Black Representative Says He Was Spit On By Anti-HCR Protestor Today

[Top Cat]

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) just released a statement detailing an incident today in he says an anti-reform protestor spat on him as Cleaver entered the Capitol. The man who allegedly spat on the three-term incumbent Democrat was later arrested Capitol by police, Cleaver's office said.

From the statement from Cleaver's office:

This afternoon, the Congressman was walking into the Capitol to vote, when one protester spat on him. The Congressman would like to thank the US Capitol Police officer who quickly escorted the others 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 US 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.
This is not the first time the Congressman has been called the "n" word and certainly not the worst assault he has endured in his years fighting for equal rights for all Americans. That being said, he is disappointed that in the 21st century our national discourse has devolved to the point of name calling and spitting. He looks forward to taking a historic vote on health care reform legislation tomorrow, for the residents of the Fifth District of Missouri and for all Americans. He believes deeply that tomorrow's vote is, in fact, a vote for equality and to secure health care as a right for all. Our nation has a history of struggling each time we expand rights. Today's protests are no different, but the Congressman believes this is worth fighting for.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/live/countdown-to-reform-wire/

edit- This is a sad day to see this happen to anyone... The wacko's have proven once again just how vile they are. They are not protesting against HCR but protesting against our president . Again they have shown their racial hand.

[gateley]

1. It's scary. Those types of actions incite violence. I think if I'd have been there,

I might have flown at the asshole and started beating on him. And I'm a pacifist. And a girl.

[Top Cat]

3. Same here... The congressman showed a lot of displine today.

[proud2BlibKansan]

11. He's a minister and a very dignified man

This is just repulsive. I am a huge Cleaver fan. He was mayor in KC before he was elected to Congress. We just love him here.

[Ikonoklast]

2. He is a better man than I.

Anyone that would spit on me would be eating with a straw and shitting teeth for a week.

[styersc]

4. TP Party has a lot of class.

[DeSwiss]

5. K&R

- The Teabagger's true nature erupts like a pus-infestested and oozing wound, as our inevitable drive toward sanity comes closer to fruition.

[firedupdem]

6. I feel myself getting very angry.....this shit is out of hand. n/t

[Top Cat]

7. I feel the same

[Peacetrain]

12. Yes it is.. and we need to call it out..

[Rosa Luxemburg]

8. Did CNN cover it?

[rurallib]

9. And John Lewis was called an N-----;

I wondered when I heard that what thoughts must have gone through his mind. This man who stood up to the likes of these people once before now has to face it all over again.

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. That's just vile. Cleaver is an absolutely wonderful man.

I will call his office on Monday and encourage him to press charges.

[Cha]

13. I'm sorry Congressman

Clever hsd to experience this ugliness ..it only highlights how classy he and his fellow Dem members are and how viciously insane the teabaggers are and anyone who wants to hang with them.

[Oregone]

14. Spit back next time

[EffieBlack]

15. No - these men represent the legacy of Dr. King

They have endured much more in their lives than being spat upon or called names. And their dignity, grace and class only further highlight the rightness of their positions and the utter degradation of those who attack them.

Besides - like their forefathers the segregationists, these tea partiers are a bunch of pathetic nothings who will likely never achieve anything of note in their lives. And Rep. Lewis and Rep. Cleaver are among the most powerful 1,000 people in the world. 'Nuff said.

No need for them to spit back. Their very existence is a direct slap in the face to those people.

[Oregone]

17. Well....

I would of spit back. Then fucked them up bad. But Im unelectable


"are among the most powerful 1,000 people in the world."

A lot of the rich owner class would beg to differ

[KingFlorez]

16. He's not pressing charges

He's very generous.

[angee_is_mad]

18. he's a bigger man

but if it had been me, someone would be in jail. The only question would be, "who?"

[Blue_Tires]

19. Funny how the "We should reach OUT and embrace the TPers" crowd has been silent

for a few weeks now...They used to be in almost every thread...