Steny Hoyer: Members are at risk

[Peikko 1,575]

If they voted in a way to represent their district they should have nothing to worry about.

Much a do about nothing.

Steni is a little whining baby

I would not disagree that there appears to be a certain amount of political posturing with these public statements. I doubt there is much real threat to life and limb.

[The_Dude 1,142]

The threats of a militant minority does not indicate any sort of movement. Paul, you're fvcking delusional if you condone nutjobs threatening physical harm to others as any sort of legitimate protest. You're flat out wrong if you think that is what Thomas Jefferson meant in that quote too.

[Peikko 1,575]

Absolutely I am.

We live in a day and age where media influence reigns supreme in our electoral process.

Canadidates are no longer even debate outside of a controlled hour or two where no debate actually happens, but one minute answers are given to questions that would rather play "gotcha" than face the real issues.

You want to see real debates go back to Nixon vs. Kennedy in 1960 on the radio or prior ones to that. Many still say to this day that Nixon destroyed Kennedy in the debates, but his face on TV as the pretty boy is what got him elected President.

Do you really think George W Bush or even Al Gore in 2000, either one was truly representative of what the people were looking for in a President?

I do not disagree, but that's a long way from suggesting there is some gerrymandering and electoral fixing going on. Everyone is exposed to the same level of propaganda. Everyone has the right to use the media in the same way, and has equal ability to do so.

However, I am not the one who would object to managing the funding of elections in a completely new way. For a start, I would completely support placing a cap on the amount that any candidate can spend on election materials.

Edited March 24, 2010 by Madame Cleo

[Obama 2012 1,714]

I do not disagree, but that's a long way from suggesting there is some gerrymandering and electoral fixing going on. Everyone is exposed to the same level of propaganda. Everyone has the right to use the media in the same way, and has equal ability to do so.

However, I am not the one who would object to managing the funding of elections in a completely new way. For a start, I would completely support placing a cap on the amount that any candidate can spend on election materials.

I would not necessarily have a problem with this.

In my honest opinion as well, PBS and the similar networks should be used for debates and they should go on for as long as they need to, not what ABC/CBS/FoxNews, etc.. want them to or what some sponsor wants.

[The_Dude 1,142]

I would not necessarily have a problem with this.

In my honest opinion as well, PBS and the similar networks should be used for debates and they should go on for as long as they need to, not what ABC/CBS/FoxNews, etc.. want them to or what some sponsor wants.

Well seeing the most recent SCOTUS decision regarding campaign finance, we are heading in the opposite direction. .

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Well seeing the most recent SCOTUS decision regarding campaign finance, we are heading in the opposite direction. .

That's what happens with bulk legislation though.

That's why if any singular part of the health care bill is found unconstitutional, the whole thing gets scrapped. That's why I think if it really gets heated there will be a legislative amendment to remove the mandate if they think there's even a hairballs chance in them losing the case.

[Kevin and 10]

Meeting at the Liberty Tree.

[My Name Is Nobody 3]

His vague comments say a lot. This has been going on thru the entire healthcare debate. And is why a big percentage of Americans are pissed.

He is basically pitting the US goverment against the citizens. Stand back and look at it. Its sad.

[Pooky 3,821]

Congress doesn't need to be more removed from by the public than they already are.

Just a few small repairs

Edited March 24, 2010 by Pooky

[The_Dude 1,142]

His vague comments say a lot. This has been going on thru the entire healthcare debate. And is why a big percentage of Americans are pissed.

He is basically pitting the US goverment against the citizens. Stand back and look at it. Its sad.

You really should read more information before posting and making yourself look foolish. Look at the latest gallup polls.

[mawilson 2,133]

Perhaps you need to differentiate between a fear of actual physical violence which is not acceptable and a fear of the people withdrawing their electoral support which is perfectly reasonable?

Fear of violence is perfectly acceptable. Violence itself is not.

I'm with Paul & V on this.

Well, next time I see Senator McCain on TV, he better be looking like he's about to ####### in his pants.

Hmmm...maybe that's not the best example...

he's probably wearing depends, so no big deal.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I'm curious as to why Steny is demanding that Republicans condemn the threats. Does he assume that only Republicans are leveling threats? If so, he is waaay out of touch. It's not only Republicans that are pissed off at Congress.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

This is just great that the GOP can't even denounce domestic terrorism. Terrorism is what it is and it ain't dirty brown Muslims inflicting it. It's the God fearing, Christian terrorists. That's why the GOP stands with them. We should start referring to them as the Grand Terrorist Party.

[scandal 951]

I highly condone this activity.

Did you read John Boehner's views in the OP posting?

But Minority Leader John Boehner already has condemned threats of violence — and sought to explain why people are so angry.

“I know many Americans are angry over this health care bill, and that Washington Democrats just aren’t listening,” Boehner said. “But, as I’ve said, violence and threats are unacceptable. That’s not the American way. We need to take that anger and channel it into positive change. Call your congressman, go out and register people to vote, go volunteer on a political campaign, make your voice heard — but let's do it the right way."

That is an appropriate and responsible response to calls of violence. Yours is not.

Threats of violence against government officials are not a laughing matter. Our representatives do have reasons to fear deranged members of the public such as you. We've had 4 Presidents assassinated: Lincoln, McKinley, Garfield, Kennedy by zealots who believed their cause warranted violence. We've had RFK assassinated, Harvey Milk and George Moscone assassinated, and Ronald Reagan nearly assassinated.

Whatever your political differences of opinion are, NOBODY gives you or anyone the right to threaten the life and safety of anyone else, not least an elected representative.

Shame on you.

[scandal 951]

This is just great that the GOP can't even denounce domestic terrorism.

Does no one read any longer? Seriously?

The OP included a quote from John Boehner condemning calls to violence,and further text indicating that both Republicans and Democrats have had threats made against them. Responsible Republicans do denounce these threats, as they should.

This is not a trivial matter to score political points on. Any and every sane American should understand the difference between fierce debate and threats of violence.