Dem Rep Calls On GOP To Condemn Slurs Hurled At Frank, Lewis (VIDEO) - TPM

[WillyT]

Dem Rep Calls On GOP To Condemn Slurs Hurled At Frank, Lewis (VIDEO)
Evan McMorris-Santoro | March 20, 2010, 10:33PM

<snip>

Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) took to the House floor tonight to call on Republicans to "distance" themselves from the ugly epithets allegedly yelled at minority members of Congress by anti-health care reform protesters gathered on Capitol Hill today.



Ryan called on Republican pols who addressed today's anti-reform rally to "come out and condemn" the protesters for their alleged slurs against black members and Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), who is openly gay.

"This behavior is irresponsible it does not belong in a civilized society," Ryan said of the protests. Video after the jump.

Ryan seemed visibly upset by the allegations, but he didn't refrain from using a questionable phrase himself to describe the protesters.

"I wanted to come to the floor today after hearing about experiencing and reading some of the reports about what happened here today in the nation's capitol to some of the finest servants that this institution has ever seen by some of these tea bagger protesters who have been out today," he said.

Ryan said that that it was now up to the Republicans to condemn what was said.

"We call on the Republicans to say 'shame on you' to that kind of behavior," he said.

Check out the video, posted to YouTube by Ryan's office tonight:

<snip>

Link (w/Video): http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/dem-rep-calls-on-gop-to-condemn-slurs-hurled-at-frank-lewis.php#more

"... a questionable phrase himself to describe the protesters." -> "tea bagger protesters"

:rofl:

:evilgrin:

:shrug:

[Lilyeye]

1. A poster here earlier just said they hoped a Dem would call them out on the floor

to denounce these teabaggers. It happened much faster than I thought it would. Much thanks to Rep. Tim Ryan.

[Swamp Rat]

2. Why would the Teabagging Klan do that? That is how they really feel.

They are expressing their hatred openly for the first time since they took off their white sheets and military fatigues.

[WillyT]

5. Another Masterpiece, Swampy !!!

Bravo !!!

:applause::applause:

:hi:

[gratuitous]

3. Good on you, Rep. Ryan

But I don't suggest you hold your breath waiting for the GOP to denounce their loyal base. Democrats are happy to do that, but the Republicans actually court these motherfuckers.

[blondeatlast]

4. Call 'em out. If they don't respond, they are either cowardly or complicit.

Or, (of course) both.