November 14, 2009
Posted: November 14th, 2009 11:28 AM ET

From
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: Nancy Pelosi • Tea parties • Tom Perriello • Virginia


mama panda   November 14th, 2009 3:22 pm ET

If burning effigies doesn't accomplish Coleman's stated goal of getting a point across, what will he plan next? Torching Washington? Assassinating the opposition?

Obviously, some people will stop at nothing to get their own way. We tend to call them terrorists. Or militants. Coleman fits their image.

How sad that only those who behave like barbarians think they're entitled to be called "patriotic."

Jeff Brown in Jerzey   November 14th, 2009 3:21 pm ET

Oh my, how mature these people are!

Michaele Bonenberger   November 14th, 2009 3:19 pm ET

Nigel Coleman just "doesn't see what all the fuss is about!" His plans to burn people in effigy is appalling and promotes violence in our society. It certainly does not set good examples for our children, youth, or society in general. While he doesn't see that his plans are both are "shocking and despicable," Coleman claims that the real thing that is shocking and despicable is "how they have handled this health care legislation." I would challenge Coleman's lack of civil communication–having a bonfire and burning Perriello and Pelosi in effigy. He must have a very limited vocabulary, if that is the only way he is able to express his views of the health care reform efforts. How sad!!

GOP sucks!   November 14th, 2009 3:19 pm ET

The tea baggers should move to zimbabwe! they are just behaving like them!

steve Loudon, TN   November 14th, 2009 3:15 pm ET

why burn them in effigy? There is nothing like the real thing

Abby   November 14th, 2009 3:10 pm ET

Just plain stupid.

Martin   November 14th, 2009 3:07 pm ET

More hateful Republican fascists in disguise showing us who they really are. Its the rebirth of the Klu Klux Klan without the white sheets.

Cliff   November 14th, 2009 3:04 pm ET

If they put all the make up on the "dummy" that she wears, it will explode when they light it!
It is funny how those "rich congressionals" like to give OUR money away. Pelosi is a good example of the Peter Principal!

I.J. in MD   November 14th, 2009 3:02 pm ET

A whole hundred people....WOW!

Did any one see the tea party on the news...it was funny. A bunch of old people throwing loose tea into brown water. The tea blowing back on them. Looks like a cartoon...lol

WeThePeopleofVirginia   November 14th, 2009 2:54 pm ET

Save your faux-outrage Van Hollen . . . where was yours and your clans' voice when Progressive Anarchist physically attacked delegates, shattered windows and destroyed personal property in St. Paul during the Republican National Convention.

rightsaid   November 14th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

Nice! Just like the crazy whackos on the street in Palestine or wherever. The far right is way too similar to other religious fundamentalists thinking they alone have the one true answer. Fools!

Henry Miller, Libertarian, Cary, NC   November 14th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

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.

JJ-Orlando   November 14th, 2009 2:33 pm ET

Shouldn't republicans be trying something else like figuring out how they are going to fix the economy? I mean they already have lost the healthcare thing. If they insist they are going to retake congress next year, shouldn't they be telling us how they can fix the economy.

Donna from Colorado Springs   November 14th, 2009 2:25 pm ET

In the Tea Party" group of people, there is no limit to stupid statements made or stupid things done! I guess they don't care how foolish they look or that the majority of people think they are a one-sided group of Republican conservatives trying to get someone to pay attention to them! How pathetic they truly are.

not alone   November 14th, 2009 2:21 pm ET

Looks as if middle east is not alone with terrorist organizations(yeppers they burn effergies of our leaders over thier).This is an insult to the American way of being and thinking and that guy is in no way in his right mind and should be looked at very carefully by the goverment for atmemting to insight riots.this bull crap is done overseas to show hate at us Americans and thies folk no doubt have lost all senses.Sir you are insulting the very institution this county was founded on.if you want to do that BS then go to Iran.

We Won Get Over It   November 14th, 2009 2:19 pm ET

The more you hear about republicans and their KKK group the more low down and dirty they get. And by the way since it is illegal to burn anything with out a permit, if they do this we should demand they all get arrested.

Joe Smoe   November 14th, 2009 2:16 pm ET

Here is another demonstration of how ignorant people can be
they have no time to dig out the facts they only have time to protest.
Do these people not work and they really must have lots of money to go all over the country tea partying. Do they really know what a tea party is, doubt it. They should be using their money doing things for the good of this country not trying to tear ot down, how pathetic

[R]s are Dumbasrocks   November 14th, 2009 2:15 pm ET

These pathetic birth-baggers are not newsworthy. Their vacuous rants contribute nothing to the American enterprise. The so-called tea party issue has acted like a sieve to filter out anything and anyone meaningful, leaving what's left to drip meaningless to the ground as tea baggers.

SimonTek   November 14th, 2009 2:14 pm ET

What is the big fuss? When they did the same in Hollywood with Sarah Palin hanging by a noose, it was (its a Halloween decoration. So when the tables are turned its OMG how dare they? Love the double standard there is the world.

KarolAnn   November 14th, 2009 2:13 pm ET

You can take the people out of the trailer, but you can't take the trailer out of the people. You go, teabaggers.

Doyle Wiley, MI   November 14th, 2009 2:10 pm ET

Mr Coleman, please understand the majority of Americans are opposed to you.

Laverne   November 14th, 2009 2:10 pm ET

The amount of ignorance that some Americans who call themselves the informed and intelligents ones is beyond disturbing. I can't beleive the amount of time spent on negative crap instead of trying to help be a part of the solution for the betterment of the American people. People like this don't really want the attention on the healthcare reform, they want distractions so the American people won't comprehend and understand what is really at stake. This is not freedom of speech and expression this is ignorance and stupidity at it's best!

Reaganomics Leads To Feudalism   November 14th, 2009 2:05 pm ET

This act of childishness is going to demonstrate just how immature these right-wing extremists really are.

"We're not getting OUR way...WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"There's a black man in the White House...WAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"People aren't voting for OUR candidates...WAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Joe Sr   November 14th, 2009 2:01 pm ET

Yep, this is what it has come to.............No tolerance for anyones opinion but their own.......What a bunch of losers they are..........

dontteabagmedude   November 14th, 2009 2:01 pm ET

First it's intimidation by shouting out and interrupting public forums, now it's intimidation by physical demonstration, what's next, tea baggers going Taliban on us. They're becoming the new terrorists.

bmw   November 14th, 2009 1:59 pm ET

The neocons have been encouraging "revolution", rioting, mob rule, and violence since then-Senator Obama was campaigning for the Democratic primary nomination. They've used lies to gin up the anger level, hoping that one or more of their deranged followers would follow through with violent, preferably homicidal, action. When they can't steal an election, they try any other means available to "destroy" the winner.

Sid Farcus   November 14th, 2009 1:58 pm ET

Sad. This is the level of discourse in this country? What's next? Armed gangs, beating each other? Sad. Each day I have less hope for this nation.

philthetruth   November 14th, 2009 1:57 pm ET

AMERICANS: Our country is calling...

Clint   November 14th, 2009 1:56 pm ET

... and we claim people in third world countries in the middle east are uncivilized in matters of politics... May be we Americans ought to look in the mirror before criticizing others... what a mess we are!

Marie Laveaux   November 14th, 2009 1:55 pm ET

I suppose they'll be handing out pitchforks and burning torches to the angry mob before they start the rally. I'll bet these very same people were livid when they saw video of people burning effigies of Bush in the middle east. This crap is getting close to being out of control. Shameful, shameful behavior from people who claim to be "patriots".

Walt213   November 14th, 2009 1:54 pm ET

The extremist ultra conservative Republicans have gone so far right they can't tell right from wrong.

Carol   November 14th, 2009 1:54 pm ET

Oh good, now they're upgrading to violence. And the organizer thinks this is perfectly fine. That should really move the tea party movement along. This shows what kind of kooks are behind these things.

Silicon Valley Man   November 14th, 2009 1:53 pm ET

So it is a "kick in the stomach" because Coleman and his friends have "been trying to months to get our point across just how vehemently we are opposed to this health care legislation."

Obama ran on a health reform platform, and got nine million more votes than McCain. Polls show that half or more Americans want a robust health care reform with a public option.

What right does Coleman have to throw a hissy fit and stamp his feet on the floor, much less burn Pelosi in effigy? Most people want health care reform to pass. That's democracy.

Troy B.   November 14th, 2009 1:50 pm ET

Do people not see a problem with this? This is the sort of thing that the KKK does.

Plainsman   November 14th, 2009 1:50 pm ET

Taking their cues from middle east anti-america rallies are they?

charlie in Maine   November 14th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

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.

Allen in Hartwell GA   November 14th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

It sounds to me like the far-right are spoiling for a fight. They might find out the hard way that they are in the minority, and if they get the fight they apparently want they will be on the losing end. The silent majority won't stand for a civil war just to satisfy the demands of some right-wing kooks.

Edward   November 14th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

we do not want goverment funding or take over of our health care leve it alone untill it can be done with out this democratic crap, just who do thing thay are to try and take the american rights away arte we going to let the run our lives, i wont if i canm help it,

I told you so   November 14th, 2009 1:42 pm ET

This Pelosi is toxic.

aa   November 14th, 2009 1:38 pm ET

tea party is orgenized by GOP

Seen It All Before   November 14th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

With logic like Mr. Coleman's rationionalizations for violence and hate such as we see in the middle east are not far away.

Nancy   November 14th, 2009 1:34 pm ET

I hope this gathering will not have any born again, evangelical christians. Already, association with GOP, Tea baggers.. has greatly tainted their faith.. a compromise of years they have worked hard to win pple to Christ.

I urge all pple who call themselves born again, evangelicals.. to refrain from this nonsense.. and please denounce this sick, unChrist-like way of using free speech!

I call upon all these christians to distance themselves from this behavior, which they hve not done.. for the sake of the Gospel.

Madeline   November 14th, 2009 1:34 pm ET

How Evil.

Wanda   November 14th, 2009 1:33 pm ET

I think this is appauling. This type of behavior is destructive and dangerous. It appeals to the ignorant people in this country who think they have the right to hurt others.

Bob of Lompoc   November 14th, 2009 1:33 pm ET

What the Republicans do does not shock me. Skunks in business suits, on their way to the end of their Party, and getting in the most sicko shots they can, as the door slams behind them. This isn't news to me.

Mickey   November 14th, 2009 1:32 pm ET

These teabaggers and their handlers must have some sort of mental disorder.

Insurance reform now, and for ALL. Stop believing all the bullcarp you're being fed by the GOP. It just ain't true...you are being lied to.

GOP: Evolve or die

buckwheat   November 14th, 2009 1:32 pm ET

It is stupid to burn anyone in effigy. Remember this is a nation founded in religion and 300 or so years ago we were burning people at the stake for being witches in the nameof that same religion.Sound familiar as to what religion is being used for today? Bombs are not our most dangerous threat, religion and the human mind is.

phoenix86   November 14th, 2009 1:30 pm ET

I'm sure the hypocritical left will go nuts. I guess they see a difference between this and burning a Bush effigy. See leftist hate at its finest in 3...2..1...

psk2   November 14th, 2009 1:29 pm ET

Why does it count as news that they announced a plan to burn someone in effigy? Isn't this free promotion before the fact?

Dennis   November 14th, 2009 1:29 pm ET

How mature!

marcus (seattle)   November 14th, 2009 1:27 pm ET

hmmm... why aren't those tea-baggers burning effigies of bush ?? i mean, he ran up trillions of dollars of debt, presided over the entire fiscal meltdown in the US, and started the bail out ball a rollin' ... oh yeah, that's cuz those teabaggers really don't care about the economy or the US, they're just bitter republicans railing against democrats.. the disingenuous nature of your protest makes you people nothing more than a bad joke.. whiners..

don   November 14th, 2009 1:26 pm ET

These people are getting nuttier by the day. Protesting is okay...but this borders on threat. This is not the middle east tea baggers.

Logic   November 14th, 2009 1:24 pm ET

Teaparty = the minority screaming louder. The majority of Americans not only approve of the health care legislation, they also endorse the single payer plan that was cut out of the bill. This is how the insurance companies and special interest control this country. The minority screams louder, and the media covers them more.

ThinkAgain   November 14th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

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 last week 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.

ThinkAgain   November 14th, 2009 1:21 pm ET

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.

Perusing-through   November 14th, 2009 1:19 pm ET

REPUBLICANS MAKE NO SENSE!

1. – Tell me, how does burning Nancy Pelosi's effigy repair the nation's credibility around the world?
2. – How do burning Tom Perriello's effigy bring back millions of jobs shipped overseas when Republicans ruled the previous 8-years?
3. – Can Tea Party 'rabble trash' and 'Birther' ditto-heads explain how burning Nancy Pelosi's effigy, resolves the Afghanistan war that Bush/Cheney/Rove allowed to meander off course for the past 8-years; and how the U.S. went to war in Iraq over non-existent WMD leading to 4,300+ American's killed?

Rick from Washington   November 14th, 2009 1:19 pm ET

I'll let another Tea Party member speak for Mr. Coleman and his actions.

"Nigel Coleman: idiot
Nov 14, 2009 in Economy, Free speech, Health Care
It isn’t often that I call someone an “idiot,” but I Nigel Coleman fits the bill.

The Tea Party protests, for the most part, have been positive rallies voicing disapproval with the way Washington has acted over the past two years with their reckless spending, government intrusion into private business, the future that the current Congress and Administration are leading the nation. There might be someone who has never been involved with prior rallies that would be interested in joining Nigel at his rally in Danville, VA next weekend and end up with a rude surprise. The Danville rally will be unlike any other Tea Party rally to date.

Nigel, for some odd reason, thinks it is a smart idea to create effigies of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Virginia Representative Tom Perriello at his Saturday rally. Both members of Congress supported and voted for House Health Care Reform bill last week; a bill that most members of the Tea Party protests have been against due to the implied government takeover of the health care system as well as expanding the national debt. These effigies are to be burned during the rally.

If you ask me, this is not only counterproductive to the Tea Party movement, but it also turns public attention against you. Imagine the rallies against the Iraq war where they burned American flags, or where a two-faced effigy depicting Bush and Kerry were burne. Did these acts increase the support for the protesters or isolate them as extremists?

Nigel should reconsider his actions and issue an apology. This is not how someone with the “correct side” of the argument should act. With the Tea Party movement growing in numbers and events, this will derail the progress so many people have invested their time and energy in.

Is Nigel Coleman an idiot? You tell me."

Need I say more?

bill   November 14th, 2009 1:18 pm ET

I bet you every single one of those tea baggers call themselves a Christian. Mind blowing the hypocrisy of the right. Wouldn't Jesus want health care for everybody?

Republicans is smart in the head area   November 14th, 2009 1:17 pm ET

Why do I think that Nigel Coleman was one of the people in 2003 who yelled and screamed bloody murder when anyone dared question or protest GWB's plans to invade Iraq?

Jasmine in Germany   November 14th, 2009 1:16 pm ET

How primtive and stupid. The world is looking on and still can't figure out why a large powerful country (USA) would have such social deficits and coninue to encourage poverty, lack of education, etc. Wake up America – get into the 21st Century!

Laurie   November 14th, 2009 1:16 pm ET

Such a tranquil scene of Americana provided by the "real Americans" with Christian family values. I imagine it is just what our forefathers had in mind. These people are worried about their children and grandchildren's future and yet they put on violent, inappropriate displays in front of them. Thank God that Nancy Pelosi and Representative Perriello had the courage and decency to care about the future of this country. Carry on with your violence and your nonsense. You are excellent role models for your children and grandchildren. I'm sure that they will remember such a momentous occasion with alot of reverence and respect.

C Spurgeon   November 14th, 2009 1:16 pm ET

These are thugs and bullies all the way through . This kind of behavior is what is wrong with america. Shame on them....and what they are teaching the young people. No respect and bully tactics for all. I am not a congressional fan and see much blame on both parties but the thugs send out by the party line are the worst I have seen in all my years.

SF Serg   November 14th, 2009 1:15 pm ET

They should be stopped. Sure, they're not actually going to burn Nancy Pelosi but they're letting the nut job who's watching know that it's okay for him to do it. God forbid if anything happens to Nancy Pelosi, these must be held accountable.

Deborah in Blue Springs, MO   November 14th, 2009 1:14 pm ET

Look, there are good, hard-working families and single American citizens who will never get health care if this plan passes. Most, unfortunately, earn less than what is considered the national average. We are "the In-Betweens", those who make too much to qualify for state aid but too little to afford our own health care.

At the birth of our nation...
As the parties were forming...
Good, patriotic citizens would often burn political figures in effigy...
To make their emphatic point.

Since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Tom Perriello have the Cadillac of health care packages – on OUR dime – I believe they both can take the historical hit, if that's what they both need to take the HINT! Kudos, Mr. Coleman!

SF Serg   November 14th, 2009 1:12 pm ET

GOP/Tea Party is worse than the KKK.

Terry from West Texas   November 14th, 2009 1:12 pm ET

Many well-regarded American leaders have been burned in effigy. John Adams, I think it was, said that on some days you could ride all the way across town by the light of his burning effigies. Lincoln was certainly burned in effigy many many time. There are surely many other examples.

These Tea Party folks are not the sharpest knives in the drawer, obviously. They are being played like a harmonica by Conservative leaders. They have been hornswaggled into working against their own interest. They are arguing, if they could only understand it, for more expensive and lower quality medical care for the middle class and no medical care for the lower class.

Even though the Obama Administration is trying to improve medical care for the whole nation, I predict that their effort will fail. There is too much money to be made by voting for the insurance companies and against the American people .

Oh well, we baby boomers will mostly be dead in twenty years and hopefully the quality of life in America will not have deterioriated too much by then. I am not optimisitic

sskepticall   November 14th, 2009 1:11 pm ET

A friend told me that the T-Party stood for the Terrorist Party -- yep those baggers are going to destroy the values of this country.

It is wackos like Mr. Coleman that will destroy the Republican Party and when his new stunt doesn't still get his point across what is next? If I had set on fire an effigy of President Bush would Mr. Coleman have understood my concern about the number of lives that have been wasted in the war in Iraq? I personally will work hard and financially support Mr. Perriello. Mr. Coleman, thanks for the image that will galvanize the rest of us to fight back...not with flames and terrorist symbolism – but boots on the ground and money.

Who is paying Mr. Coleman for these efforts? The insurance companies? This is despicable.

Sheri   November 14th, 2009 1:10 pm ET

Wow! Got to love these folks! They have decided that the minority should rule. They run around screaming that they are losing freedoms (all the while trying to take them from everyone else) and want "their" country back. Well, what do they want us to do, over turn the election? Forget the majority of the country voted for Our President so they "feel better"? Obviously they don't have a clue to meaning of Democracy!

theresa Mwimbwa   November 14th, 2009 1:10 pm ET

Please go "THE Frederick Post .com see top story

Army Detains Maryland Solider in Afghanistan

This is my son in law please blog for him

TEXAS DEM   November 14th, 2009 1:09 pm ET

Coleman is a perfect example of the idiocy of the conservative terrorist organization we call the GOP. Their boorish behavior is on a par with Al Qaeda. Rude and offensive acts uch as shouting at the President "you lie" and their plans to burn members of congress in effigy show how insane these idiots really are.

My fervent wish is that we can someday return to civil discourse. The only way that will happen though is for the American people turn away from buffoons such as Coulter, Beck, Rush, Coleman and Joe Wilson. Unfortunately, most conservatives are incapable of rational thought. Barney Frank was right in asking on which planet these people spend most of their time!

George   November 14th, 2009 1:09 pm ET

It will be fun to see how the tea partiers put out the fires they start without the benefit of the socialist state fire department.

It will be hilarious to see them paying for their defense when they are in court on trial for arson. They will have to defend themselves without the socialist benefit of the right of free counsel and a case like this could drag on for quite an expensive long time.

D. D.   November 14th, 2009 1:09 pm ET

We live a country where we can protest but we do not have to go nasty. Certainly these people have creative abilities- well at least one of them. For example they could carry a chalkboard. and/or wear a mask of Hannity and Brachmann.

Dixon   November 14th, 2009 1:09 pm ET

Now these nuts are learning from the Taliban how to protest. Why all the hate? These people are not the majority by a long shot, just noisy. These are the people who live off our dollar saying we don't want others to have what we have. If any of them were serious they would fight farm subsidies, social security and medicare to name a few. How about the millions we give the pharmacy and oil companies. Cut the staff for all representatives in the house and senate. Maybe if they actually do thier jobs they wouldn't have time to bad mouth each other.

I say if you start a bonfire, try jumping in. That would help this country more than any cuts in dollars.

rae   November 14th, 2009 1:07 pm ET

Unbelievable.......remember the burning of effigies in Iran and the middle east against Americans?????Fanatics always grab the spotlight, but have no substance except hate. Always hate.

Jim   November 14th, 2009 1:07 pm ET

What a sleaze bag... And I don't mean Pelosi. These "Tea Party" idiots represent a minority of the US but are claiming to represent the majority. The only majority they represent is the majority of white supremacist, intolerant, un-educated idiots of the US. The rest of us understand that change in our current health care system is necessary. Try getting insurance when you are a life-long diabetic. I didn't get it from overeating, I got if because of a genetic flaw. I still can't get insurance on my own because of it. I have to pay for very expensive group coverage at work. If I am un-employed, I have no help, with an average cost of 240 dollars per month in necessary medications and syringes.

buckwheat   November 14th, 2009 1:07 pm ET

It just shows how the people who pay the bills feel about this woman.The same one who now rides in a special jet for herself and complained about the corporate jets of the auto industry . We need to have term limits of 6 years in the Senate and 4 years in the House. Being elected to ythe Senate or House was never intended to be a career.Even the framers of the Constitution failed to understand how corrupt these people are. Charlie Rangle,now under investigation for not paying taxes was standing beside Pelosi when the health care bill just squeaked by by a few votes. He was standing there grinning like a mule eating briars.Take their cradle to the grave health care from all of Congress and let them shop as we do or either give us what they have, including 20 years, service and full retirement at taxpayer expense and all the other perks they cheat us out of we do not even hear about.

Michele   November 14th, 2009 1:07 pm ET

Grow up, Republicans. What are you trying to accomplish by staging a high school "bonfire" to burn a leader of this nation in effigy? I hope your children show a bit more maturity than you do.

Ryan Wing   November 14th, 2009 1:06 pm ET

The tea partiers just get crazier and crazier.

Mark   November 14th, 2009 1:04 pm ET

Something this important should not be passed without the support of the entire country. If its cot the support of half, Ill eat my hat. These people in congress the house and senate need to go. They are moving forward with their own agenda, and thats not what we voted them in for. The arent protecting our intrests and they are destroying this nation.

Anonymous   November 14th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

And this is news why?

truth to power   November 14th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

Why don't these poor misguided, misinformed people spend their time doing something constructive!?!

Eyes Wide Open   November 14th, 2009 1:02 pm ET

Interesting, I guess.

To bad I missed all the "tickers" during Bush's years when Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and the rest were all burned in effigy every week at anti-war rallies.

They also missed all the signs calling Bush Hitler and the T-shirts and such.

Don't want anyone to get a bad impression of the mythical far left.

Rosebud   November 14th, 2009 1:02 pm ET

That is just too trashy for words.

Dean   November 14th, 2009 1:02 pm ET

The Tea Party are using the same tactics of the Nazi Brownshirts of the Thirties in order to subvert the democratic process.

Jeff   November 14th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

Even as a conservative, this disgusts me. I hope these tea party people know that this will only stifle our cause. Let the liberals be the only ones to stoop to such a level, as they burned Bush in effigy several times.

JJ in Chula Vista, CA   November 14th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

"But we have been trying to months to get our point across just how vehemently we are opposed to this health care legislation," says Nigel Coleman.

Here again is another example of how teapartiers/baggers imagine that their anger and opinion is more important than anyone else's.

Mr. Coleman goes on to overexaggerate when he says, "More people are going to be killed by this health care legislation than this bonfire."

Mr. Coleman is entitled to his opinion just like everyone else, but in order to be heard a person needs to be realistic AT THE VERY LEAST.

Andrew   November 14th, 2009 1:00 pm ET

Wait... so... somehow burning Pelosi in effigy will prove to the country that these people are sensible, rational human beings who want responsible health care reform rather than reactionary extreme right wing nuts who would oppose any form of reform whatsoever?

So this is supposed to send a message to the government that they want a different form of health care reform. Yeah. Because clearly the republicans have been voicing a clear, rational alternative to the public option which has worked in numerous other countries.

What scares me is as much as I'd think this tactic should backfire, as much as I'd hope that this would expose these teabaggers as the insane reactionary mindless idiots they are, I'm afraid that they'll probably be able to rally considerable support from other mindless idiots. I hated bush, but even doing this to bush seems extreme, let alone a SINGLE representative who wants to propose a SINGLE socialistic reform. Socialistic reforms aren't inherently bad people, I direct you to the public school system, private schools still exist but the public school system has been vital for educating generations of Americans. Though, as the case would be for these teabaggers, it has apparently failed.

In plain sight   November 14th, 2009 1:00 pm ET

This is still America, and we are still free. The Tea Party is doing this in plain sight, which is more than can be said for Pelosi's healthcare reform bill.

johnnyfresno   November 14th, 2009 12:59 pm ET

burning someone in effigy is unamerican.

Ultimate Heretic   November 14th, 2009 12:58 pm ET

Sounds just like the Iranian students in the USA in 1979. What is next? The Tea Party takes hostages until 'their' government is returned to 'them'? They have all the hallmarks of an incipient domestic terrorist group. I hope the Feds have them all under surveillance!

mytabloids   November 14th, 2009 12:57 pm ET

So let's see. They'll burn someone in effigy, then go to church and praise God. I love the GOP.

When something really, really bad happens, the blood will be on all of their hands, from Beck to Limbaugh and everyone in between.

These are very disturbed people.

Gary Ostiguy   November 14th, 2009 12:56 pm ET

While this particuls event may be somewhat silly, what is sillier is the Democrats and the Presidents insistence that social (nationalized) health care works. It doesn't. I lived in the US for 45 years and moved to Canada 10 years ago for work. I am still trying to move back. If waiting 3 days in an emergency ward after an ambualnce ride, or 9 months for an MRI, or mamogram, or having your Doctor telling you that had you been living in the US the heart attack you experienced woul never have come to pass in the US then go for it. It simply doesnt work, I live it. You are simply assured the same inefficient service as evry one else gets..You will see

Disgusted   November 14th, 2009 12:56 pm ET

The Republicans lost... the people voted for real change. No doubt these 'good Christain folk' are proud to stand up and deny health care to millions of Americans. No more for-profit health care – please.

otto1967   November 14th, 2009 12:55 pm ET

Sounds like incitement to riot. They should be arrested and investigated by the FBI and Secret Service because they are obviously a threat to the 3rd person in line to the Presidency.

midwest   November 14th, 2009 12:54 pm ET

100 nutcases in one location. Alert the mental health professionals. Thanks CNN for showing how crazy the republican party has become. The party of angry wacho tea baggers. Now if they would only wear brown shirts and arm bands...

More Palin coverage helps too.

Tom   November 14th, 2009 12:53 pm ET

These folks are getting more and more extreme. They are so far out of mainstream American society, yet CNN and other outlets keep covering them like they are reasonable protestors. Do these "patriots" have any idea that the majority of Americans favor of a strong public option for health care? This has been shown to be the case in survey after survey. Pelosi and Periello are fighting for good health care for all Americans. Don't we deserve that? Yes, we do.

Texas Doc   November 14th, 2009 12:52 pm ET

Why do the TeaBaggers hate America so much? Isn't their approach treasonous? We are currently at War and they are trying to tear the country down? They should be shot for reason. If you don't like living here you can get out!

Lee   November 14th, 2009 12:52 pm ET

Well, that will certainly convince people that the Tea Baggers are not unhinged or out to lunch in any way...

victim of republican greed   November 14th, 2009 12:51 pm ET

While we have always celebrated diversity, this is going too far. To the moronic tea baggers one can only say, "America, love it or leave it."

Conservative Independent   November 14th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

They use the same talk as the other side did for Bush and Cheney. How many large paper dolls of Bush did we see burning around the USA and World? Countless.

The Tea Party isn't going to literally burn them at the stake. It's just a tough language to support their position.

I'm no Tea Party supporter, but can respect their protesting.

jimmm   November 14th, 2009 12:49 pm ET

You have to be kidding...burning if effigy? These people are nuts

Colorado is listening   November 14th, 2009 12:49 pm ET

what a complete waste of time!!! These people are being run by mad, rogue, palinites!!! These burnings are just a way of getting attention. Too bad it isn't working!!

lee   November 14th, 2009 12:48 pm ET

What the heck is wrong with these people. They should move to Iran where that kind of conduct is tolerated.

kojohn   November 14th, 2009 12:48 pm ET

What next tar an feathering?I thought the Dems were acting like spoiled brats during Bushes add. The Rep are changing my mind for my vote.

stacey   November 14th, 2009 12:48 pm ET

Now I've heard it all – is this America or some third world country? The right wing extremists sure would love to see our government crumble.

Tim   November 14th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

That's unfortunate, no need to do it in effigy.

Clay   November 14th, 2009 12:45 pm ET

What is shocking and despicable is the "Tea Party" hatred and unwillingness to accept the outcome of a democratic process. Just look at the polls; most Americans support this health care legislation. What has fundamentally changed this country is the political divisiveness and hostility that borders on violence. (And no, I am not blaming this entirely on conservatives.) We are not the "United" States anymore but rather a collection of warring factions...and I have no hope that this situation will ever change. The sad truth is that the issues that divide us the most are ones with little room for compromise.

KEN   November 14th, 2009 12:45 pm ET

Congrats America...you now have your own Taliban LOL LOL.....if this was a group of muslims in Iraq or Iran burning an effigy of Bush, these same people would be wanting to go and bomb them. LOL LOL LOL
THe Republicans have become the party of right wing wacko doodles!!! LOL LOL LOL

Omar   November 14th, 2009 12:45 pm ET

100 people? There's something like 40 million without health insurance.

Dave in Vail   November 14th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

This is nice, eh?

Is it just me or does it seem that the two ruling parties can't amicably disagree? The decent from disagreement to blatant displays of HATE seems to be led by the people who cannot express themselves intellegently and we show the world how much we HATE each other, show them that its OK to hate us too. I'm no Pelosi fan, nor am I a fan of the proposed health care plan, but I am disgusted by some peoples solution to a good idea (health care for all), namely effigy burning instead of intellegent dialogue.

Great idea Nigel. If this doesn't get your point across maybe a good old fashioned lynching will do the Republican party some good. Keep spreading your message of HATE and I'm sure everyone will happily join the party.

Lets burn your effigy, Nigel, along with your wife and kids and see how you feel about your own suggestion. Or perhaps you could find a way to express yourself without the suggestion of hate and violence that effigy burning arouses and helps to glamorize your beloved Republican party.

Tristan   November 14th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

R.I.P. America. Teabaged to death by crazy religious wankers.

cathyinAZ   November 14th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

I beg to disagree with Mr. Coleman's assessment. Many, many, many of us support health care reform and you do not see supporters of this legislation burning GOP or DEM members who disagree in effigy. You can protest all you wish, I have no problem with civil protest, but all this does is again remind us that the other side continues to just say no to say no!
NO ONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED BY THIS HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION!

Dean   November 14th, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Burning elected leaders in effigy, huh? Doesn't see anything wrong with it? ARE YOU KIDDING ME???????? Great. The tea baggers are taking a page out of Iran book of public demonstrations. What a bunch of buffoons.

Susan in NC   November 14th, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Visions of the KKK? I don't believe "shocking" and "despicable" are strong enough words to describe such action. Sounds like home-grown terrorism to me!

John   November 14th, 2009 12:42 pm ET

Ehh, urning effigy is nothing new. Islamic extremists and terrorists have been doing that for years.

New Yorker   November 14th, 2009 12:41 pm ET

Okay, I'll try again, even though CNN keeps moderating me out.

The Tea Party's decision to do this just shows the sentiment of the country regarding their outrage about the Socialistic government takeover that is in progress.

BTW do a search on "blinded prison guard Louis Pepe" and you will see that Obama is not fulfilling his sworn duty to protect U.S.citizens.

Nita   November 14th, 2009 12:41 pm ET

Nancy Pelosi is my hero. The Tea Party and the Party of No are also the anti women. They seem to be the anti black and anti hispanic Party. I know were they are coming from and I want no part of it. They
are afraid of strong women and that's too bad. When you see the report of "The Warning" in PBS, you are reminded of the power of strong and honest women. Thank God for the great women that are ready to defend this country.

Jay   November 14th, 2009 12:41 pm ET

Idiots.

frank martinez   November 14th, 2009 12:40 pm ET

i'm a conservative and i know we have better ideas thank those of the liberals who are running things right now. i think engaging in stunts like this only reduces our message to the level of a cartoon. we have the facts on our side. we are truthful and right and we will win. we don't need gimmicks or distractions. keep on fighting the good fight but please don't do this.

Aaron P   November 14th, 2009 12:39 pm ET

What a joke these people are. Spre losers!!!

Dave   November 14th, 2009 12:39 pm ET

Typical socialists. They demand services like roads, water, schools, medicare, but they don't want to pay for it.

boboh   November 14th, 2009 12:38 pm ET

Americans should be happy to be slave to the goverment.

Clark   November 14th, 2009 12:38 pm ET

Why waste the lighter fluid.They've already burned themselves.I wonder if this administration will do anything that people in this country actually want.

JK Ashburn, VA   November 14th, 2009 12:37 pm ET

I hope they are careful so the botox doesn't explode and cause harm to anyone.

GOPer   November 14th, 2009 12:36 pm ET

Great, can the GOP get any better? Can't wait to see this on fox.

B   November 14th, 2009 12:36 pm ET

Mean spirited people that hold back any civility in politics or anything else.

It is this kind of nonsense that keeps us from making progress in this country...

Victor   November 14th, 2009 12:36 pm ET

As a conservative I believe we are going way too fast. No more voting for women and minorities! We shouldn't vote for them or allow those suckers to vote.

Nik Kripalani   November 14th, 2009 12:35 pm ET

I have read the Republicans four page health care plan. It doesn't support seniors, or the disabled or Parents of young Adults. No benefits, no help, no nurses aides or caretakers. I oppose the Republicans bill. I support the Democratic bill. Stop burning political figures of my favorite Politicians! How would you like it if someone talked about climate change and your health was not effected? You would have Liberals on your case and holding up signs against that.

So just let the Democrats have the bill be signed into law. I have suffered enough of the opposition. I want to breathe fresh air too.

Palin/Prejean 2012 Teabagger Party   November 14th, 2009 12:33 pm ET

Freak show coming to town. Think they'll display more 'Holocaust' victim
banners?

Kim   November 14th, 2009 12:33 pm ET

While they're burning Pelosi and Perriello, we'll be having a tea party of our own. The tea party that celebrates health care reform for America. America is so behind in the times with healthcare. We have the 32nd best healthcare system in the world. The republicans and old folks want us to keep the same healthcare the way it is. It's finally time to get with the 20th century and pass healthcare to everyone.

Joey, MN   November 14th, 2009 12:30 pm ET

proof. these people are nuts. "NO! They're just patriots!!!" No, they're just idiots....

Patrick   November 14th, 2009 12:30 pm ET

Wow. Burning a politician in effigy. Congratulations, Tea Partiers. You've just joined the ranks of Iran, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia. Welcome to the 19th century.

Obama - NOPE   November 14th, 2009 12:29 pm ET

Why use the hackneyed old demonstration techniques of the Left-wingnuts? Be original !

once upon a horse   November 14th, 2009 12:29 pm ET

hey sounds like a unique idea. I wouldn't expect anything less from a group of people that ride around the country with tea bags on their heads. Why not get the tar and feathers, pitchforks and hangman's noose while we're at it. If they had a rally like this and had done the same to Bush and Cheney the far right would have had a fit and Glenn Beck would have been crying about how un American it was.

Craig in Washington   November 14th, 2009 12:27 pm ET

And this is why I don't drink tea.

C L   November 14th, 2009 12:25 pm ET

Dropping to the level of angry thrid world mobs... go america, wooo!

Dan   November 14th, 2009 12:25 pm ET

Wow, what a nice, friendly group. /sarcasm

Willy Brown   November 14th, 2009 12:25 pm ET

Who’s bringing hotdogs?

REG in AZ   November 14th, 2009 12:25 pm ET

I really don't care whether our representatives are moderately conservative or moderately liberal, Republican, Democrat or Independent. What I really want them to be is honestly conscience driven and disciplined in always seeking what they truly believe is in the best interests of the majority. While they will readily say that is actually what they do, their actions constantly demonstrate something completely different, which too often is simply a placation of Special Interests and the few who strongly support them, including many who abuse the system, and then they just give an abundance of subterfuge to the majority. If they could, with their different positions, sit down and responsibly and conscientiously debate the issues and come to mature compromises that sometimes lean towards moderately conservative and other times towards moderately liberal, that likely would give us the very best results. The trouble is that their egos and loyalties just don't allow that to ever happen and what they say, ... well anyone would have to be totally naive and gullible to believe most of it. The results they come up with far too often are packed full of irresponsible compromises or stubbornly pushed through terms that just benefit them and their supporters and cost the people greatly. It isn't the differences in the details, as they offer, that are the stumbling blocks but rather their commitments and their egotistic competing for power that cause the problems. The major part of the difficulty is the substantial support they need and their drive for personal gain, with both being heavily financially oriented and their total focus. We really don't need to argue about the merits of different positions, we just need to take money out of politics and that would go a long way towards political reform and result in better government, otherwise, ... good luck!

LJS   November 14th, 2009 12:24 pm ET

Looking more and more like Middle Eastern fundamentalists all the time.

Robyn   November 14th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

Imagine the evil of a woman who says that that the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breath free deserve to be treated like human beings, with decency and respect. To be given basic health services so that they don't die in the street. The nerve.

We must tear down Lady Liberty in the name of the Republican Party.

Compassion, caring, civic mindedness, these concepts have no place in the America of Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin. The Republican vision of the future is starving rats clawing each other to death over ever scrap; and it is every rat for himself.

The new Republican socialist agenda is to steal from the poor, so that the rich can be given more.

John Starnes Tampa Florida   November 14th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

So where were these "patriots" when Bush was trashing the Treasury and our global reputation after lying America into an incredibly costly war and savaging Constitutional law and international law? Yet the issue of health care for Americans somehow gets them riled up.

Lawrence in Phoenix   November 14th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

To burn an effigy of a public servant because of political differences makes absolutely no sense. It's un-American, hypocritical, and a waste of time. I hate to play the Bush card, but for 8 years, we had politicians wasting money on military interventions that should never have happened in the first place. We wasted trillions on programs that everyday Americans didn't get to benefit from. Now, we're investing in ourselves and people are upset? For WHAT??? I'd rather my tax dollars go to an an uninsured American to have basic health coverage than go to a multi-billion dollar conglomerate like Halliburton in the guise of keeping Americans safe.

But that's right, how dare we try to take care of one another. We should be bombing third-world countries into the stone age. That will benefit our economy in the long term, right? Don't pay attention to the contrary evidence of the past four years and the unravelling economy, we'll be okay so long as we're at war. Doesn't matter who with, let's just be at war. Killing people is so much better than saving people.

When did America become THIS country?

Ohio Annie   November 14th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

Juvenile theatrics.

Joseph Broman   November 14th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

I agree that this is shocking and despicable. Though it goes for both sides of the aisle, why can't people respect democratically elected officials? It's one thing to oppose legislation, it is something different altogether to burn someone in effigy. This only displays the radically regressive nature of the Tea Party movement and reminds me of Middle Eastern activists burning President Bush in effigy. Way to go America....

Seattle Sue   November 14th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

The radical Tea Party people are going to burn Mrs. Pelosi in effigy, but they would much rather burn her in person. What a sorry lot they are.

Kyle Martin   November 14th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

The most telling comment in this is from the organizer who "doesn't see what the fuss is about." Of course he doesn't. These gap-toothed, slack-jawed, hatemongers see nothing wrong with such disgusting and inappropriate displays. They just can't STAND it that a poor person or person of color might get something – these folks are so deranged and selfish and un-Christian they feel the pitiful amount they're contributing to the budget sould be reserved for killing people overseas. Disgusting.

snowflakelady   November 14th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

people on both sides of this argument (democrats and republicans) need to grow up and start acting like adults– I'm tired of our country being led by mal contented little children.

Margaret Lehmann   November 14th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

These people are despicable and are as maniacal as the radical Islamists. Can't tell the difference these days.

PaulMoATX   November 14th, 2009 12:20 pm ET

Hate leads us nowhere, and in a time where we are defined by our actions, we should be writing a eulogy for the despicable and tasteless Tea Party of Un-America. Sick people continuing to drink hatorade.

johnrj08   November 14th, 2009 12:19 pm ET

Nancy Pelosi, who fought for some kind health care reform, isn't the problem. The problem is Sarah Palin, her book, Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Lou Dobbs, Anne Coulter, Laura Ingram and a host of other 'celebrity' pundits. These people have a found a huge audience, especially in the blogosphere. Visit any conservative blog, such as RedState or Newsbusters and you will see the kind of real anger and hatred that is being nurtured by these so-called patriots. Now, we can add Dick Armey to that growing ensemble of opportunists who have learned that there is money and power to be made from the ignorant masses who follow their every word without skepticism or common sense.

What is alarming about FOX News isn't that it is a political network with an extreme right-wing agenda permeating its programming. What's alarming is that so many Americans actually turn to that network as an legitimate source of information, and then make their voting decisions based on it. These 'recruits' are the people who were prime candidates for the Tea Bagger movement and who disrupted so many townhall meetings. And we're just seeing the beginning of this phenomenon, which is appearing across all media, including television, radio and the internet. It is pervasive.

Say a big lie frequently enough and some people will eventually accept it as fact. Sound familiar? Say that Obama is a socialist or a non-citizen enough times, even without any proof and only discredited sources, and people will believe it to be news. Yet, if the government goes after these sources, even in the most oblique ways, legitimate news channels start reporting on how the White House is getting into a "feud" with FOX News. You won't see reporting of all the falsehoods and unverified rumors which have been "reported" by FOX which drew that criticism. You'll just hear how the White House is getting "defensive" and making a political mistake by addressing the issue at all. If the White House, then who?

Personally, I've made it a point of registering on some of these conservative blogs and interfering with the flow of sewage that spews from them. I'll call people on their racist remarks about the President, or gross misrepresentations of the facts about health care reform. Some have banned me, such as Michelle Malkins' dreadful screed. She won't tolerate ANY opposing views. But I got my shots in before her 'moderator' discovered my agenda.

I encourage anybody here to get onto these sites, if for no other reason than to see just how vile so many people have become thanks to the seditious atmosphere created by these extremist pundits and talkshow hosts. It's not funny. And while you're at, don't buy Palin's book. It's written for 6th graders.

Greg   November 14th, 2009 12:17 pm ET

Crazy people live in this country...

SteveMG   November 14th, 2009 12:16 pm ET

It'll be just like Tehran, 1979.

Neutralizer   November 14th, 2009 12:15 pm ET

Majority of the American people doesn't know what's in that Healthcare Reform Pelosi pushed to pass in Congress, but here's the law written in that bill which CNN never bother to report.

H.R. 3962 provides that an individual (or a husband and wife in the case of a joint return) who does not, at anytime during the taxable year, maintain acceptable health insurance coverage for himself or herself and each of his or her qualifying children is subject to an additional tax," the JCT letter stated.

"Prosecution is authorized under the Code for a variety of offenses. Depending on the level of noncompliance, the following penalties could apply to an individual" under these circumstances if the government determines the taxpayer's unpaid tax liability results from willful behavior, the JCT explained. It gave two examples when these penalties could be applied under the U.S. tax Code:

c "Section 7203 – misdemeanor willful failure to pay is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

c Section 7201 – felony willful evasion is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years," the JCT letter said.

The Congressional Budget Office says the lowest-cost nongroup family plan under the House bill would cost $15,000 in 2016 – a hefty sum for millions of middle income, mostly younger Americans and families whose budgets are stretched as it is.

PAY ATTENTION AMERICA!

Anonymous   November 14th, 2009 12:13 pm ET

Wow. Well keep it up Repubs, and watch your numbers shrink even more in 2010. Disgusting.

Debbie, Las Vegas   November 14th, 2009 12:13 pm ET

You are encouraging hatred and violence and will be held accountable.

Billy   November 14th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

Why does CNN even cover these tea party right wing-nuts?

Janis Alanis   November 14th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

"More people are going to be killed by this health care legislation than this bonfire."
Of all the asinine statements. I really cannot fathom how incredibly stupid and naive these people are and yet still they can drive cars to these rallies?
To actually believe that reforming healthcare is going to kill people, well, that takes a special kind of idiot.
I say–don't reform health care. Forget about it. Seriously. And some day, soon, every person will get a lesson in how the Insurance companies are working. They will deny them coverage and screw them out of treatment. Then, maybe then, the folks will get their heads out of their arses.

Dan Holiday   November 14th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

Too bad they can't use the real thing.

Cosmo   November 14th, 2009 12:11 pm ET

Are Mr. Coleman and the rest of his sad group going to burn their Medicare cards (or if they are not yet 65, sign a waiver that they will not accept Medicare)? I doubt if they have made the connection betwen Medicare and the "socialism" strawman that the Fox Wingnuts preach.
There will always be ignorant people, but the biggest problem in this country is education. An educated populace strenghens democracy, an ignorant one destroys it.

Joe M   November 14th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

This kind of hate is why the GOP will never regain any respect or new party members. When a political party falls so low that they can only gain press from their poor judgement surely indicates that they have nothing to offer the American people. Our large family had been Republican for decades and more than 75% of us have switched to a party that represents the people, the Democratic Party. Lincoln would roll over in his grave if he knew his party was used by such hate mongers.

Kate   November 14th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

These Tea Baggers act just like the 3rd world countries around the world, setting fire to the American Flag, setting fire to effigies of Bush, they look and act just like the Radicals of 3rd World Countries and it is a poor picture to set before the rest of the World........Radical racists that what you are and what you are acting like...... you are the one's putting this country is danger, not the Obama administration.......you are a sorry bunch of human beings.......

bj,texas   November 14th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

Why burn the effigy when they could burn the real witch?

ann lord   November 14th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

What a party of hate, pure evil people. We need to name a tea after them.....definately a four letter word, hate tea.

Jim   November 14th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

Why don't we burn the tea baggers in effigy of themselves? Its amazing how a bunch of people on Medicare are fighting so hard against what they call government run health care. And by the way tea babies, the proposed laws are only to reform health insurance so America stops getting ripped off.

SensibleJoe   November 14th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

The American right wing's uptick in violent language and imagery is indeed shocking and despicable. It they think they have all the answers, let's hear your constructive ideas and policies for the common good of all Americans, rather than subject us to demagoguery and gimmickry that stirs up plenty of hate and bile, but offers no solutions to our national problems.

Jeff , Douglass, KS   November 14th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Now, just wait a minute! Do we live in some psycho banana republic? I have some pretty strong opinions on several issues myself, but let's return to civil discourse, Please!
By demonizing each other, we are losing our humanity, and that is what this great experiment was supposed to be about.
Fer crissakes, if people keep this up, it won't be safe on the streets.

Donnatella   November 14th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Something shocking and despicable are the behavior of these so-called teabagers, I have never seen such a bunch of hypocrites, old people already living off the government protesting against it, until the day they all give up their SSI checks and medicade, they will be a joke in the eyes most people. They should of started teabagging in the Bush years and maybe they would be taken seriously, but now they are comedic entertainment for most of us.

Thomas   November 14th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

And they wonder why we don't take the teabagers seriously.

What a bunch of whining children. We live with a representative government. Our duly elected representatives have the power, via the constitution, to make these decisions on our behalf.

Just because it is not going your way does not mean you get to act like a bunch of spoiled children. In a democracy, not ever decision will go your way.

Man up and deal with it.

Bob E   November 14th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

Burning someone in effigy is a symbolic violent act. It is a signal that real violence is going to be condoned by the people doing the symbolism. These people might as well just carry around banners declaring," If you get a chance to kill Pelosi, GO FOR IT!" The folks at FOX are daily doing the same thing with their incendiary language and theatrics. If Obama ever is harmed, I know who I am going to blame and maybe we'll just burn some of them in effigy.

Matt   November 14th, 2009 12:06 pm ET

I'm sure Mr. Coleman doesn't understand why burning a cross on somebody's lawn might be considered a threat either. And he's got the most idiotic definition of "behind closed doors" I've ever seen – apparently, it's despicable if they have meetings indoors, because that's the only way "closed doors" have the slightest relation to this. Did he miss his fellow teabaggers showing up armed at town halls across the country? Did he miss the yoyos on 9/12 claiming that they "came unarmed this time"?

Just because your candidate didn't win doesn't mean you "have no representation" (another quote from this group, not included here).

fdm   November 14th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

And Carrie Prejean/Sarah Palin/Michelle Bachman think conservative women are treated poorly?

Patrick Lewis   November 14th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

Hey what's the problem? At least this time they're not burning black folk.

Annie, Atlanta   November 14th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

Furthermore, they're being backed by duly elected politicians who receive government run health care (the kind said politicians are rallying against) while receiving government (oh NO! – government is bad) salaries. Like I said, I'm confused.

Barefoot Freddie   November 14th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

Wow-Just Like a Third World Country– Right Here In My Own Home State-Can These People Get Any Crazier???

LMC   November 14th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

fI believe the attention should be on the people who don't seem to care enough about their fellow countrymen to want them to have equitable health care! Why do other countries care more about their citizens than our country? Are we a lesser country than Germany, Japan, Canada, the UK? Even Mexico will start offering universal health care next year. Why do we continue to all insurance and drug companies to run our health care system? How many Congressman who are against the health care plan receive contributions from insurance companies and/or drug companies? I know that my Republican representative in Congress votes in lock step with his party and he receives huge contributions from insurance companies! If our insurance companies were non-profit, it would help a lot! Do people really think we are a great company when so many people have no health care coverage? Look at the countries with better systems and you will find that no one goes bankrupt due to medical bills, while in our country two thirds of personal bankruptcies are due to huge medical bills! It's time for a real change in our health care system!!

JD   November 14th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

That is disgusting...I disagree with Pelosi on MANY points, but burning an effigy of someone is crossing way too many lines.

I think humanity is regressing back into the Dark Ages.

Tylerkad   November 14th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

The tea party is the repugant and ignorant sect of our society. They have always been there but now Fox has given these anti-American zealots a stage.
They deserve your attention as much as Charles Manson does.
Their fifteen minutes are up so they need to burn an effigy and become crazier than they are.

Thomas   November 14th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Will they be giving out free Congresswoman Michele Bachmann blow up dolls ?

Annie, Atlanta   November 14th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

And what is their point? That they are speaking out on behalf of the insurance companies? The same companies that have us by the throats? (We can't even protest by canceling coverage for a couple of months because some of us won't be insured ever again.) The same companies that decide if we live or if we die? I don't understand the protest. Something needs to be done to stop the insurance companies. They make obscene profits by offering crappy products. Why are we supposed to let this continue, according to the tea baggers? We're spending too much money? What about $1.4T tax cuts for the rich? What about needless wars? What about obscene war profiteering by the likes of Blackwater (Xe?) and Haliburton, while offering substandard services? Where were these guys when Bush was lying to us about war, and was torturing people so they would see things his way?

But try to change health care, and suddenly these people are pissed off? Don't they know they would benefit if we could get honest to goodness decent reform, possibly Medicare for all? (Weren't they the ones screaming don't touch my Medicare – a government run program.) What is with these people? Now they're mad. Isn't it too little too late? We've already been screwed every which way possible by Republican ideals and their enablers on Wall Street. Don't they see that? Yet they want to give them more? I'm confused.

carlos, THAT one   November 14th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

Tea Party = Totally Putrid

Bernardo   November 14th, 2009 11:58 am ET

i really think these idiots going to the tea parties should burn Bush instead who is the person that really got us in this economical mess
and I suggest they should travel to nations with a public health care and they could see it works better than the rotten system we have now

kevin   November 14th, 2009 11:58 am ET

yeah Nancy is on her way out. Truly i don't believe she is sane. this health care bill is silly and stupid. all that while barack is over there bowing to the japanese, his approval ratings, haaa, his latest poll has him at a 54% approve rating, and thats the highest in many polls. These dems are so so out of touch, and could care less about the american people. Its all about them, them them. Their agenda. hey, 2012 is soon to be here.

victim of republican greed   November 14th, 2009 11:58 am ET

Wasn't the unibomber a tea bagger too?

ja   November 14th, 2009 11:58 am ET

where were the tea party eight years ago, in exile

Carol   November 14th, 2009 11:58 am ET

When will the conservative Republicans stop throwing temper tantrums, and calling it Tea Parties?

Independent   November 14th, 2009 11:57 am ET

The tea baggers remind me of the 60s when they hung black people. It's not the tailban we should be worried about it's the radical wingnuts right here in the US

Gretchen   November 14th, 2009 11:57 am ET

Burning someone in effigy while they are alive is the same as lynching. These "tea party" nutballs need to disband. If THEY don't like the way things are done, then let them run for office.

matt; honestly   November 14th, 2009 11:57 am ET

Wow. Y'all aren't going to win support acting crazy.

Mike   November 14th, 2009 11:57 am ET

So, let me see if I can sum this up: a non-Democrat is going to use the tactics of the Democrats - burning people in effigy - against them. Fact: Repubs tried to call the various Bush and Cheney effigy-burnings "dispicable" and the Left called them right and good and Nancy Pelosi said that those tactics were "her kind of disruption". It is always fun to see the glaring hypocrisy of the Left, best exposed when using their own tactics against them.
The dems, who have championed protestors over the past eight years who have, among other things, called for the murder of the sitting vice-president; the rape of the first lady; physically assaulted people for walking near where the protestors were; destroyed private property during their protests; invaded churches during ceremonies; and worse - they have ZERO credibility, after the past eight years of encouraging and using protestors who did the list of things above (don't believe it? Look it up - proof is all over the place, from video to police reports), to talk about how "despicable" something is.

Deuce   November 14th, 2009 11:56 am ET

So the Lou d obbjector, seeks a divorce from CNN...

victim of republican greed   November 14th, 2009 11:56 am ET

We have Glenn Beck and Fox to thank for the moronic behavior of this tea bagger.

Ted   November 14th, 2009 11:56 am ET

I don't understand the actions of the Republican Party. They are acting like savages. After 49 years I am becoming an Independant/ Democrat

Dave Moran   November 14th, 2009 11:56 am ET

"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."

ARE YOU SERIOUS!??? You are a misinformed, senseless, ignorant demagogue!

It's amazing that you organize against giving people health care, a fundamental right, but you didn't give a crap when President Bush initiated a pre-emptive war, tried to alter the Constitution to discriminate against gay rights, pulled out of the Kyoto Treaty on air pollution controls, and the list goes on...I fully support President Obama and the Congress in their efforts to overhaul health care. They are actually doing things for the people, not the rich or the Christian right or big business. It's long over-due since Harry Truman first attempted to give Americans equal access over 60 years ago..

Bob Baxter   November 14th, 2009 11:56 am ET

Another clueless tea party person going over the deep end!

Chris   November 14th, 2009 11:55 am ET

Once again the Right Wingers seek to drag politcal discourse in this country down into the muck. They are completely bereft of maturity, reason, and basic civility. Their idea of political discourse is to keep screaming "I'm angry!" louder and louder while refusing to listen to anyone except those who already agree with them.

I wonder what is next for these "patriots"? A shooting gallery where they can take turns firing rifles at cardboard cut out targets of the President?

Adam   November 14th, 2009 11:55 am ET

Burning stuff is the worst way to get your point across. This does nothing but hurt their creditblity and push them further into Wack-a-loon status.

The teabaggers don't own America   November 14th, 2009 11:55 am ET

These people have the unmitigated gall to think they are the majority,
and speak for what the rest of the American people want. The
healthcare legislation passed in the house and it WILL pass in the
Senate. So "let them rant on so men know they're mad".

(I just hope its not too windy when they pour gasoline on the rags that
they hold up in front of their faces and light.)

chris   November 14th, 2009 11:55 am ET

where do these people get this stuff??? REALLY??? they sign the bill, and suddenly bodies start dropping like flies? i think the truth is, these tea baggers do it for the attention. they like to be part of a big crowd. its like driving to Walmart...

Ken Williams   November 14th, 2009 11:55 am ET

As funny as this is and as incompetent as these two are it doesn't help and only fuels the opinion that anyone who disagrees with Obama is a wacko.

Yep   November 14th, 2009 11:53 am ET

Classy.

Anonymous   November 14th, 2009 11:52 am ET

Burn baby burn. Since the government cannot afford to pay for the uninsured or illegals anymore they will raise preimums on those that have insurance. If you think it will only be the rich paying - america better wake up.

David Wallace   November 14th, 2009 11:52 am ET

I don't know which is worse – these disgustingly selfish "teabaggers" who conveniently continue to disregard that voters in this country resoundingly voted for reform last year, or the media who continue to promote their "agenda." CNN = FOX more and more each day. Sad.

j   November 14th, 2009 11:50 am ET

The lunatic fringe has moved decidedly to the far right.

Walt213   November 14th, 2009 11:49 am ET

The Republicans still rely on ultra extremist negativism with personal and vicious attacks on those who don't agree with them. Nothing positive. Now they are turning tea parties into '"burn the opposition" parties.

Roscoe Chait   November 14th, 2009 11:49 am ET

So what's next? Placards with Death to Pelosi? When did America become like Iran?

Lawrence Ross   November 14th, 2009 11:48 am ET

How do Americans feel when we observe "burning" of American symbols outside the USA during political protest? That is what strikes me about these "tea party ' terrorists. perhaps they should shift to "calming" green tea.

Ezekial, Queens NY   November 14th, 2009 11:48 am ET

I forgot, are these guys in the KKK or the GOP? Both?

ThinkForYourselves   November 14th, 2009 11:47 am ET

Isn't it odd how our representatives refuse to hear the American people except when they want to denounce them? Calling people despicable for trying to make themselves heard isn't the reaction a representative of the people should have. Why wasn't the reaction "Oh man, maybe we should take the people's opinions into account. They might not want this legislation..." instead of insulting constituents? The answer is simple; political parties have ceased to serve the American people, they instead serve their own parties and those who fund them. It's time to destroy political parties and demand that ALL candidates be Independents!

terry,va   November 14th, 2009 11:47 am ET

Pelosi should have gone with Oba Mao ( what the Chinese are calling Obummie) to China. Isn't it fitting that they see him as a clone of Chairman Mao Tse Tung, the founder of Communist China. What Pelosi and Obummie want to do is to turn the U.S. into a communist/socialist state. Quit stealing our money and giving it to the sorry. Those that need health care and can't physically work should go on Medicaid and the rest of us should be left alone!!!!!!

biotechguy   November 14th, 2009 11:46 am ET

Let's see here. The US wants to provide health care to everyone; a clearly noble goal even if you do not believe in the means, and these guys want to burn Pelosi in effigy. What are these folks going to do when the government wants to do something like provide public education to everyone or supply everyone with due process and mandatory and free legal representation when accused of a crime . . . or even worse mandate high quality standards for our drinking water and food. My goodness, the evil of it all. It just makes the blood boil doesn't it?

W l Jones   November 14th, 2009 11:45 am ET

Do not get sick in Virginia They might not have Emer. health care for outsider.

Sheila the mum...   November 14th, 2009 11:45 am ET

More people are killed by lack of insurance and being denied insurance because they have preexisting conditions, shame on you for bringing America to a new all time low.

Ron   November 14th, 2009 11:45 am ET

What do you expect from neo-cons anymore? It's been proven over and over, if you don't agree 100% with their policies, you're an un-American, un-Patriotic citizen not worthy of living and breathing the same air as they are. After all, you CAN"T possibly be a good American loving citizen if you have a dissenting view. Isn't that how they interpret the constitution?

Mike Brown   November 14th, 2009 11:44 am ET

Why is this front page of CNN news?

Mamanomia   November 14th, 2009 11:44 am ET

So this somehow falls under "peaceful" protest.?...I DON'T THINK SO! This should indicate that homeland security should be on hand and the perpetrators arrested as this indicates a "thinking" that could potentially be harmful and threatening ...Get a clue America!

Mark   November 14th, 2009 11:44 am ET

Let's hope the leaders of the political freak show that is the Tea Party don't set themselves on fire in the process.....then they might need the health insurance they want to deny to so many.

neruoperson   November 14th, 2009 11:44 am ET

I vote for just actually burning Pelosi, she is apparently hated equally by the left, right, and middle.

Jim in Indiana   November 14th, 2009 11:42 am ET

They miss the old days on all those lynchings.

mo   November 14th, 2009 11:41 am ET

Maybe these tea party jerks should go back to school and retake their basic government class. This country rules by majority. Sorry all you teaparty people; your protests obviously did nothing to change any opinions. Sad to say the Democrats have a majority.

DEAL WITH IT. Burning someone in effigy only alienates more people to your cause.

Bob   November 14th, 2009 11:38 am ET

How is it that these individuals do not see how similar they are behaving to the radicals in other countries? I supose its because most of them have no sense of things beyond simple rants. Its scary how many sheeple are part of this movement. It is so similar to many movements in other countries that have led to tyranical regimes.

terry,va   November 14th, 2009 11:37 am ET

Let's do Pelosi. We haven't burned a witch at the stake in a long time.

Neutralizer   November 14th, 2009 11:37 am ET

Pelosi should be hanged and quartered!

Shocked   November 14th, 2009 11:36 am ET

"We're not going to actually set Perriello on fire or Mrs. Pelosi on fire," Coleman said.

Oh. So.....thank you???

The Republican party is getting more and more extremist. This is actually quite terrifying. Burning effigies increases hatred in the world.

"...More people are going to be killed by this health care legislation than this bonfire."
My God.

Dan, TX   November 14th, 2009 11:35 am ET

I hope they inhale the carcinogens from burning the efficgy, get cancer, and die, because they don't have health insurance and can't get quality treatment.

Aunt Bea and Opie   November 14th, 2009 11:35 am ET

Sounds like the Klan to us,smells like the Klan,it is the Klan.Lets hang them in effigy.

ib   November 14th, 2009 11:34 am ET

Go for it; this woman is a disgrace to freedom in this country. I even have a bumper sticker on my car that says "STOP PELOSI". She needs to be defeated in every way. If the B word ever fit a woman it's her.

GF   November 14th, 2009 11:34 am ET

This is not acceptable. Or constructive.

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