Have politics sunk to an all time low?
As Obama’s tenure as president moves forward, the world of politics seems to become more controversial. On March 20, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga), Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind) along with other black staffers were walking out of the U.S. Capitol’s Cannon building when a group of anti-health care protestors, most notably the Tea Party, called them the n-word and other racial slurs. One protestor was arrested after he spit on Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo).
Cleaver’s office released a statement after the incident according to Bet.com, “The Congressman would like to thank the U.S. Capitol Police officer who quickly escorted the other members and him into the Capitol and defused the tense situation with professionalism and care.”
“After all the members were safe, a full report was taken and the matter was handled by the U.S. Capitol Police. The man who spat on the congressman was arrested, but the congressman has chosen not to press charges. He has left the matter with the Capitol Police.”
Another one of the Democratic representatives, Barney Frank (D-Mass) was insulted because of his sexual orientation.
It is obvious that these protestors are mad at the health care reform that President Obama and his cabinet are passing; however, no one has the right to stoop so low. Freedom of speech is protected by the Constitution, but clearly it should not be this free.
“It is horrible that even today, in 2010, that racism is this blatant. I can’t believe that these men had to go through this in this age. Why would any protestors, whether black or white, spit on someone because they are mad. I just don’t get it. It’s sad that this happened to them that could be any student at FAMU’s father or uncle or something. Think about it people, this is not the fifties or sixties anymore,” said Darryl Gordon, 18, a freshman political science student from Sanford, Fla.
Surprisingly, these are not isolated incidents. On March 21, an unnamed House Republican shouted “baby killer” at Rep. Bart Stupak (D- Mich) on the House floor during the a short debate of the Republican motion against the reconciliation bill.
In early September 2009, when Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) shouted, “You lie!” to President Obama while he was giving a speech on his health care reform bill. Many people thought those kinds of outbursts very rude and inexcusable for a congressman. His actions were comparable to those of a mad kid who is angry with his fourth grade teacher because he is not allowed to play at recess. The health care bill just passed; however, 2010 looks to be a long, long year indeed.