McClatchey Article: Tea party protesters scream "nigger" at black congressman

[EffieBlack]

It was only a matter of time . . .

By Williams Douglas

Demonstrators outside the U.S. Capitol, angry over the proposed health care bill, shouted "nigger" Saturday at U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia congressman and civil rights icon who was nearly beaten to death during an Alabama march in the 1960s.

Protesters also shouted obscenities at other members of the Congressional Black Caucus, spat on at least one black lawmaker and confronted an openly gay congressman with taunts. Capitol Police escorted the members of Congress into the Capitol after the confrontation. At least one demonstrator was reported arrested.

"They were shouting, sort of harassing," Lewis said. "But, it's okay, I've faced this before. It reminded me of the 60s. It was a lot of downright hate and anger and people being downright mean."

Lewis said he was leaving the Cannon office building to walk to the Capitol to vote when protesters shouted "Kill the bill, kill the bill," Lewis said.

"I said 'I'm for the bill, I support the bill, I'm voting for the bill'," Lewis said.

A colleague who was accompanying Lewis said people in the crowd responded by saying "Kill the bill, then the n-word."

"It surprised me that people are so mean and we can't engage in a civil dialogue and debate," Lewis said.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., said he was a few yards behind Lewis and distinctly heard "nigger."

"It was a chorus," Cleaver said. "In a way, I feel sorry for those people who are doing this nasty stuff - they're being whipped up. I decided I wouldn't be angry with any of them."

Cleaver's office said later in a statement that he'd also been spat upon and that Capitol Police had arrested his assailant. The statement praised the police, who Cleaver said escorted the members of Congress into the Capitol past the demonstrators.

"The man who spat on the congressman was arrested, but the congressman has chosen not to press charges," the statement said.

"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," the statement said. "That being said, he is disappointed that in the 21st century our national discourse has devolved to the point of name calling and spitting."

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/03/20/90772/rep-john-lewis-charges-protesters.html#ixzz0iln9VGUd

[Deep13]

1. That's not possible. Teabaggers have SAID they're not racist!

:sarcasm:

[d_b]

2. Sick assholes

cowards all.

[glitch]

3. They've finally gone from zero credibility to far extreme negative credibility.

What a proud moment for the new American century.

[ej510]

4. I wish it would've been me.

I wish a Mutha Fucka would! I wish a Mutha Fucka would spit on me!

[Sky Masterson]

5. Cleaver is my Rep.

This is f'n bullshit!
F'n racist ass-hats.. :mad:

[dkf]

6. I wonder if this is what they shout at our President in their living rooms

Sad. Just sad

[ej510]

7. Yes!

[beac]

8. They do and it is.

Horribly, horribly sad and pathetic.