Man With Parkinson's Who Was Berated By Tea Partiers: 'I Embody The Controversy' (VIDEO)

[Joanne98]

The man with Parkinson's who sat down in front of a group of anti-health reform rally in Ohio this week, only to have dollar bills thrown at him by an angry protester screaming about "handouts," tells TPM in a phone interview that he was aiming to present his own body as a powerful symbol of the debate.

"I feel I embody the controversy that was being fought out," Bob Letcher, 60, tells us. "No one was engaging, everyone was screaming. I thought, I don't have to scream, I just have to be there. I walked over and sat down ... I sort of presented myself as an argument by myself."

The episode took place Tuesday outside the Columbus office of Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (D-OH), where hundreds supporters and opponents gathered for dueling health care demonstrations.

Letcher made his way over to the anti-health care crowd bearing a homemade sign asking, "Got Parkinson's?" I Do and You Might. Thanks for helping! That's community!"

http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/man-with-parkinsons-on-health-care-protest-showdown-i-embody-the-controversy-1.php?ref=fpblg

[2Design]

1. he is right n/t

[jwirr]

2. I always wanted to put a sign on my daughter's wheelchair that read,

Your tax dollars at work. Letcher is a real hero. And he does embody the message.

[bluestateguy]

3. That incident may have cinched Mary Jo Kilroy's vote for our side

Good job teabaggers, you pissed away one of your votes.

[ChicagoSuz219]

4. Money or not, this was an assault...

...this jerk should be found & sent to prison.