Congressman says some people aren't worth peeing on
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/09/15/art.stark.cnn.jpg caption="Pete Stark is involved in his own classic YouTube moment."](CNN) - Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, raised eyebrows last month when he told a constituent at a raucous health care town hall event, "Trying to have a conversation with you would be like arguing with a dining room table."
Now Rep. Pete Stark, D-California, is involved in a similar instant YouTube classic, telling a town-hall participant over the weekend that he wouldn't "waste the urine" to pee on the man's leg.
First reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and confirmed by a YouTube clip of the event, the longtime congressman made the remark after the participant launched into a long, but calm, litany about government inefficiency when it comes to nation's health care system. The man concluded his remarks with warning Stark not to "pee on my leg and tell me it's raining."
As the audience cheered, a calm Stark responded: "Well, I wouldn't dignify you by peeing on your leg. It wouldn't be worth wasting the urine."
There was a mixture of laughter and boos as Stark motioned for the next question.
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Ridiculous. Just like with the Republicans and their comments, this is unacceptable behavior from a supposed politician. I am a Dem, and I think this is just absolutely incomprehensible that he would say something so offensive.
I am not surprised by this.
Our "elected" officials have nothing but disdain and contempt for 'We The People' but they just show all kinds of love and respect to special interests.
ALL INCUMBENTS MOST BE VOTED OUT ASAP. Period.
actaully stark is right after trying to deal with all the fear mongering and lies of people it is not worth peeing on them.
Finally, the democrats are not being pushovers. Except for Pelosi, she'll always be a pushover.
This story isn't worth peeing on, other than what I'm sure will be the same forced outrage we see at town halls from conservatives. It's funny, it was recently pointed out that while the debate is heated on both sides that conservatives seem to really lose it when any idea not cenceived by a fellow Republican is even mentioned.
It's strange that grown men and women, dressing and acting like they are going to a football game, struggle to understand inability to take them seriously.
Another stupid incident that will make headlines all over. The media has really got to be desperate for news to publish junk like this. So much for the 24 hour news cycle!
Just what we need more government. How about instead of asking for input from citizens just tell us what to think. Mr. Frank should not be representing or managing people in any manner if this is his level of professionalism.
I just watched the video. It was created by a conservative tea-party guy, so there was some editing involved. That said, the town hall was relatively calm and people asked good questions. Unfortunately the video editor didn't include the Representatives responses with the exception of the Im not going to pee on you.
and he would be right.
While a poor choice of words what he is getting at is that these crazed republicans who only watch FOX have it drilled into their heads that reform is a bad thing and refuse to listen to reason. It's sad to see these people fall for the lies that Glen Beck and Rush spew.
Dem or repub...you are supposed to be representatives that are to be looked up on...are you reallly that ignorant? It's scary who's out there taxing, spending and deciding a lot of our future. That's why we need LESS federal government. These people care about power and their cronies.
An excellent response to an absurd non-question, Congressman. Next!
The man concluded his remarks with warning Stark not to "pee on my leg and tell me it's raining."
So I guess since the Congressman himself says he wouldn't bother to pee on him someone ought to tell that poor man that it really is raining. Maybe mention that Medicare and the VA are government-run health care programs as well. Which is not to say they're perfect - few things are - but I somehow doubt the gentleman is rushing off to sign up (and pay) for the alternative. I know I wouldn't if I were eligible for government-run. Better the heartless but accountable bureaucrats than the out of control greed-heads.
Good for Pete.
Does he get a rubuke from Congress??? Seems way worse what he said then "you lie".
Enough of this garbage.
There was a time when Congressmen were supposed to be leaders, and listen to voters, as opposed to indulging in arrogant dismissals of voter opinions. So, where was the comeback on how government is supposed to be efficient on healthcare? One more jerk to vote out in 2010!
Bravo! Well done sir.
at least he didn't swear i would have said my dog ! now fix fix the stuff u idiots, made ur greed has no limits all goverment workers buy ur own insurance out the loop , i want see what u have.
Good for Congressman Stark! As an old retired Army sergeant myself, Mr. Stark is a lot more polite than I would have been!
Perhaps Barney Frank should issue a public apology.
What would you expect from a Democrat, they are all cut from the same cloth, mainly BURLAP.....Unsophisticated and irritating
Sorry, but that whole exchange is pretty funny.
But what is getting up there and going on and on about how government can't do anything right going to solve? Just sit down and shut up unless you have a better idea. What's funny is that guy will probably be on medicare in the next few years, and extremely grateful for government's healthcare.
He is so ignorant! What gives him the right to say things like that?
That's it. I'm starting a new video franchise: Government Gone Wild!
"All the outbursts! The rage! The raw! The stuff we couldn't show you on TV!"
Who's on board with me? LOL.
Much ado about nothing.