The health care debate has degenerated into a real mess. The right-wing has been disrupting town hall meetings, and both sides have resorted to name-calling. But that's OK. Democracy is a messy business free speech means everyone gets to speak -- no matter how smart or stupid their ideas may seem.
But on Wednesday, some people on both sides went too far. In an effort to show support for real health care reform, MoveOn.org organized rallies across the country. The rally in Thousand Oaks (California) got a bit out-of-hand.
MoveOn.org supporters showed up, and so did some counter demonstraters. They began shouting at each other, and then a couple of men took it a step further. They got in each other's faces yelling. The anti-reform person hit the reform supporter in the face, and the reform supporter retaliated by biting off part of the other's pinkie finger.
Ilyse Hogue, speaking for MoveOn.org, said, "MoveOn condemns violence in all forms. We support the Ventura County sheriff's investigation into the situation. It is our firm hope that this event does not detract from the tens of thousands who were out peacefullymaking their voices heard for healthcare reform and a public option."
This is totally unacceptable behavior. It does not matter which side of the debate you are on, violence cannot be tolerated. Both of these men were in the wrong, and I personally hope both are charged with a crime. The man who hit the other in the face should be charged with Assault, and the man who bit the finger off should be charged with Assault with Bodily Injury.
It's patently ridiculous that people should wind up needing health care as a result of a health care reform demonstration.
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