The Stupid, It Burns (Literally)

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2009_11/020971.php

THE STUPID, IT BURNS (LITERALLY).... Over the summer, right-wing activists hung Democratic Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-Md.) in effigy outside his district office. It was a key signal of what's to come -- the far-right Tea Party crowd's tactics go a little further than the usual political protests we're accustomed to in contemporary American politics.

How much further? A report from southern Virginia highlights this weekend's planned activities in Danville. (via Blue Virginia)

In a move sure to spark controversy, the Danville TEA Party will close their "Fired Up for Freedom" rally by burning Rep. Tom Perriello and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in effigy in response to the passage of landmark healthcare legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The event is being held Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in Blairs, VA at the corner of U.S. 29 and E. Witt Rd. and is open to the public.

Danville TEA Party Chairman Nigel Coleman said, "We were outraged to find that Tom Perriello had voted in favor of this bill. I was with dozens of 5th District voters in his office two days before the vote and we pleaded with him to stand with us against the Pelosi plan.... At this point we feel we have no representation in Congress."

For the record, Periello has met with Teabaggers, and tried to explain his policy approaches to them. They didn't seem interested in good-faith dialog.

And now, these same conservatives are literally planning to set fire to representations of their congressman and the House Speaker.

There's something deeply wrong with these folks.

Update: Josh Marshall adds, "I'm so old I can remember when ritualized symbolic execution of public officials wasn't cool."

-Steve Benen

[SpiralHawk]

1. Republicons prove once again that they are all about fear, hate, and stupid

...did I forget to mention chickenhawkery?

[virgogal]

2. Bush was burned in effigy several times. Was there any complaining

then?

[babylonsister]

3. Was he trying to help people with their health care or was he getting

Americans killed in an illegal war?

I often wonder why you're here since you consistently stick up for the rethugs. :think:

[mitchum]

5. I think your answer is in your query...

"I often wonder why you're here since you consistently stick up for the rethugs"

[virgogal]

6. Huh? It was a question----who did I stick up for?

[mitchum]

7. You have a pattern of asking such clumsily disingenuous questions

and you fucking well know it

[virgogal]

8. It's nice to be noticed.

[mitchum]

4. Only that is was a mere effigy

God, I hate half-ass measures and symbolism...