attempts to revolt against established law in our country. That is anarchy and should be punishable in court as such.

    November 13, 2009 10:21 pm at 10:21 pm |
  151. Peter Zheutlin

    Beyond the pale. It's no doubt protected speech under the First Amendment, but this is an act suggestive of extreme violence. The GOP had better start distancing itself from the nut cases who are increasingly defining the party. Unfortunately, too many prominent figures in the party are catering to these idiots.

    November 13, 2009 10:21 pm at 10:21 pm |
  152. bc

    If the GOP never has and still can't come up with what they think is the "perfect" plan for the American people, they need to quit acting like kids losing a kickball game on the playground. All they know how to do is make crude, rude comments and create angry mobs. The American people deserve to be treated with more class than the Republicans are serving to them lately.

    November 13, 2009 10:25 pm at 10:25 pm |
  153. Sam

    nice to see we've come a long way as a civilized society.

    some people still think its 1787...

    November 13, 2009 10:25 pm at 10:25 pm |
  154. Denna

    Now that's a mature way to handle a disagreement. Why is it always the south? It is truly hard to take you people seriously. Not a peep, not one word, when George Bush was running the country into the ground now all of a sudden you care. Hah!

    November 13, 2009 10:26 pm at 10:26 pm |
  155. m jeff

    The organizer is just another right wing nut with nothing better to do with his time. Let them set thier hate fires, we want healthcare REFORM.

    November 13, 2009 10:29 pm at 10:29 pm |
  156. Jack

    The country would be much better off if Pelosi and Perriello were barred from politics.

    November 13, 2009 10:29 pm at 10:29 pm |
  157. what?

    Okay, who else burns effigies?
    Crazy fundamentalists extremists.
    The tea party movement has officially become a hate group.

    And elected officials are sanctioning this. I say we need people in congress to pass not only educational requirements but also sanity tests.

    This is very very disturbing. And if these people do actually get control of our country that would actually be a very fundamental change in America. The land of the free would be the land of the lunatics.
    Come to think of it we have been heading there for quite some time, but I thought Obama was restoring some kind of mental health to this country but no apparently the point of no return had already been reached.

    I remember quite a different America where the people actually rallied for the people and not insurance companies. And churches preached love not hate. Why do some people think Bush America is the only America that ever existed? There was a time before Bush and I was hoping to get THAT America back.

    I also wonder if Pharma is giving these people some kind of drug......

    November 13, 2009 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |
  158. charlie in Maine

    Hey tea partiers.

    If it is about the money where were you when George W thought it would be a great idea to spend 12 million dollars an hour occupying a country that never attacked us?

    I get why the health insurance companies are against Obamacare. After all wouldn't Federal Express or UPS do better if they could get rid of the Post Office and they could charge whatever the hell they wanted to send a package.

    I get why the GOP leadership is against it considering how long they were out of power after they failed to stop Social Security or Medicare. But what I can't believe that any regular person would be against this.

    So who is payin you guys. The GOP leadership the insurance companies or both?

    Patriots??? Thomas Jefferson is rolling over in his grave at the likes of you.

    November 13, 2009 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |
  159. hankers

    "More people are going to be killed by this health care legislation than this bonfire.".... There they go again. Scaring people with death panels, less coverage, etc. The fact is that many Americans do not have Health care insurance because they are not poor enough, not old enough, have an elegibility issue or just cannot afford it due to loss of job. What does the GOP say to them?

    November 13, 2009 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |
  160. enkaynj

    Sad stat eof affairs. The US is rapidly becoming a third-world country thanks to the Tea-Partiers.

    November 13, 2009 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |
  161. 4 Palin

    Even though I am against the Health Care plan as it stands now–I think that this is the wrong thing to do. If I wanted to attend a Tea Party, it would not be this one. I think that it is very disrespectful. I think that now more than anytime that I can remember, our country is divided. We need to work together as American's and solve our problems. But it really bothers me that when President Obama and Nancy Peloisi were both asked about the "jail sentence' that could possibly be a reality if this health care plan passes, they both ignored the question and did not answer. Come on!! that in itself would be a tremendous burden on taxpayers. Shutting the Republicans out was not right–before we can all be true Americans, someone has to set the example and so far, I have not seen a clear leader for this. I don't mind paying my share fair of taxes, but I don't want to take care of someone that could be out working too. I think that it is our duty to take care of the children, the mentally and physically challenged and our older citizens. Everyone else can fend for themselves!!!!

    November 13, 2009 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |
  162. GLS

    And now the GOP is vouching for third-world status.

    November 13, 2009 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |
  163. brian

    tea-baggers... as ridiculously comical and insignificant as the blowhards they blindly follow.

    November 13, 2009 10:34 pm at 10:34 pm |
  164. scott

    Does this mean that us left wing liberals can burn Sarah Palin and George W. Bush effegies retaliation?

    November 13, 2009 10:34 pm at 10:34 pm |
  165. todd stevens

    Classy. You have to wonder how these people would feel if Tom Dasche wanted to burn G. Bush Jr in effigy for starting an unnecessary war with Iraq.

    November 13, 2009 10:35 pm at 10:35 pm |
  166. Something shocking and despicable is...

    how the tea baggers just ignored the last 8 years and suddenly woke up when a democrat was elected to office

    so hypocritical

    November 13, 2009 10:35 pm at 10:35 pm |
  167. kk

    These kind of tactics are creating a sick society.

    November 13, 2009 10:35 pm at 10:35 pm |
  168. Kevin

    These people, led by Glenn Beck, are dangerous people. Make no mistake about, this right wing fringe is the same group that support Scott Roeder. Fortunately for all of us, I doubt the actual event, attracts even a handful.

    November 13, 2009 10:37 pm at 10:37 pm |
  169. hbmindy

    Wow, the conservatives are getting scarier and scarier. They really are becoming the Christian taliban. I hope voters see this behavior and think long and hard about what kind of people these are.

    If a liberal protest group had done something like this, they would have been villified. Why can conservatives get away with it?

    November 13, 2009 10:37 pm at 10:37 pm |
  170. Jessica

    Way too much time on your hands....crazy!

    November 13, 2009 10:37 pm at 10:37 pm |
  171. SEH

    Wow! I am sure these are the same people that are outraged when people in other countries burn effigies of Bush and his gang. Look, freedom of expression is great, but expressing that you'd like to set someone on fire is cazy.

    November 13, 2009 10:38 pm at 10:38 pm |
  172. Drew

    This is over the top...

    I'm a tea party supporter, but to burn an effigy is just ridiculous and pathetic.

    November 13, 2009 10:39 pm at 10:39 pm |
  173. Terry from West Texas

    Some of America's finest leaders have been burned in effigy. It was John Adams, if I recall correctly, who said he could ride from one side of town to the other by the light of his burning effigies. Lincoln was surely burned in effigy many times. A short time googling the topic would surely reveal many more.

    The Tea Party folks are being played like a harmonica by Conservative – what shall we call them? – agents. They are on the wrong side, but they might win. They (the Conservatives) have lots of money. They want power. They're pretty ruthless. They just might win.

    November 13, 2009 10:40 pm at 10:40 pm |
  174. Pat

    This only reveals the true ugliness of the character of the Tea Party people which many of us here in the United States already knew. They are ugly, mean, and vicious people who hide falsely behind the word patriot. They are not patriots. They are cowards and fools.

    November 13, 2009 10:41 pm at 10:41 pm |
  175. Lynn

    I am a conservative, and while I disagree with everything Nancy Pelosi stands for, and I think she is evil in high heels, I am not sure I agree with such a drastic display. I am afraid that doing something such as this only gives the left wing radical Dems an opportunity to say that conservaties are a bunch of radicals, and actually makes us look that way. Nancy Pelosi is one who will use whatever ammunition she can obtain against the conservatives. Why make it easy for her? I am all for protesting, and I think the Tea Parties (which I have been a part of) are making a huge difference, but we don't need to defeat our cause and make the conservatives appear to be no better than Pelosi and her fellow morons.

    November 13, 2009 10:41 pm at 10:41 pm |
  176. Gary

    >> which he expects will draw about 100 people.

    That sounds about right.

    November 13, 2009 10:42 pm at 10:42 pm |
  177. GR

    Be sure to wear your white hoods and burn a few crosses while you're at it, haters.

    Nothing like the a bunch of dumb simple-minded hater folk getting together in a protest.

    November 13, 2009 10:43 pm at 10:43 pm |
  178. Brunton

    What a liar. I am sure he has fine dentition as convicts get free dental and health care while in prison. Being a working, tax paying grad student, I have no access to a system that I subsidize. I mean seriously, I am poor as dirt and yet pay hundreds of dollars into a system that covers everyone from Dick Cheney to Charles Manson. My wisdom tooth is killing me and I hate these Tea Party leaches.

    November 13, 2009 10:44 pm at 10:44 pm |
  179. Annette in NJ

    This has got to stop. These people are going too far.
    Fringe Republicans will not be happy until these outrageous dramatic displays spur actual violence from an unstable follower!

    What has become of simple common decency? It's embarrasing...

    November 13, 2009 10:44 pm at 10:44 pm |
  180. Jim

    Yeah, because nothing fixes a problem like a symbolic act of violence.

    Seriously, this is way beyond acceptable....

    November 13, 2009 10:44 pm at 10:44 pm |
  181. David

    What a mature and constructive way to disagree. Typical right wing conservative response.

    November 13, 2009 10:47 pm at 10:47 pm |
  182. Johndavid

    Leaving aside all the dark ages' links, this is just another example of how stupidity became fashionable among rebels without a clue. Oh, yes, and it's dangerous.

    November 13, 2009 10:47 pm at 10:47 pm |
  183. Ryan

    I think CNN just guaranteed that there will be more than one hundred people...

    November 13, 2009 10:50 pm at 10:50 pm |
  184. Bryan

    Will they use the fire to make some hot tea?

    November 13, 2009 10:50 pm at 10:50 pm |
  185. Lynne in CA

    The venomous hatred in this country is not only shocking and despicable but goes against the principle on which our country was founded. Health care reform will prevent insurance companies from dropping sick patients, provide reasonable cost policies for most US citizens and prohibit insurace companies from discriminating against those with preexisting conditions. Wake up people, this is the 21st century, not the 17th century.

    November 13, 2009 10:52 pm at 10:52 pm |
  186. BS Fan

    The 1st amendment projects your right to free speech, but burning effigies sounds more like Gaza than Virginia. Perhaps you should reflect on your stance a bit. Also, be sure any Tea Party members accidentally burned in the process do not partake in Government sponsored health plans while being treated in the ER

    November 13, 2009 10:54 pm at 10:54 pm |
  187. Phil

    Are you serious? These people call themselves proud Americans? I think not. If these are what they call Conservative values, I am proud to call myself a Democrat.

    November 13, 2009 10:55 pm at 10:55 pm |
  188. G in BR

    These fools are a waste of air and flesh.

    November 13, 2009 10:57 pm at 10:57 pm |
  189. Independent

    Tea baggers are really sick people

    November 13, 2009 10:57 pm at 10:57 pm |
  190. Keep It uP

    Hip Hip hooray for Teabaggers. Keep it up you guys because you look like and behave like freaks.

    November 13, 2009 10:58 pm at 10:58 pm |
  191. David

    America is what the people say it is. People's lives are going to be SAVED because of this health bill. Burning effigies, are we in the middle east?

    November 13, 2009 11:03 pm at 11:03 pm |
  192. J.C. - Independent 4 Public Option

    Burning an effigy in the 21st century in the US? Are we going backwards?

    November 13, 2009 11:04 pm at 11:04 pm |
  193. John

    Things like this bring back memories of the same thing taking place in Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and several other countries when the governments there supported and encouraged the burning of the US flag, and effigies of Presidents. Now it's the radical right doing the same thing right here in our own country. It is shameful, and embarassing to me that otherwise decent people would stoop to the things that the tea party people are doing now. It reminds me more and more that the extreme elements are becoming more like the people who burned our flags, and effigies of our presidents in the past.

    Anyone, and everyone who supports this kind of thing should be ashamed to call themselves Americans. They have the right to do it, but it doesn't make them right. It really just shows how ignorant they are.

    November 13, 2009 11:04 pm at 11:04 pm |
  194. fortydammer

    Sounds typical of the hatred movement. Next it will be sheets hoods and a burning cross. People better get behind the president while there is still some hope for this country. The past administration left us in a downward spiral towards a great depression, and two unfinished wars. Not to mention getting the entire world to hate us!

    November 13, 2009 11:05 pm at 11:05 pm |
  195. Check Yourself

    Wow...I just can't wait for all the feigned indignation when this happens! ;)

    November 13, 2009 11:06 pm at 11:06 pm |
  196. Big Steve

    These tea baggers have nothing in common with our founding fathers. They are a minority of ignorant hot-heads and their actions are despicable to the majority of decent Americans.

    November 13, 2009 11:06 pm at 11:06 pm |
  197. Jesse

    I suppose one might combat this nonsense by pointing out to the teabaggers that one usually sees this kind of thing (burning effigies) in someplace like Iran. I'm sure it would shame them to be compared to people of, shall we say, a darker hue.

    November 13, 2009 11:06 pm at 11:06 pm |
  198. Sad

    This is a sad day for this nation. If we do not agree on issues, we can be civil and respectful. I am saddened by the blatant disrepect this tea party plans to show our elected officials. I teach middle school children and it get harder every year to teach them basic values because of this type of behavior. We are following this health care debate. it is embarrassing what the Republican Party does in the name of Christian values. It is sad.

    November 13, 2009 11:07 pm at 11:07 pm |
  199. Freeman

    These teabaggers are sick people? Heaven help them!

    November 13, 2009 11:08 pm at 11:08 pm |
  200. cw

    Wing-nuts should be ignored not glamorized.
    Plenty of places to make big $ fighting gov't health care, so this is more like a paid advertisement than news.

    November 13, 2009 11:08 pm at 11:08 pm |
  201. Edwin

    Pretty scary. The Tea Party's tactics have been escalating slowly for some time. I wonder how long until they advocate rebellion?

    November 13, 2009 11:08 pm at 11:08 pm |
  202. Hopeful in America

    This is not the new face of the Republican Party. This is just what they look like once they take off the sheets.

    November 13, 2009 11:08 pm at 11:08 pm |
  203. JohnD

    Are they going to wear white robes and peaked hats? Pushing things back a 100 years instead of moving forward .... brilliant political move!!!

    November 13, 2009 11:09 pm at 11:09 pm |
  204. Gary's worried

    Nancy doesn't listen to the people. She pushes through bad legislation on stimulus, cap and tax and healthcare. If she is going to be political and partisan she has to expect a backlash from the people. Why can't she find some balanced position that would be attractive to most people on both sides of the isle? Too extreme. Too fake.....too mean. Go home Nancy, Go home!

    November 13, 2009 11:09 pm at 11:09 pm |
  205. Defining childishness

    The mark of true "losers"

    show your kids, point them out, these are the foolish, the ignorant.

    Tell your Children " look at these men and women, this is how losers act, how the undignified in America show there ignorance"

    November 13, 2009 11:09 pm at 11:09 pm |
  206. Garrett, Spokane WA

    Then burn the freaking Health Care bill, you morons! Don't resort to that kind of symbolism. Good grief...what message are you trying to send? You are delegitimizing your message with this kind of garbage.

    I believe in lower taxes, smaller government, cutting spending, etc. In essence, I believe in many of the things the tea party-goers believe in, but I just hate this kind of stuff.

    Make legitimate arguments. Go after the policies of Pelosi with all your might, but don't make Pelosi a part of it. Leave the disgraceful pictures of Obama home. Leave the concentration camp photos out of it. Make it about the policies and don't give the media an opportunity to focus solely on your ridiculous burning of Pelosi effigy, which as you can see, is happening right in front of you!

    November 13, 2009 11:10 pm at 11:10 pm |
  207. Hate Republicans

    disgusting people these "tea partiers" are

    Just disgusting Republicans who have destroyed America when they voted for Bush and Reagan and now they will blame anyone but themselves

    Oh how I hate them, words can't describe how much I hate these people, I wish the worst things imaginable on them, they deserve to suffer for making America suffer because of their greed and racism

    Oh how I hate them

    November 13, 2009 11:11 pm at 11:11 pm |
  208. John Green

    They extoll hate. They embody hate and they promote hate.

    Health Care Corporations, Drug companies and the like are in the business to make money off of the pain and sickness of humanity, not to cure it.

    November 13, 2009 11:11 pm at 11:11 pm |
  209. Peoples Voice

    The village idiot finds a torch.

    These people are becoming a true hazard to our country.

    November 13, 2009 11:13 pm at 11:13 pm |
  210. Pam V

    Until the lawmakers have to live under the same health care rules as the rest of us, they will not have OUR best interests at heart.

    November 13, 2009 11:13 pm at 11:13 pm |
  211. Tanbiker2

    Awww, gee. Couldn't they just burn Sarah Palin, America's queen of trailer trash values and death panels, in person instead of a mere efficgy of House Speaker Pelosi?

    After all, Pelosi has done a lot more with her life and career than Sarah ever has or ever will.

    November 13, 2009 11:14 pm at 11:14 pm |
  212. MM

    Hey, this is a free country and people are free to demonstrate. However, isn't this a little "low-brow" for Americans to do to one of your own, even if you are upset with Speaker Pelosi? This is what we see going on in the Middle East and other countries by all the extremist, anit-American protesters trying to get on CNN.

    November 13, 2009 11:14 pm at 11:14 pm |
  213. Houston Mom

    Wow talk about anti-American, treacherous, unpatriotic behaivor. For all you employers out there who have Tea Baggers amongst your ranks this is the kind of people you employ. As an HR Director for a major corporation I am going start targeting them and setting them up for termination. I do not want them anywhere near my workforce.

    November 13, 2009 11:14 pm at 11:14 pm |
  214. Steve

    Our forefathers would have tarred and feathered her. She is getting off light.

    November 13, 2009 11:15 pm at 11:15 pm |
  215. mylastnerve

    how unamerican

    November 13, 2009 11:17 pm at 11:17 pm |
  216. Danpalmdesert

    These teabaggers are acting like third world wierdos. Trying to push their agendas.
    When will the Republicans denounce them for what they are. A bunch of paid dupes of lobbyists.
    Pretty soon they will be banging on congressional doors like they did down in Florida for the recount.
    DeLay doesn't appear to be involved this time, maybe Dick Armey, he's never against protesting if his lobby firm is going to make a buck.
    Only great nation without health care, what a legacy for the Republicans. They're good at politics - bad for the nation.

    November 13, 2009 11:19 pm at 11:19 pm |
  217. Rob in NC

    Why don't you just throw a few books on the fire? Maybe written by anyone that opposes your view. That's what you want. You cry and cry when nobody listens to you, but don't let anyone give an opposing viewpoint that may dispute your claim to being the high and mighty expert you are.

    Let me ask any Tea Party person a question.

    The last 8 years most regulations have been removed from the market. The President (GWB) put in a massive tax cut that helped the highest earners. This was supposed to take controls off the market, and let money trickle down from those people and corporations with the most money. It was supposed to make the economy grow. Instead we have the worse crisis since the great depression. The Tea Party platform essentially asks for the same thing, lower taxes and no government interference in the market.

    Based on that statement here is the question (s): What is wrong with you people? Did you not learn anything? Why would you want to institute the same failed policies that got us here?

    Go spend some time with these "freeloaders" you people love to harp on. It's amazing how quick a hard working persons life can change because of something out of their control. Something like an illness, or a natural disaster. People die everyday due to lack of healthcare, it's time someone did something about it. You people are not helping this country, you are destroying it.

    November 13, 2009 11:21 pm at 11:21 pm |
  218. Gail, PENNYSLVANIA

    How horrible!!! Sounds like the KKK is rising again. The whole point of the health care legislation is to help people get insurance coverage instead of dying like they are today. He is is big liar.

    November 13, 2009 11:25 pm at 11:25 pm |
  219. Alpha Male

    Why don't these people move to Iran or Iraq so they can be with the America haters they so emulate?

    I find it hysterical that these people are protesting Health Care Reform. Haven't any of them been to a doctor recently? Had surgery? Any of them have cancer or need an MRI?

    Probably not, which is why they are protesting against health care reform.

    When they get sick and need serious care, perhaps they will go bankrupt and begin to understand the need for reform.

    But wait – the legislation will prevent people from having to go bankrupt to pay medical bills.

    November 13, 2009 11:25 pm at 11:25 pm |
  220. PAUL W

    Wow, these are just awful, awful people. And you know they'd be the first to cry fowl if that were to be done to a GOP congress person/senator.

    November 13, 2009 11:27 pm at 11:27 pm |
  221. Carmen

    These people are complete idiots. Please do more of this, teabaggers, because the more radical and stupid they show themselves to be the more Americans will realize what garbage their "movement" is.

    November 13, 2009 11:28 pm at 11:28 pm |
  222. Richard L

    "shocking and despicable"

    Summarizes the Tea Party's total lack of respect for democratic processes. They are an embarassment to our nation and clueless about what the Constitution intended for our method of government.

    November 13, 2009 11:29 pm at 11:29 pm |
  223. normajean

    The "Tea Party crowd" and the Repubs behind it are just adding to the idiosy of their actions. They're like a bunch of children,lying on the ground and kicking their feet while screaming at not getting their way. To hang anyone in effigy is the added childishness that accomplishes nothing. If they really want to make a statement, why don't they insist that their party leaders get their heads together and do something about a much needed health plan?. Your leaders say that reform is not needed, why change what you already have? There are millions of people,many children in our country with no health care at all. You probably know some if you bother to think about it.How would you feel if a family member was rushed to a hospital without any insurance and they were too crowded to help? Your turn will come.

    November 13, 2009 11:32 pm at 11:32 pm |
  224. ABM

    What a great country we live in. Total insanity has taken over common sense and civilized behavior. Being an American – I am ashamed to see this schoolyard behavior. It is well past time to grow up people. What is so wrong with Healthcare Reform with a public option? I see no valid reason to oppose it and no valid or sane reason to allow such behavior in this country.

    If you don't like healthcare reform move to another country – oh wait – they all have better healthcare systems than the US and guess what ....it is government run. Get on board.

    Being a registered Republican I will make sure I vote against any Republican who supports such behavior and any Conservative I see on the ballot from now on. Time to get them out of here.

    November 13, 2009 11:32 pm at 11:32 pm |
  225. TC

    Maybe the party goers ought to burn their Medicare cards, their parents Medicare cards and their grandparents Medicare cards and start paying insurance premiums for themselves and their family members. They shouldn’t depend on socialized government healthcare to take care of them. It’s easy to party when you are already insured, but what are they going to do when their company can’t afford it anymore or they run out of money and the healthcare system hasn’t been addressed? How many companies will be able to continue covering their workers when the premiums reach $30,000.00 a year in the not so far future? The tea partiers can party-on while they empty their savings accounts and lose their homes in an effort to stay insured down the road. Then after the money is gone, maybe they will know what it is like to be uninsured and and trying to make a living.

    November 13, 2009 11:32 pm at 11:32 pm |
  226. L. Song

    Ah violence as a response to disagreement – that is what got things going in Rwanda and Bosnia. Stop it republicans. Stop hating on everybody who does not do what you want. You are sewing the seeds of hatred in America – that is not democratic.

    And, why do you defend millionaire insurance companies against the PEOPLE of America? Why, when you want a war, there seems to be all the money in the world – I saw no tea parties when Bush was shipping billions to Iraq for a fake war. But whenever there is something the regular people need – like health care of good schools you always scream that it is too expensive.

    I hope you enjoy YOUR cadillac health care – I am sure you are a millionaire – and if not – I and other tax payers are footing the bill for your goodies – so where are ours?

    November 13, 2009 11:33 pm at 11:33 pm |
  227. Joshua College Station Texas

    Uh, loko.

    Sounds like terrorism to me.

    November 13, 2009 11:33 pm at 11:33 pm |
  228. G. R. Crisp

    Honestly, it's like watching a bunch of toddlers, throwing fits because they love the attention and escalating constantly to ensure a steady flow. While the base comedy of their actions can be entertaining, really, after a certain time one gets tired of childish antics. Can we please, please, please just send the Teabaggers to the corner for a time out? It's past time.

    November 13, 2009 11:33 pm at 11:33 pm |
  229. Yanna

    Wow...sounds like the Tea Party is the New KKK

    November 13, 2009 11:33 pm at 11:33 pm |
  230. Carlston

    "To burn Pelosi and Perriello in effigy"
    Ok kids, that's a nice bit sign of violence against someone. It's cute for the thrid world countries but this is America....
    Maybe you need to understand what that image means...it's not we don't like you, It's we want to kill you in meaning.

    It's like flipping someone off because everyone else does it...but with a bit more... implications.

    Grow up.

    November 13, 2009 11:34 pm at 11:34 pm |
  231. ncjd

    Yeah, you foolish tea party juveniles will persuade a lot of people to "think" like you in time for the next election. Morons.

    Nigel probably has good health insurance through his employer. In typical right wing conservative tea party fashion, he has gotten his, and therefore he could not care less about the rest America.

    November 13, 2009 11:35 pm at 11:35 pm |
  232. Mike

    I don't see why they don't just tell the truth. It has nothing to do with health care legislation, ask any constituent why they are against it and they will shill you with nonsensical talking points straight from the right's echo chamber.

    It is all about their lack of control and lack of power in the government. It's about being a bunch of sore losers.

    They are willing to bring down the entire country if they don't get their way. It's all far too obvious, sad, and dangerous.

    November 13, 2009 11:37 pm at 11:37 pm |
  233. Allen L Wenger

    These tea baggers remind me of the rabble that live in a third world country. I lived in south America in the 70's and these tea baggers have the exact same mentality. The Liberals are holding free clinics for the uninsured and these people are burning effigies. Which side would you want to associate with?

    November 13, 2009 11:38 pm at 11:38 pm |
  234. Truth-Bomb Thrower

    How many times did I see the likeness of Bush burned, lynched, and flogged? Did CNN have a problem with it? Noooooooooooooo. Once again, CNN rushes to the defense of their allies on the far left.

    November 13, 2009 11:39 pm at 11:39 pm |
  235. Mobius

    Bravo! They can use the 2000+ page bill to start it up. Need a match?

    November 13, 2009 11:40 pm at 11:40 pm |
  236. john sims

    I'm from that region of VA and I'm glad to say that I don't live there anymore. Its the small minded good ol' boy mentality that has driven central and southwest VA into an economically and socially depressing place to be.

    November 13, 2009 11:40 pm at 11:40 pm |
  237. taylor from dallas

    You really want to know what a kick in the stomach is? It is that over half of Americans favor the public option but Republicans are so set on their old obsolete ideals that they will ignore what the people want. Instead of protesting in a offensive manner. This idiot should get together with is fellow idiots and come up with their idea of how to save healthcare instead of uselessly protesting.

    November 13, 2009 11:41 pm at 11:41 pm |
  238. Mac

    Just a little more, they'll become Talibans!

    November 13, 2009 11:43 pm at 11:43 pm |
  239. A. Smith

    It seems rather typical that Tea Party wing-nuts better known as the Republican Party faithful want to burn women at the stake, even if its only in effigy.

    Women should leave the Republican party, why be filled with shame and remain?

    November 13, 2009 11:43 pm at 11:43 pm |
  240. Enforcer

    The police should club the crap out of these people at the rally, then that would be the end of the tea baggers. These clowns need to get a life!

    November 13, 2009 11:44 pm at 11:44 pm |
  241. A weary Independent

    What can you expect from a bunch of teabagger crazies? The Refuseniks are trying to forment rebellion in the United States. The real terrorists are the Republicans and their leaders.

    November 13, 2009 11:44 pm at 11:44 pm |
  242. Ed, Santa Fe, NM

    what a pack of morons

    November 13, 2009 11:45 pm at 11:45 pm |
  243. Michael Jones

    Because nothing says "reasoned discourse" and "rational thought" like burning someone in effigy. Way to make your point with the same rhetoric as hysterical mobs.

    November 13, 2009 11:47 pm at 11:47 pm |
  244. Mark, Phoenix

    The Teabaggers are an unpatriotic gang of goofballs. If they hate America so much they should leave.

    November 13, 2009 11:47 pm at 11:47 pm |
  245. Betty in Texas

    How stupid & juvenile is this effigy thing!! What a bunch of nitwits... yeah, like I'd really pay any attention to you or your message after you do something so childish.

    November 13, 2009 11:49 pm at 11:49 pm |
  246. Jayne DePrenger

    Nov. 13, 2009

    Count me in – I wish I could be there.

    There is no one in Congress who is listening to the American people.
    We cannot afford this healthcare fiasco.

    November 13, 2009 11:50 pm at 11:50 pm |
  247. John E Lexington KY

    The right wing in this country is now openly fascist. This isn't rant or hyperbole, they revel in it. Carrying guns to open forums where Obama is attending, equating health care with totalitarianism. There isn't anything that greed won't manufacture to keep it's grasp on the very people idiotic enough to spout their talking points. This is a civilized country with a society that requires government. You can adapt it, you can vote it out, you can run to be part of it but burning an occult representation of a human being because you disagree politically with her is just plain evil. It will be no great loss if the torch catches the pant leg of the bearer, not that I would wish that on any other human being. In terms of the public good, it might serve a lesson. But then there doesn't seem to be much capacity to learn there.

    November 13, 2009 11:51 pm at 11:51 pm |
  248. James Keaney

    I can't imagine a more valuable gift to the Democratic party than the Tea Baggers. The Democratic Party strategist who developed this idea is a genius!

    November 13, 2009 11:51 pm at 11:51 pm |
  249. Beverly in NC

    The lunatic tea baggers are once again going to hold another hate rally. These people are dangerous and are going to create violence at some point. The Republicans keep whipping these fringe of their Party into a hate and fear and racist frenzy. They refuse to denounce these unstable people but when these tag baggers finally commit acts of violence, the Republicans will then pretend they had nothing to do with it.

    The Republican Party are traitors to our government, to the values of the real America, and have completely betrayed their oath of office to serve the PEOPLE. They spread hate and fear on a daily basis, tell outrageous lies, and take millions of dollars, per individual Republican Congressmen, from the insurance industry to kill healthcare reform. The People may not be able to buy their vote like the insurance industry can – BUT- we have our VOTE – and we will use it to rid these disgraceful, ammoral, obstructionist Republicans from office.

    Pelosi has done an excellent job as Speaker and the Republicans are afraid of her effectiveness. That's why they constantly attack her and are urging their nutjobs to "to burn her in effigy".

    The FBI should be watching this tea bagger cult for they are as dangerous as every other domestic hate group like the Klan, Skinheads, and Military Separatists. The tea baggers are a blend of all these groups – love Nazi symbols, carry racist signs, use the Holocaust as a joke, and carry weapons to their rallies.

    The First Amendment does not protect hate speech that preaches violence. These nuts should be arrested before something tragic happens because of them.

    November 13, 2009 11:52 pm at 11:52 pm |
  250. Tyron Brown

    Sad. I'm sure this will be very constructive and help our nation come together to tackle the tough issues. This kind of speech is protected, but I don't doubt they'll manage to sound shocked and surprised when they learn their actions inspired one of their own to violence.

    November 13, 2009 11:52 pm at 11:52 pm |
  251. Will

    You stay classy, Virginia.

    November 13, 2009 11:54 pm at 11:54 pm |
  252. Riz

    "Keep the Government Out of My Medicare!"

    November 13, 2009 11:56 pm at 11:56 pm |
  253. Wise Latina

    As they say in the finest political tradition: "Burn, baby, burn"!!!

    November 13, 2009 11:57 pm at 11:57 pm |
  254. Dave

    This comes from the right wing that typically are the loudest voices against the way foreign countries burn effigies of our leaders, or burn our flag etc. It is heartwarming to see they are adopting these terrorist style tactics. What next, beheading people that do not think like them?

    November 13, 2009 11:58 pm at 11:58 pm |
  255. dustbunny

    I think it's a great idea.

    November 14, 2009 12:02 am at 12:02 am |
  256. Jahwney

    Now they are burning effigies, soon it might be books, or buildings, or maybe actual people. This is still 21st America right?

    November 14, 2009 12:02 am at 12:02 am |
  257. Michelle

    Oh come on grow up..."more people are going to be killed by this health care bill." Really? What about the thousands who are already dying due to lack of care from insurance companies? "Closed doors?" Seriously, how do you think a bill is written...in the lobby of the Capitol with cameras and reporters on hand? I sure hope that your children are proud of you so-called adults acting like junior high bullies.

    November 14, 2009 12:04 am at 12:04 am |
  258. wcf630

    As an indepent, I am disgusted.

    November 14, 2009 12:04 am at 12:04 am |
  259. Michael

    I love the fact that these people had no problem WHATSOEVER with supporting an illegal war which caused the deaths of thousands of people, both Iraqi and American, but they have no interest at all in helping their fellow citizens. That shows how much compassion and care they have for their own people, esp. when the people who need the most help are WORKING MEN AND WOMEN, just like themselves.

    November 14, 2009 12:05 am at 12:05 am |
  260. Richard - Missouri

    Honestly, people like Pelosi and Reid are not listening to anyone, and continue to ram their liberal garbage down the throats of th taxpayers. Maybe burning them in effigy will get their attention. Personally, I'm beginning to think we need another French revolution... we all march on Washington, yank them out of Congress and into the streets... I think the average Joe off the street is likely smarter, and would do a better job of representing us than the majority of the clowns in Washighton now. And all the pundits keep saying "you can vote them out". What a crock. It's six of one, half a dozen of another. Look, even the idiot Republicans are following the Dem lead and getting on the healthcare bandwagon. The government trying to address healthcare is stupid, regardless of who is proposing the ideas. Stay out of it. Get your own house in order, you bunch of idiots! Figure out how to stop your wasteful spending, and cut the tax rates back to something reasonable. Really. The average Joe on the street could walk into Congress tomorrow, and cut the budget in half, without so much as breaking a sweat. What it takes is having the stomach to make the tough calls, and cutting waste. Again, SIMPLE. That is if you are not some wuss, career politician out to buy votes with some stupid program that wastes millions of our tax dollars. Giving these clowns the power to tax us years ago was the biggest mistake we ever made as a country. We've given them the power to buy votes, give them exhorbitant pay and benefits, and almost guarantee perpertual "service" in Congress. God help us, as nobody else can.

    November 14, 2009 12:05 am at 12:05 am |
  261. grant

    what a bunch of tools.

    November 14, 2009 12:07 am at 12:07 am |
  262. scott

    Ahhhh nut jobs. They do make the world go'round

    November 14, 2009 12:08 am at 12:08 am |
  263. shane

    I agree with some of these tea-baggers. Obama is weak! What he needs to do is order the military is to take out every single one of these teabaggers off to Guantanamo Bay and waterboard, maim, and suffocate every single one of these anti-American terrorists!!!

    November 14, 2009 12:09 am at 12:09 am |
  264. Arizona Thoughts

    This is sick. What's wrong with people today? When you burn an effigy – it's like spewing hate and setting the country back 80 years.

    Grow up and find other ways to unite but leave the burning out of it. Unless you want to burn in hell.

    November 14, 2009 12:11 am at 12:11 am |
  265. Hypocrites

    I love it. These same people would be outraged if you burned an American flag, but they think it's just fine to burn an effigy of the majority speaker of the house.

    Personally I don't care what you burn. However the hypocrisy on the right just eats me up.

    November 14, 2009 12:13 am at 12:13 am |
  266. Bryon Coppens

    Stay classy, GOP. Stay classy. Actually, pretty scary that lacking any reasonable agruement to put forth, they'll threaten Pelosi's life...And it would be ludicrous to suggest that this isn't intended as just such a threat. Despicable is an understatement.

    November 14, 2009 12:13 am at 12:13 am |
  267. Rick from Portland

    Tea Baggers are spineless haters, most of whom don't even vote. Keep up your hate, your ignorance and your bigotry, all you do is galvanize the rest of us to stand tall.

    November 14, 2009 12:13 am at 12:13 am |
  268. JP

    Oh, so they want to discredit everything they stand for with unrelenting hatred?

    Shows their true colors, I like it.

    November 14, 2009 12:16 am at 12:16 am |
  269. MrWright

    This current group that has hi-jacked the Tea Party name to stand for hatred, is despicable. I hope that all fellow Americans will be equally offended and denounce their actions as un-American. Apparently is fine to send billions of dollars to Iraq and have the cash dissipate without outrage. But spend a fraction of that money on fellow Americans is unthinkable. Shame on the RNC and Evangelicals for lending their names to this so called Tea Party of hatred.

    November 14, 2009 12:17 am at 12:17 am |
  270. Allan

    Wow, just goes to show how crazy most of these conservative nut-jobs are lately.

    November 14, 2009 12:18 am at 12:18 am |
  271. Jeremy

    Everyone has heard your opinion you unoriginal moron... the fact is, not enough people CARE about your viewpoint to do anything about it. Burning people in effigy is a lame demonstration that will get you nowhere. Get a life you spanner.

    November 14, 2009 12:21 am at 12:21 am |
  272. Medical Student

    This is easily one of the most disturbing things I've heard in quite some time. I don't care what side of the political spectrum you're on, burning someone in effigy is extremism and I see no difference between these people that claim to be "patriotic", and other groups of fanatics around the world that despise Americans. Where does one draw the line? Free speech is an essential right and must be protected, even when it is used to spread a message of intimidation and fear. My only hope is that, similar to Klu Klux Klan rallies and Nazi marches, Americans are intelligent enough to see this message for what it is, a rally based on pure, unadulterated hate. How can a person have any tolerance for such people? I am a liberal but the trend of the republican party lately is downright scary. It makes me wish for the good old days before Beck & O'Reilly...I'd take that republican party any day compared to this nonsense.

    November 14, 2009 12:23 am at 12:23 am |
  273. JustWondering

    Burn in effigy..?? Isn't that what terrorists do to our flag or images of American citizens ?? Could an argument be made that the tea-bagger movement is populated with home grown terrorists ?? I wonder, should the FBI start keeping files on the apparent leaders of this movement ? After all, in the late 1960's and early 1970's, those protesting against the war in Vietnam, the radicals hell bent on ruining the American way of life, were watched and photographed by the FBI. And from the rhetoric coming out of their rallies, it sounds like they are advocating the overthrow of the American government through force and violence. Burn her image in effigy? A little overboard, isn't it ?

    November 14, 2009 12:25 am at 12:25 am |
  274. Tea-Bag Tommy

    These people have no class.

    November 14, 2009 12:27 am at 12:27 am |
  275. Todd

    The beginning of the end for obama and all his crew!

    November 14, 2009 12:28 am at 12:28 am |
  276. Steven

    I wish more sane voices in America would speak up. These tea party nut jobs get too much press. Just go away.

    November 14, 2009 12:30 am at 12:30 am |
  277. New Father

    In December 2007 Pelosi with her new Dem majority passed the first Going Green bill into law. Millions around the world starved, Obama voted 'present', and the Global Recession begun. I really wished he actually read the bills the Dem majority started passing under Pelosi and Reid and than he would understand the problem. After all he inherited this mess from himself, or the Dem majority he was a part of. So why was Bush so bad? Because he signed the bills Obama voted for into law.

    November 14, 2009 12:31 am at 12:31 am |
  278. Anonymous

    tea party unite! its time you all get together and GROW UP!

    November 14, 2009 12:31 am at 12:31 am |
  279. Okay

    The Taleban like burning effigies of Americans too. So does Al Quaeda. So does Hamas.

    And now,

    So does Mr. Coleman, teabagger.

    November 14, 2009 12:37 am at 12:37 am |
  280. Dan

    They certainly have the freedom to protest and to protest vehemently. But by focusing on the intensity of their feelings they do a disservice to the substance of their concerns, if indeed they have any substance.

    November 14, 2009 12:39 am at 12:39 am |
  281. JG Nashville

    And just why are these Tea Partiers against this legislation? Because they have healthcare coverage through their employers and don't concern themselves with others or the day that they might not have coverage. They'll call themselves Christians and conveniently forget that the bible teaches us to take care of the least of us.

    November 14, 2009 12:41 am at 12:41 am |
  282. Joe

    OK. So, YOU oppose health care reform legislation. Other people don't share your point of view. Get over it. What happened to the day when people could disagree without be disagreeable, and when did the political discourse come to feature only the voices on the extreme left and right? This is despicable.

    November 14, 2009 12:41 am at 12:41 am |
  283. abbra

    I really don't understand why people have such a tough time getting that a PUBLIC OPTION and SOCIALIZED HEALTH CARE will MAKE YOUR HEALTH CARE BETTER. Corporations are out for their own benefit and profit off of you dead or alive. The health care industry makes up 1/5 of our economy. That means that it is BIG business. The reason why the GOP is trying to convince you that a PUBLIC OPTION is bad is because they stand to lose lots of money and power that shouldn't be theirs to begin with.

    This health care plan with a PUBLIC OPTION will ensure that you won't be denied coverage or treatment for a pre-existing condition. That means if you were sick or had a disease before you got your health care, you can still get help.

    The health care plan with a PUBLIC OPTION will ensure that if you get very very sick or if you get in a BIG accident, you won't go broke.

    You can still keep your heatlh care coverage that you have now. But look at your plan and it is not unlimited. Right now, if you get very very sick, it might be very expensive to get you better and your health insurance company could decide to drop you or not pay for all of it. This health care plan with make sure that you can get medical treatment.

    It is good and not bad.

    November 14, 2009 12:41 am at 12:41 am |
  284. Greg

    This is truly frightening behavior. You only see this kind of stuff in second world countries like Iraq or the witch burnings of 1600s, not America. Americans are better than this and this is just childish behavior since Tea Baggers are acting like children not getting their way.

    Rather than being angry and setting fires, be productive... The people that are upset have no constructive ideas. CNN, you are also part of the problem by constantly covering these people blowing their efforts out of proportion. Tea Baggers are a very small minority but you wouldn't know that by the constant coverage of News networks.

    Where's the articles of the thousands of people who support the healthcare?

    November 14, 2009 12:42 am at 12:42 am |
  285. Scott

    Burning them in effigy....kind of like angry Middle Easterners burning a caricature of Bush in effigy or even the US flag for that matter. What hypocritical cowards we have living in this country.

    November 14, 2009 12:44 am at 12:44 am |
  286. Proud to be a Liberal American

    These "teabaggers" are really getting weird and out of control.

    Moreever, these are "false protesters"–false in every sense of the word. They don't know what they are protesting, they know little or nothing about how they are being manipulated by corporations, I fear that they know very little about the issues confronting America, and I question their "values."

    November 14, 2009 12:44 am at 12:44 am |
  287. Mike

    It's remarkable that the GOP and its supporters can only make a point by fabrication. No, the health care bill was not developed behind closed doors. It was written amidst open debate and legislation.

    No, it will not change what America is. In fact, it will preserve what America has always been – a nation that cares for the disadvantaged, defends the weak, and strives to give everyone an equal shot at prosperity.

    We have a public education system. We have public colleges. We have public transportation. We have Medicare, and we have Social Security. None of these have threatened our capitalist system of economy. In fact, they enable it by educating people, moving people, and making sure that when they can no longer work, they do not become a burden to their working relatives.

    No, it will not kill people. It will help people to live more productive lives knowing that they don't have to worry about going bankrupt from medical expenses. It will save lives by allowing everyone access to medicine before they get too sick or have to go to an emergency room.

    The system as it is now is broken. Don't buy into the liars that are trying to preserve the status quo. This is our chance to change it, to fix it. Let's not screw it up. Pass the bill.

    November 14, 2009 12:46 am at 12:46 am |
  288. David

    Ah these tea party folks. If only the facts would intrude upon their considerations.

    Nigel's last comments clearly show he knows not about what he speaks. But that's OK, as long as he BELIEVES it, that's what counts, right?

    It would be great if his meeting actually turned into a discussion of the health care problems and solutions, instead of ranting about burning in effigy a person who is second in succession to the Presidency of the United States.

    November 14, 2009 12:47 am at 12:47 am |
  289. Dan O

    If these people would educate themselves they'd see they are in a very small minority. The majority of Americans want this health care reform.

    November 14, 2009 12:49 am at 12:49 am |
  290. Joe

    See this is where that report saying that right-wingers with certain qualities can lead to a form of terrorism. I mean, this is not unlike the behavior of extreme Islamic fundamentalists, who burn the American flag and hope we all die.

    November 14, 2009 12:50 am at 12:50 am |
  291. Jacob Byrne

    This is absolutely ludicrous.

    I completely accept the “tea bagger’s” rights to free speech, but to go so far as to burn an effigy of members of congress is truly unpatriotic.

    In fact, the idea of such an event being held in the U.S., by people who claim to be fighting for America, is incomprehensible to me.

    The “tea bagger” revolution never seemed to have much legitimacy—after all the name of their group is referencing a kind of sexual harassment/pleasure if you like it like that—but this latest act has stolen what little legitimacy it had left.

    Now these “tea baggers” just seem like traitors to their own country, who are attacking the very basis of our democracy: the elected officials.

    November 14, 2009 12:50 am at 12:50 am |
  292. gl, Pittsburgh

    These Tea Baggers are just as bad if not worst then the TALIBAN. Next they will be attaching bomb on themself and killing American people.

    November 14, 2009 12:51 am at 12:51 am |
  293. Tired of the Nonsense

    Oh sort of like radicals and terrorist supporters did with Bush effigies in Iraq?? We wouldn't want to disrupt the fundamentals in America, you know like the rich get rich and poor stay poor. I just hope if anyone gets burned at this thing that they have good insurance coverage!!

    November 14, 2009 12:52 am at 12:52 am |
  294. windrider

    So it's devolved to the point of burning people in effigy, just like the anti-American mobs in the Middle East do. And we're supposed to turn the future of this country over to the hands of people who do that? What's next? Burning Democrats at the stake?

    November 14, 2009 12:54 am at 12:54 am |
  295. Sparko

    Very disturbing. They're stunts are getting out of hand. I hope there are Republican leaders with the guts to condem this. This is not about politics or disagreeing with a policy, its about promoting violence plain and simple. During the election last year some idiot hung a effigy of Palin and there was rightfully an outcry against that. There had better be a similar outcry over this.......

    November 14, 2009 12:56 am at 12:56 am |
  296. stevetall

    Hey, teabaggers! Here's something you can understand: Get out of my country you lazy, sloppy, zits. Either get on board with the new reality or buzz off. You're not helping anyone, not even yourselves.

    November 14, 2009 12:56 am at 12:56 am |
  297. Stacie

    Sick and wrong...but I'm not shocked. These people are sick. What ideas do they have for fixing the broken health care system? They have nothing...they don't care about us. They want their 15 minutes of fame. That's all!

    November 14, 2009 12:57 am at 12:57 am |
  298. Colin Sutton

    What a bunch of freaks

    November 14, 2009 12:58 am at 12:58 am |
  299. Billy-Bob-Joe-Darrel-Darryl-12 pak-Capt. James T. Kirk in a pink tutu

    They are basically committing treason "minus a little bit"..DESPICABLE!

    November 14, 2009 01:00 am at 1:00 am |
  300. Jan Hetterly

    CNN, why do you give these crazed extremists press time?
    It just serves to encourage even more violent behavior on
    their part.

    November 14, 2009 01:02 am at 1:02 am |
  301. cameron

    100 people out of 304,059,724 in this country. Who cares, stop giving these people a legitimate voice.

    November 14, 2009 01:03 am at 1:03 am |
  302. Ken, Arizona

    These Tea Partiers act like backward third world citizens. They'd be happier with Taliban style rule.

    November 14, 2009 01:04 am at 1:04 am |
  303. Sally C.

    Wonder what would have happened if we had burned an effigy of Newt after his so called contract with America. We really must get over all of this one side or the other. No one is totally right or totally wrong. There are great ideas on both sides. I wish the people we elect would all get together with their great ideas and combine them (what a concept) to come up with the BEST for America instead of working so hard to pull us all apart. After all, aren't these supposed to be the UNITED states?????

    November 14, 2009 01:05 am at 1:05 am |
  304. Aubrey

    THANK YOU to all the opposition of health care reform out there who would rather the government have a say over my female body than over who my health insurance is.

    November 14, 2009 01:09 am at 1:09 am |
  305. Hot Patata

    Burnings-in-effigy. Great. And the Republicans move yet one step closer to the Iranian theocracy in their grassroots tactics...

    November 14, 2009 01:10 am at 1:10 am |
  306. uneumann

    What can you say to this... rationalized craziness? If they don't like what's going on, they will burn it down. These people refuse to recognize the reality that the majority voted and supports this legislation.
    What a bunch of pathetic crybabies... "I'll take my ball and go home"...
    Where were they for 8 yrs while the Bushies were taking this country into the tank. If you compare the US in 2000 and 2008, I think you can see who was the real "danger to the county".

    November 14, 2009 01:10 am at 1:10 am |
  307. stranger in an increasingly strange land

    In general you would expect to have to go to Iran, Northwest Pakistan or the Afgan Highlands to see zealots burning Americans in effigy. I stand in awe of the Reublican and ultra-conservatives organizing these tea parties.

    In one fell swoop, they have managed to reduce their followers to the same level as the Muslim radical fundamentalists.

    Congratulations to the far right wing of American politics. You have proven that you are just as bad as the psychos you are preaching against. From a short distance I am certain you could not differentiate between a crowd shouting in Iran and your average tea party.

    Way to go guys.

    November 14, 2009 01:10 am at 1:10 am |
  308. MIke

    They just keep getting crazier, and crazier. It's to the point where I don't think any kind of dishonest, or crude tactic is considered out of bounds to them.

    Much of this temperament, which has been stirred up in the past by Conservative politicians like Pat Buchanan, and Ron Paul, is what leads to Timothy McVeigh type attacks. These people only support the Democratic process when it benefits them.

    The climate is starting to resemble that of the early 90's. When Conservatives lose control in the political sphere, they often resort to these kinds of tactics. They're unabashed about their support for them. They don't see anything wrong with them.

    At some point, we have to come together as a society, regardless of what side we are on, and reject this kind of discourse. It makes the future look all the more pointless, since little progress has been made on this front, and if anything, we are walking a backwards.

    We are letting people with personality disorders take over the discourse, and much of it is being fueled by agenda driven think tanks, and the mainstream media.

    November 14, 2009 01:12 am at 1:12 am |
  309. kuriya

    Tea party is full of crap. Do these people work at all? Where were they 8yrs a go? The organizers are hateful.

    November 14, 2009 01:14 am at 1:14 am |
  310. J.L.

    Congrats right wing nutjobs! Taking a page right straight out of the militant islamic handbook. What next? Shouts of "Death to America"?

    November 14, 2009 01:15 am at 1:15 am |
  311. scott myrick

    BAD TASTE...... this reminds me of the KKK.

    November 14, 2009 01:15 am at 1:15 am |
  312. S

    some 40 years ago same people and their fathers burned crosses and lynched people!

    November 14, 2009 01:16 am at 1:16 am |
  313. Steve

    Great, so now we can look like the middle eastern protests we see on TV...or maybe burning crosses, or the flag will be next. I mean, we cant be that blind can we?

    Oh wait...

    November 14, 2009 01:19 am at 1:19 am |
  314. BJ

    Childish. Grow up. When has hate ever solved anything? Some republicans like to call democrats "bleeding heart", but what is there solution? Hatred, violence? When democrats try to make sure that we are all treated fairly, republicans get childish again and call them socialists. They don't care about the American people; they only care about winning, at any cost. Selfish, childish, stupid.

    November 14, 2009 01:22 am at 1:22 am |
  315. echo

    if i had my doubts about how crazy these ppl are, they are now confirmed. what is the GOP supposed to do with these ppl? they are hurting our party and its going to get crazy and cause us to loose votes.

    November 14, 2009 01:31 am at 1:31 am |
  316. ThinkAgain

    The Tea Baggers have totally gone round the bend .... I would like to know how many of them have actually read the bill ... how many of them are health care providers ... how many of them have any legal experience or ability to correctly read a legal document ... How many get their information from sources other than Fox, Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck ...

    If these Tea Baggers really want to put their money where their mouths are, I think they should all boycott health care services of all types, regardless of what their health situation is, for the next 5 years.

    You know, just to get a taste of what it's like to not have access to health care.

    November 14, 2009 01:34 am at 1:34 am |
  317. Historical Perspective

    It is not surprising that a person who devised this sort of stunt would also not be aware of the horrible symbolism imbedded in the act itself. Burning a woman, even only in effigy, is a slap in the face to the entire history of the women's movement in America. This protester should be embarrassed to look at his wife, daughter, mother, or any other woman in his life.

    November 14, 2009 01:34 am at 1:34 am |
  318. ThinkAgain

    Stay strong, Ms. Pelosi! These nutbags are in serious need of mental health intervention.

    November 14, 2009 01:35 am at 1:35 am |
  319. Nathan

    This behavior is very bothersome and in my opinion cause for alarm not just for the government but for everyone. I really wish people would just reframe from allowing their emotions from dictating their every action, calm down and allow a dialog between differing opinions to open.

    November 14, 2009 01:37 am at 1:37 am |
  320. ThinkAgain

    When Hannity and Fox cover this story, I wonder if they'll mix and match video to try to make this event better attended than it actually is ...

    You know, like when they showed video of Beck's 9/12 day event as part of Bachmann's story, in an effort to make her tea bagging look bigger than it was.

    November 14, 2009 01:37 am at 1:37 am |
  321. KO

    Why don't the tea baggers just wear white hoods and burn crosses while they're at it? Burning public figures in effigy–really classy.

    November 14, 2009 01:37 am at 1:37 am |
  322. Debbie

    These people are getting more and more radical.

    The GOP let these people out of the box and it will be very hard to get a hold on this.

    November 14, 2009 01:40 am at 1:40 am |
  323. eolufemi

    And these are the folks independents are aligning themselves with...For some reason, I don't think that's going to last too long.

    November 14, 2009 01:40 am at 1:40 am |
  324. jancor

    I'm all for tea parties and I am very against government run health care, however I'm very disheartened to read that this tea party is going to burn Pelosi and Perriello in effigy. That will cause this tea party and other tea parties around the country to lose credibility. It makes them look like they are holding some kind of primitive tribal ritual. I like to believe that the tea party attendees think of themselves as intelligent, educated and forward thinking individuals trying to rally for democracy, but this effigy burning will undo all the progress they've made. They will be a laughing stock. I hope they reconsider and try a more intelligent approach.

    November 14, 2009 01:43 am at 1:43 am |
  325. LouieD

    And in performing this act, a mainstay of extremist protest, Teabagger culture moves inevitably closer to terrorism. Healthcare legislation WILL pass. What will they do then to take their protest one step further? Coleman and his ilk are not fit to shine Pelosi and Perriello's shoes, leave alone critique Democratic healthcare legislation of which they understand very little.

    To all Teabaggers with a measure of decency and reason: America urges you to drop your mob-mentality movement before it's too late. The kinds of histrionics we've seen from you only serve to stain your reputation and your souls.

    Become better-informed about what the healthcare legislation will actually accomplish. Air your concerns at appropriate venues in appropriate ways (i.e., if you are convinced your argument is correct, you shouldn't have to shout anyone down). Disavow organizers like Coleman and his cheerleaders on Fox News. Otherwise you relegate yourselves to being a group of fringe lunatics, plentiful in number but by no means the majority.

    November 14, 2009 01:43 am at 1:43 am |
  326. Ryan

    The only other people who do this are those Islamic extremists you see on TV all the time.

    Smooth, show the world you've got sour grapes over our democratic system of voting that makes America what it is.

    It's also a great way to just look like you're completely crazy and not to be taken seriously.

    Go Tea-baggers.

    November 14, 2009 01:43 am at 1:43 am |
  327. Kes

    That is what Islamic extremists do.
    America is becoming a scary place

    November 14, 2009 01:44 am at 1:44 am |
  328. Reagan was wrong

    I bet at least 3% of those 100 attendees will be named either Gus or Bud.

    November 14, 2009 01:44 am at 1:44 am |
  329. John

    Conservatives are like Beavis and Butthead: They enjoy seeing things set on fire. Library books, civil rights, political opponents, foreign countries....

    November 14, 2009 01:49 am at 1:49 am |
  330. Flagship, NC

    Our country is in the process of convicting 5 teenagers for setting another teenager on fire. The young teenage victim is still in the hospital in critical condition, hanging on for dear-life.

    But now you have tea-bagger adults publicly burning (in effigy) two other members of our congress.

    First: I just can't believe they can be so in-sensitive to pull this stunt with a young kid just set on fire and burned last week, and is still getting headlines in the major news channels.

    Second: These Tea-baggers are showing that they have the same Sub-Human Child Mentality that motivated the 5 other teenagers to burn the young kid. They think this is some kid of joke. But it is not!!!

    Third: These Child Minded Tea-baggers are setting an example to our youth on how to behave when they are unhappy on how events take place.

    I am a parent of a teenager and can't understand why these Tea-baggers can't act like normal adults and set some level of decent behavior examples for our youth.

    November 14, 2009 01:55 am at 1:55 am |
  331. lonnie

    wow....so this guy really feels that a corporate welfare state isn't a form of socialism????? Tax breaks and other subsidies are exactly that. The only way this bill is going to "fundamentally change what America is" is by actually giving the people something long overdue. Mr. Coleman, this great country of ours is not and never will be "yours", it is something that is shared by WE THE PEOPLE, meaning all of us (you included!!). Your sick sense of entitlement does this country a great disservice. Although i applaud your expression of free speech, it is obvious that your hypocrisy knows no bounds. Instead of staying civil, you decide to take the low road, and that is the last thing we need right now. I personally do not like Pelosi, but the actions you and your drones are taking is counterproductive at best, and at worst, makes you look nuttier than squirrel poo. And I must ask, where have you and your kind been the last 8 years, because it is scary to me that you have no problem giving money and such to foreign countries, but when it comes to decent, hard working Americans it becomes "shocking and despicable". I hope one day you wake up and realize that the poor people serving your food, cleaning your pool, watching your kids at daycare, and sending their kids to school with yours deserve more than what you are offering :(

    November 14, 2009 02:03 am at 2:03 am |
  332. Donkey Party

    Ok, now are you convinced these people are bat-scat crazy?

    November 14, 2009 08:40 am at 8:40 am |
  333. mark

    Our Founders did far more than this to make their point.

    November 14, 2009 09:15 am at 9:15 am |