Brownshirt Tactics

The Republicans seem to think that they can effectively oppose health care reform by harassing, intimidating, and shouting down Congressmen trying to talk to groups of their constituents.

This morning, Politico reported that Democratic members of Congress are increasingly being harassed by “angry, sign-carrying mobs and disruptive behavior” at local town halls. For example, in one incident, right-wing protesters surrounded Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) and forced police officers to have to escort him to his car for safety.

This growing phenomenon is often marked by violence and absurdity. Recently, right-wing demonstrators hung Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-MD) in effigy outside of his office. Missing from the reporting of these stories is the fact that much of these protests are coordinated by public relations firms and lobbyists who have a stake in opposing President Obama’s reforms.

These tactics are straight out of the facist playbook. By deliberately obstructing citzens and government officials carrying out their lawful business they are breaching the piece as well as attempting to deprive citizens of their constitutional rights to assemble and petition their government.

I doubt that Americans will want to put up with this. I hope the press will publicize these criminals and their offenses.

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