Finger bitten off during California health protest

[Joseph & Ana 0]

Finger bitten off during California health protest (by Obamacare supporter)

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – California authorities say a clash between opponents and supporters of health care reform ended with one man biting off another man's finger.

Ventura County Sheriff's Capt. Frank O'Hanlon says about 100 people demonstrating in favor of health care reforms rallied Wednesday night on a street corner. One protester walked across the street to confront about 25 counter-demonstrators.

O'Hanlon says the man got into an argument and fist fight, during which he bit off the left pinky of a 65-year-old man who opposed health care reform.

A hospital spokeswoman says the man lost half the finger, but doctors reattached it and he was sent home the same night.

She says he had Medicare.

O'Hanlon says the attacker fled but authorities have a good description.

[BishopMnA 0]

...sigh...

[Ban Hammer 13,333]

if you don't want the program, we'll make you need it! chomp!

further news indicates the suspect looks like mike tyson.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

[Otto 83]

See? There's a reason mom always said it isn't nice to point..

[Chica Yeyé 41]

See? There's a reason mom always said it isn't nice to point..

[Ban Hammer 13,333]

See? There's a reason mom always said it isn't nice to point..

someone better warn eric to avoid that protest area.

[almaty 19]

i hate a snapper

[mawilson 2,133]

if you don't want the program, we'll make you need it! chomp!

[alienlovechild 75]

Finger bitten off during California health protest (by Obamacare supporter)

These Obamacare supporters are getting out of hand when they start biting the hand that feeds their proposed program.

If the suspect had been an opponent of Obamacare, you know you'd hear about how savage and violent the crowds are getting. The GOP is turning into a mob of zombie cannibals!

[Johnny & Yumi 0]

It's not just the Obamacare people getting out of hand. This is ALL getting out of hand.

The Miami Herald

MIAMI — A low-key rally for a health-care overhaul took an unexpected turn Wednesday when a passer-by punched a 65-year-old man in the face after a heated exchange.

Luis Perrero was one of about 40 supporters of a health-care overhaul waving signs outside a Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce meeting headlined by Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., when a man in a green pickup stopped and began arguing with the crowd.

The roadside exchange, which began with questions about the costs of a government-run health-care plan, quickly turned into a volley of Spanish and English curse words and insults, witnesses said.

When Perrero uttered an offensive Spanish expletive, Raul Anasagasti, who was driving the pickup, punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground. Police arrested and charged Anasagasti.

"I'm amazed at the way this has become such a politicized issue," Perrero said as he sat on the ground holding his jaw. "It shows that people who are against the public option will resort to anything — including battery on a senior citizen — to prevent health-care reform."

The health-care debate across the country has generated frequent streetside protests and contentious town-hall meetings aimed at influencing members of Congress during their August break. The public outbursts have been tense, even raucous at times, but rarely violent.

"Conflict and argument and controversy and clash is what you've been hearing about," Nelson said. "And that's just a minor part of building this elusive consensus.'

Anasagasti, the owner of an air-conditioning company in South Dade, Fla., was arrested and charged with battery on a person 65 or older. The 56-year-old contractor claimed self-defense.

"He raised his arm at me," he said. "That's when I hit him. I have to defend myself."

[alienlovechild 75]

It's not just the Obamacare people getting out of hand. This is ALL getting out of hand.

That's not what your article said.

The public outbursts have been tense, even raucous at times, but rarely violent.

Punching someone for their views is wrong but biting off a finger is far worse. I've seen fights before but not dismemberments.

[Johnny & Yumi 0]

It's not just the Obamacare people getting out of hand. This is ALL getting out of hand.

That's not what your article said.

That was my opinion. As a civil society, I believe we should not result to these kind of actions.

The public outbursts have been tense, even raucous at times, but rarely violent.

Punching someone for their views is wrong but biting off a finger is far worse. I've seen fights before but not dismemberments.

I can argue with you that losing a finger is less worse than being punched in the face. I have heard of people getting seriously injured, or even dying of just one punch to the face or head. Regardless, both of them are assault, and that is wrong.

[rebeccajo 14]

See? There's a reason mom always said it isn't nice to point..

That's what I thought at first!

[rebeccajo 14]

It's not just the Obamacare people getting out of hand. This is ALL getting out of hand.

That's not what your article said.

The public outbursts have been tense, even raucous at times, but rarely violent.

Punching someone for their views is wrong but biting off a finger is far worse. I've seen fights before but not dismemberments.

Oh let's have an argument about who is stupider?

All that kind of thing is just ridiculous. No matter who did it.