Representative Todd Akin (R-MO) jokes about lynching of people at town halls

[tj2001]

http://www.examiner.com/x-5738-St-Louis-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m8d6-Video--Representative-Todd-Akin-RMO-jokes-about-lynching-of-Democrats-at-town-halls

I get that Representative Akin (R-MO) is joking in the video clip below but still is it appropriate to make such jokes as the health care debate gets heated? Some may say it is no big deal and the joke got some laughter so what is the big deal?

Well, I would argue it is a "big deal" when Representatives like Frank Kratovil (D-MD) have an effigy hung outside of their office. It is a mistake to joke about lynchings when one Representative has already been physically assaulted and another had to be escorted out of his town hall meeting by police. Finally, it is a mistake to joke about lynchings in a state with an ugly history of lynchings being used as a means of intimidation.

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[hedgehog]

1. The audience laughter is very disturbing.

[gratuitous]

2. Ho, ho, ho

Cancha take a joke? Like that caller to Rep. Brad Miller's office who said that Miller "could lose his life" over health care reform. Geez, you libruls are soooo touchy! It's not like crazed right wingers make a habit of randomly shooting up places, or intentionally target individuals for assassination, or blow up government buildings. Well, not so far today, at least. Whaddya so worried about?

[cliffordu]

3. I wonder how long it'll take before someone reciprocates in person

Fuck that scummy little weasel, I hope his balls rot off.

[tabbycat31]

4. he needs to be charged

at this rate, I think it's a matter of time before members of Congress need the Secret Service.

[lyonn]

5. The Jerks just can't get over the "black" thing.....

All the hate we are hearing has clearly racial connotations. When bush was in office we were extremely careful to not mention Any physical hate action towards him. Now,,, apparently Obama and all Dems are fair game. Blows my mind. Will the South ever heal?

Here in Okla. I feel extremely intimidated when even mentioning Obama. The hostility is mind boggling. Now I am extremely hostile! I feel I have lost my right to free speech.