California congressman calls activist 'wacko'
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/06/30/art.stark.youtube.jpg caption="California Democrat Pete Stark had a spirited discussion at a recent town hall. "]
(CNN) - Rep. Pete Stark must like going viral, at least amongst his conservative detractors.
"Who are you going to kill today?" is how he solicited a question from a self-proclaimed Minuteman - the volunteer organization, which tries to prevent illegal crossings of the U.S. border - at a recent town hall meeting in Fremont, California. It went from there.
The questioner continued, seen on a video posted by The Golden Gate Minuteman on Youtube, questioning the California Democrat over what the government will do to "to seal our borders so that we're a solvent country again."
Stark's answer: "We can't get enough Minuteman armed. We'd like to get all the Minuteman armed so they could stop shooting the people here," Stark said.
The questioner defended himself: "That's not our job – we're just citizens looking for the United States government to constitutionally protect us."
"We'll try to get you some more arms and get you down there to shoot people," Stark responded.
The back and forth continued. Other attendees joined in asking the congressman to provide his "smart answer".
"Our borders are quite secure, thank you," the congressman stated. The questioner continued, stating many undocumented immigrants cross the border every year and that it would then not be secure. Stark asked the questioner what he would do to secure the border.
"I would send about 25,000 troops down there for one thing. I would build a wall," he said.
The congressman asked how high a wall and how long and then said "we'll go start a ladder company" and "I'll sell a whole lot of ladders."
"This is a very serious matter," the questioner continued, "and you're making fun of it."
"I don't have to make fun of you, sir, you do a fine job all by yourself," Stark retorted later referring to the questioner as a "wacko."
Stark's office had no comment on his statements.
This is not the first time Stark has spoken his mind during a town hall. In September of last year he told a man he wouldn't "waste the urine" to pee on his leg.
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If he wants to see a wacko all he has to do is look in a mirror.
The Congressman thinks are borders are already secure? What does he consider 12 million illegals already here and more coming in daily? What does he consider the increase in drug smuggling, kidnappings and killings along the border states? With the likes of this guy, Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein coming out of California, it explains how the jokers still there have let the state get in the condition they find themselves, broke (and they were going broke before the economic crisis).
well .. this confirms it .. I have long suspected that California is full of idiots ... how else could a guy like this get elected to congress?
They took over the auto industry, then healthcare, now financial services, energy is next, and then You.
Wake up people! Obama and the Democrats are "changing" our country into a socialist nightmare. In November, vote American, vote Republican.
It's about time Dems start letting these idiots that think immigration reform is as simple as building a wall or fence show how stupid they are. I applaud Rep. Stark! Hopefully immigration reform is the next hurdle Obama tackles.
Build a wall! Lmao! Like Russia did for Germany?
Mr. Minute men... tear down this wall!
what an arrogant little man.
Mr. Stark better polish up his resume! This is also a time when a Democrat incumbent, with a lack of judgement and substantive answers should be in jeopardy of not being re-elected. Is he SERIOUS!
The Democrats had better be looking at an exchange of personnel in California.
"F" Stark. He's not my bag but if my rep ever told the people here that, his rear end would be toast.
I hope California elects someone who can answer questions without name calling.
It doesn't matter which party a rep is from, they have the obligation to hear from every citizen and answer in truth.
What a scumbag of a congressman. Sell ladders? Is he saying he likes illegal immigration? Seems to me representatives from California have a serious deficit between reality and their perception of it.
Watch the whole video. This guy is everything that is wrong with our government. What an elitest piece of garbage.
What a remarkable example of how 'representatives' should interact with their voters. The people of California need to wake up and elect Honorable individuals to represent them.
The congressman has my vote. Abraham Maslow was right when he said; "Give a man a hammer and everything becomes a nail". These right wing wackos just don't get it. My check is the mail Rep. Starks.
Disgusting. All i can say is disgusting.
Sounds like Pete is going to be joining Bennett and Specter on the sidelines shortly.
Notice The Tea Party isn't getting much press lately? The MSM knows they gave a bit too much publicity to them and have backed off.
Goodbye Pete.
Heck they are worst than wackos all they want to do is promote hate, and violence. wacko wacko wacko...It is about time a Democrat stood and and fired back. There have been too many darn republicans calling names and inciting to riot. We should call em as we see em. WACKO AND NUTSO.
Good for Stark. Those minutemen people ARE wackos.
And people wonder why the Republicans will stomp the dems in nov. Stark just taking his cue from Obummer, disrespect and avoid any1 with legitamite questions that u cant or wont answer honestly. obviously the dems are kidding when they act offended by a Republican doing anythng similar. glad thats clear.
The guy is a wacko. It's easy to suggest a solution, but without thinking about how to pay for it or the logistics involved, it accomplishes nothing by only having a wish list. Maybe he should just wish that all peoples south of the border be born with American citizenship. Then he can use his gun for something productive, like shooting tin cans.
Haha, that's great, he has a great sense of humor. Those idiots who want to build a wall just want to waste money – it doesn't matter if the wall is a ile high and lined with machine guns, people will find a way over, around or under it if they have enough motivation, and the illegals crossing the border obviously do.
This man is obviously sick.
No wonder people are pissed off at politicians. You cannot even express your views anymore.
Unbelievable. How could this idiot could be elected?
Stark is another incumbent set to bite the big one!