comment #1

COCO says ...

''The right to protest is a basic human right''.....all the
anger is thought provoking.

comment #2

loyal says ...

I find it amazing that some people still think this has nothing to do with race. It has EVERYTHING to do with race. You have tens of thousands, millions even, of othewise closested racist middle-class white Americans screaming about issues they didn't give a fuck about before.

Health Care, Taxes, Speeches In Schools, they are nothing new. Obama didn't suddenly create them since his January inauguration They existed during GW's 8 years and before that.

But no, GW was a good old boy, reformed sinner, unable to string a complete sentence together, kicking the ass of the evil-doers an ocean away, even though the evil-doers in question had nothing to do with anything (it was the Saudis Stupid!).

It's sheer luck that one of these protesting zealots have yet to take a shot at Obama.

comment #3

dogcatcher says ...

There were less than fifty thousand people at that protest, on what was expected to attract over a million.

This protest was an epic fail.

But for some reason liberals need to keep talking about these idiots like they represent some major movement in the US.

These people are people who voted against Obama and the Democrats and will do so again in the next election and every election after that. They are protesting the fact that they have a black Democratic President, nothing more. So why then do we keep talking about them?

comment #4

SpinDozer says ...

Sorry, but even though some of these folks may be racist, this isn't a racist movement. Teabaggers are the culmination of years of dumbing down wrought by Grover Norquist and those who would like to turn America into a vassal state. They are suckers. China, Russia, and Cuba did not disappear suckers, they enlisted them.

comment #5

austin111 says ...

The most frightening aspect of any of this is that America, through the NRA, the Supreme Court, and many a dopey politician, has allowed these nutbags to arm themselves to the teeth due to a catastrophic reading of the bill of rights. As much as I hate to admit it, they are a threat to the country and themselves at this point. If they rachet up their protests to the next level --- violent and bloody --- we and they are in for it. Still, it's not like American hasn't seen these folks before. They were around when FDR was president, too. Periods of great economic disparity and the need for great change tend to bring them out. Ironically, they often tend to be the same folks who would benefit from change the most. Oh, and illegal aliens are the new jews, blacks, "other" that are destroying the country and taking all our money. At least in their minds -- convenient scapegoating by the minority party and the Joe Wilsons. Anyone who doesn't see this as at least partly a form of racism, esp as regards Obama, is living on a different planet or in a different country. It is what fuels their insanely passionate protesting.

comment #6

Ray says ...

Of course it has to do with race. Where were these so-called freedom fighters a few years ago when W. was installing the Patriot Act and listening in on phone calls to grandma?

On the other hand, I think it's exhilarating that these people are demonstrating. Hopefully it will ensure that the lawmakers attempt to do the right thing as they fix health care. Unchecked lawmakers have a way of making things worse rather than better.

comment #7

K. Bowen says ...

Less than 50,000? Hell, not even NBC, not exactly a bastion of conservative support, bought that ridiculous lowball figure. They reported their own estimates in the hundreds of thousands. Oroganizers COUNTED 450,000.

comment #8

Noiresque says ...

Notice the way Cartoon Obama was drawn with a bubble butt in the right hand picture.

comment #9

lonniechung says ...

These people are terrorists, end of story. A fringe group of extremists who cannot be reasoned with acting on an irrational paranoia. How many of these people know anything about socialism, Marxism or communism? They've been race-baited and whipped into a frenzy by self-interested, bought and sold hucksters preying on the lowest-common denominator.

comment #10

Deathtongue_Groupie says ...

In some respects, these clueless pawns of organizations that could really care less about them are a godsend for Obama and the Democrats.

As they become more strident, more open in their seething, sputtering hatred, they will help keep the moderate middle in support of Obama instead of with these yahoos.

comment #11

George Prager says ...

So basically we're looking at the right wing version of a "Free Mumia" rally. Well done wingnuts.

comment #12

ZacharyTF says ...

Here's a photo gallery on Flickr of various signs people had at the rally. I could only make it through page 3 before quitting due to the moronic stupidity these people have.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42406957@N04/

comment #13

George Prager says ...

The DC Fire Department has issued an unofficial estimate of 60,000 to 70,000 people in attendance.

comment #14

MovieBob says ...

Thing is, when they say it has "nothing to do with race," they're telling the truth: They don't even recognize it in themselves.

You're looking at some of the least introspective people in the world, basically. They have no real working understanding of the things they claim to be for or against (neither did the little Code Pink brats during the Bush years, btw) they just know that something about Obama UNIQUELY terrifies them even though they can't quite understand what it is. It's the same people who, in they're heart-of-hearts, have NEVER said a racist thing and have "plenty of black friends" but still find themselves tensing up when they have to go "downtown."

Hell, it's not even JUST his race. Obama isn't even what they'd consider the "blackest" guy most of them have ever encountered (you know EXACTLY what I mean, i.e. Will Smith would play him in "the movie" as opposed to, say, Paul Mooney) it's his overall "otherness." It's his black skin, his "brown" name, the lack of shame he has in being a world-traveler who has a working grasp of non-Western cultures, etc. In fact, it's a kind of tragic irony: The very superficial things about him that made the college-age white liberals who originally drove his campaign (i.e. the ones who boosted him past Hillary early on) swoon are the same things now making those kids' dumbass redneck parents jittery. Sad state of affairs all around.

Meanwhile, I remain flabbergasted as I watch a SECOND Democrat president in my lifetime screw-up a sure thing by wasting time on universal healthcare.

comment #15

David says ...

You know what's great about being a libertarian? I get eight years of being called "un-American" for disagreeing with the Bush administration and then another four to eight years of being called a "racist" for disagreeing with the Obama administration, over views I've held consistently the entire time.

Hey, thanks, authoritarians. You all don't have the slightest interest in behaving like adults. I can't think of a more racist act than dropping bombs on Iraq and murdering families, and that was a joint Republican/Democrat murder spree. They are essentially the same party who masquerade as libertarians when the other side is in power.

Do you truly think these protests would not be happening if Hilary Clinton were in office? No, you'd just be shouting "sexist" instead of "racist," not nearly as effective but just as cowardly.

Picking out the fringe element at the protest and posting it up as if it's the norm would be sort of like claiming that the entire Obama administration is filled with 9/11 Truthers like the recently fired Van Jones.

If you want to read about the real issues, feel free to head over to Reason's Hit & Run blog, or the Cato Institute's blog, where they've detailed how our health care system needs to be fixed. Or just continue to be true believers.

comment #16

dangovich says ...

60,000 people, maybe one full set of teeth.

comment #17

Travis Crabtree says ...

Incredible. I can't believe that a large, organized, protest / rally / demonstration would attract strange, nutty, fringe-dwelling people who dress oddly and carry poorly-made signs.

comment #18

George Prager says ...

Fox News thinks it's the norm. They promoted it, after all.
Anyway, I find it interesting that David is taking this personally. After all, he is above the fray, isn't he? By calling himself a "libertarian" he doesn't have to take responsibility for anything, ever. So why is he so mad?

comment #19

mutinyco says ...

How can somebody be a Marxist Muslim?... How can he be a Nazi and a Commie?...

Do these people even understand the completely opposing dots on the spectrum they're trying to connect?

You can't be a Nazi (right-wing) and a Commie (left-wing). You can't be a Muslim (monotheistic religion) and a Commie (atheist).

Let me know when you find the true Boogeyman, guys...

comment #20

David says ...

George Prager: Please, elaborate. Why don't I have to take responsibility for "anything, ever?"

comment #21

George Prager says ...

Your candidates will never be elected. Your party will never be in power. Makes it a little easier to pontificate, doesn't it?

comment #22

David says ...

George, I didn't say I was a member of the Libertarian Party. So who are my "candidates?" My candidates can be independent, they can be members of the big two parties.

Also, I think what many people don't understand is that these rallies are in part the effect of Bush's administration. He didn't exactly go out on top in terms of his approval rating among Republicans, and his eight years of anti-libertarian nonsense may just be the catalyst for a libertarian revolution. We'll see.

And saying "my party will never be in power," by which I assume you mean the Libertarian Party, is as ignorant as saying "a black person will never be elected president."

comment #23

SpinDozer says ...

You see Prager, David isn't even a member of the Libertarian Party, he's just a Libertarian.

comment #24

Rothchild says ...

Really? I'm the first person who's going to call out K. Bowen? She might as well have typed "I'm a racist lunatic."

comment #25

David says ...

SpinDozer: Small "l" libertarian. It's about principles, not party affiliation.

comment #26

SpinDozer says ...

You are a fount of information, David, Thanx

comment #27

boldnative says ...

It's a distraction that the administration loves. While they continue to negotiate with the health care corporations and bail out mega-banks, they can keep the liberals believing in them by tossing out some right-wing crazies to rail against. The progressive movement has already said goodbye to Obama. We're moving on to find some real leaders, not another corporate shill.

comment #28

George Prager says ...

The air here has suddenly become very thin....gggaaaaacccccccccccccccckkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!

comment #29

poseidon72 says ...

I honestly don't have any idea how the Hannity's and Becks and the rest of Fox news can sleep at night supporting these people who are basically the Klan without there sheets. Deep down they have to know what they are doing borders on pure evil. Is the paycheck really worth it?

comment #30

Mowkeka says ...

"They also allow you to at least comprehend (i.e., obviously without sympathizing) why the Russian, Chinese and Cuban Communists made a point of imprisoning and wiping out the teabaggers in their cultures after they took over in 1917, 1949 and 1959. "

Unbelievable. Simply an unbelievable statement.

You're siding with the communists and showing your repulsion for the first amendment in the same sentence YOU MOTHER FUCKER!

comment #31

George Prager says ...

This is getting good.

comment #32

lonniechung says ...

David, I think the point is the protesters have a distinctly racist flavor. You can disagree with the government; I disagree with the way the Obama administration has handled several issues and I voted for him. But you have to admit, when it comes to Muslim/socialist/Marxist, the tone is a little different, and the subtext is not so political. The Democrats and Republicans tend to suck at their jobs in general; these protests do not reflect that. The protesters are seething with a much deeper hate as opposed to constructive ideas.

comment #33

Markus R. Ponto says ...

Ok guys,

this is a transatlantic big effin joke, right?
This seriously can't be happening in the US of A, or what?

Every time I meet people from the states here in europe, these people are well spoken, intelligent, reasonable. They have class.
So this must be some kind of a practical joke on the whole world.

Okay, we got old-type-commies & nazis and other lunatics here in germany too, but at least they don't come out in public in these masses.

I refuse to believe it. This has to be an act.

comment #34

mutinyco says ...

It's unfortunate these loons are against national healthcare. It would ensure they could afford their medication.

comment #35

televisiontears says ...

I'm usually one to have an open mind and give people who disagree with me the benefit of the doubt. But these idiots are dangerous. I urge everyone to take a good look at Zachary's flickr link. The next logical step for these people is violence. Assassination attempts, riots, etc. And for what? Half of these people aren't the slightest bit informed about anything. There confused as to what they're actually protesting. They truly believe there will be federally mandated euthanasia and abortions under the plan. It's a vicious anger raging without any real focus, and that is dangerous.

To the reasonable conservatives out there, you need to step up and denounce this nonsense right now. They're taking over your party, and if you stand by and make excuses while members of your party spiral out of control and into inevitable violence, you are just as guilty. Make your voices heard. Some of you have legitimate concerns about the direction of the country, as do many of us libs. You need to take control of the dialogue and not let your insane, ignorant, angry, violent party ruin this nation.

comment #36

televisiontears says ...

"Half of these people aren't the slightest bit informed about anything."

I definitely underestimated that figure.

comment #37

DeeZee says ...

loyal: Well, as Jeff pointed out, white Presidents who were even remotely progressive got attacked over the years, so race is probably only half the issue. These fuckers seriously believe they're entitled to screwing the poor

George: "So basically we're looking at the right wing version of a "Free Mumia" rally."

More like the right-wing version of the SLA.

David: "Do you truly think these protests would not be happening if Hilary Clinton were in office?"

Considering how they tried to take down her husband, probably.

"Picking out the fringe element at the protest and posting it up as if it's the norm "

It's at least 30% of the country, anyway.

Mowkeka: "Unbelievable. Simply an unbelievable statement."

So where were you when Coulter advocated blowing up the NY Times building?

comment #38

DeeZee says ...

Speaking of the protests, stolen from Crooks and Liars. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adiLJxayfg8&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcrooksandliars.com%2F&feature=player_embedded

comment #39

televisiontears says ...

As long as we're talking about rational people shooting down the idiots who happen to agree with them, I would like to officially denounce DZ.

Please stop, sir.

comment #40

Griff says ...

A very large group of citizens show up in Washington to demonstrate opposition to Administration Policy.

Againist the War in Iraq? It's the people's will, and it should be heeded by the e-vile Rethuglicans.

The (alleged) Million Man March? Speaking Truth to Power!

The 9/12 rally: nutjobs, wackos, racists.

The difference, of course, is the first two examples are "correct" responses. The last example is "incorrect," thus wrong/evil/racist, etc.

comment #41

Mowkeka says ...

Griff,

YOU'RE A RACIST!!!!

comment #42

Jonah says ...

Griff, you can't be that stupid.

Do you really think the people that protested the war got any kind of a free pass? You don't think they were labeled AntiAmerican and told to move to another country?

What's the difference between that and calling SOME of these people racists and wackos?

There is no difference except a lot of these people aren't even trying to hide the racism. They seem proud of it.

comment #43

Griff says ...

Jonah: you can't be that stupid.

My point is that when the "correct" sentiments are being expressed, then all praise the expressors, especially in the current power group.

Where the anti-war folks reviled by a lot of folks on the right? You bet.

This issue is about principles. It's the lack of principle that is going to wreck our country. The Congress is in a huge hurry to censure Joe Wilson, but what about Charles Rangel, the forgetful millionaire? He gets a pass on unethical and likely illegal activities.

Check out what happened to Cindy Sheehan. It's very instructive. While she was useful as a tool to bludgeon Bush, she was a darling of the left. Now that she's continuing to protest the war, she's marginalized and ignored, because now she's protesting against our "guy."