Game On....

**chefdennis** · 08-07-2009, 12:45 PM

Six people, including P-D reporter, arrested at Carnahan meeting

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/new...AC?OpenDocumen

Protesters came out in force to voice their opinions either for or against President Barack Obama's policies on health care reform at Bernard Middle School. (Dawn Majors/P-D)By Leah Thorsen
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
08/06/2009

UPDATED, 8 a.m. Friday

MEHVILLE -- St. Louis County police arrested six people, including a Post-Dispatch reporter, during a demonstration Thursday evening outside a forum on aging called by U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis.

Two of the people were arrested on suspicion of assault, one of resisting arrest and three on suspicion of committing peace disturbances, police say.

The forum drew an overflow crowd of several hundred to Bernard Middle School gym in south St. Louis County. Dozens of people, many carrying signs about the health care debate, were kept out because of the turnout. The back and forth between factions within the crowd created a carnival-like atmosphere inside and out between members of the movement opposing President Barack Obama's policies and groups who came to show support for the president's proposals.

The six people were arrested after confrontations outside the school, said county police spokesman Rick Eckhard. Carnahan was gone when the ruckus started, Eckhard said.

Post-Dispatch reporter Jake Wagman, who was covering the event and shooting video for stltoday.com, was arrested for interference.

Post-Dispatch photographer Dawn Majors was at the scene and photographed the arrests. She said she heard Wagman yell her name and say that he was being taken into custody.

In a prepared statement released Friday morning, Carnahan said: "Sadly we've seen stories about disrupters around the country, and we have a handful of them here in Missouri. Instead of participating in a civil debate, they have mobilized with special interests in Washington who have lined their pockets by overcharging Americans for a broken health care system."

"I will continue to engage with constituents that I am honored to represent in Congress and fight to achieve long-overdue health insurance reform in our country," Carnahan said.

One of those arrested was Brian Matthews, 34, of St. Louis city, who works as a rehabber and previously worked on a campaign for a Texas statehouse candidate.

"I feel like it was a bull rush," Matthews said. "It all came from behind."

Matthews said he had been inside the forum because he is in favor of a public option for health care. He had attended with a friend, a 51-year-old woman. After it was over, they were walking outside and had a run-in with a man who was trying to videotape them. Matthews said that man from from the GOP. They reported the man to a police officer, who seemed uninterested, Matthews said.

As the pair walked to their car, they saw a man on the street who looks like he had been assaulted. Police surrounded him.

"My friend took pictures," Matthews said, "and an officer told her not to. She contested that."

Matthews said he and his friend walked away, arm in arm. The officer followed them, and Matthews friend exchanged words with the officer, Matthews said.

"I can't tell you how many police officers charged us from behind," Matthews said. "I was pushed to the ground by one. I was pushed into the back of somebody who was walking away."

Matthews said he was told he was arrested for interference. His friend was maced "after she was subdued by the police," Matthews said. She vomited on the side of the road, then later vomited more in the police car, he said.

Kenneth Gladney, 38, a conservative activist from St. Louis, said he was attacked by some of those arrested as he handed out yellow flags with "Don't tread on me" printed on them. He spoke to the Post-Dispatch from the emergency room at St. John's Mercy Medical Center, where he said he was awaiting treatment for injuries to his knee, back, elbow, shoulder and face. Gladney, who is black, said one of his attackers, also a black man, used a racial slur against him before the attack.

"It just seems there's no freedom of speech without being attacked," he said.

Members of the local Tea Party Coalition, a movement that has emerged to counter Obama's policies, had urged their members to attend Carnahan's forum, which in turn spurred Democrats to establish a strong presence.

Inside the gathering, while speakers stuck to aging issues, they were often interrupted by yells from audience members who wanted to shift the focus to health care.

"This isn't even close to civil," said Steve Belosi, 52, of Lake Saint Louis, commenting on the crowd. "The rudeness was beyond compare."

Added Joyce Flecke, 70, of south St. Louis County: "A complete waste of time."

Other recent Carnahan appearances, including one earlier this week on the Cash for Clunkers program, have drawn similar protests. And last week, hundreds turned out to voice their opinions on reforms to the staff of Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.

Carnahan issued a statement after the Thursday night's forum, saying: "Sadly we've seen stories about disrupters around the country, and we have a handful of them here in Missouri. Instead of participating in a civil debate, they have mobilized with special interests in Washington who have lined their pockets by overcharging Americans for a broken health care system."

The St. Louis protests are part of the increasingly vocal debate across the country.

In the week since the House began its break, several town hall-style meetings have been disrupted by demonstrators. These episodes have drawn widespread media attention, and Republicans have seized on them as well as polls showing a decline in support for Obama and his agenda as evidence that public support is lacking for his signature legislation.

Energized conservative activists have vowed to fight Obama's policies.

The president wants to use the government's clout to subsidize coverage for millions now uninsured, regulate insurance companies more closely and attempt to slow the rise of medical costs.

The protesters insist they're part of a ground-level movement that represents real frustration with government spending and growth.

In Denver on Thursday, about 250 people on all sides of the health care debate waved signs and shouted slogans in front of the Stout Street Clinic as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi toured the medical clinic for the homeless.

"Just say no!" yelled those demonstrating against health care reform.

"Yes we can!" shouted back those who support Obama's plan.

The Republican Party says it's not behind the protests, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada scoffed at the notion that the protesters reflect grass-roots sentiment. He held up a piece of artificial turf during a session with reporters.

"These are nothing more than destructive efforts to interrupt a debate that we should have, and are having," Reid said. "They are doing this because they don't have any better ideas. They have no interest in letting the negotiators, even though few in number, negotiate. It's really simple: They're taking their cues from talk show hosts, Internet rumor-mongerers ... and insurance rackets."

Republicans answered.

"All the polls show there is serious concern, if not outright opposition, to the president's health care plan," said Antonia Ferrier, spokeswoman for House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio. "Democrats are ginning up this cynical shell game."

**pelicn** · 08-07-2009, 12:53 PM

We don't need violence, we need voices!

**layoutshooter** · 08-07-2009, 03:03 PM

The Left trives and enjoys violence. Look at Hitler, Stalin, Moa, Castro etc. Mass Murderers all. Obama agrees with them. He hangs around with people who SUPPORTED Soviet Russa. Voices have ONE remaining chance, 2010. IF we can get out enough vote to overcome the corruption that WILL be the hallmark of the election. IF NOT, fighting back is all that is left.

**chefdennis** · 08-07-2009, 03:18 PM

The president sayes he doesn't want to hear from the people, they should be quiet, rahm the dead fish and axelrod are telling the elected reps to punch back twice as hard...the elected dems won't have meetings to hear the voices of the people now, the unions and acorn are starting to bust heads...

the voices that are speaking out now and they are being denied and being intimdated by the WH's thugs, all with the blessings of the WH....this continues and we won't make 2010 without civil violence on a large scale....

**layoutshooter** · 08-07-2009, 03:24 PM

You may be right, I was very concerned about this last year before this bafoon got elected. I was of course paranoid and a dinosour. The left NEVER changes. We ARE going to see murder squads in the US just as in Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. Pravda (our scum media) will even find a way to JUSTIFY them!! You can COUNT on that. I may even start sooner than I thought it was going too. I did not expect it to start until Jan 2011 after they finish consolidated they power.

**chefdennis** · 08-07-2009, 04:13 PM

lets see a black man, beat by 6 people afiliated with the seiu, one of barrys biggest supporting unions and some say the
"muscle" behind acorn...all arrested..wonder if there will be another "beer" summit at the WH where barry will sit with all involved??? well in 2nd thought, barrys thugs did what he told them to, so i am sure barry would be calling the victims actions stupid, nit those of the seiu thugs...

i mean Russ Carnahan blamed the victim:

http://stlouisteaparty.com/2009/08/0...y-union-thugs/

Russ Carnahan Blames Innocent Victim for Unprovoked Beating by Union Thugs

by admin on August 7, 2009

After Russ Carnahan’s SEIU thugs severely beat a conservative tonight, the Congressman issued a statement blaming the victim, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Carnahan issued a statement after the Thursday night’s forum, saying: “Sadly we’ve seen stories about disrupters around the country, and we have a handful of them here in Missouri. Instead of participating in a civil debate, they have mobilized with special interests in Washington who have lined their pockets by overcharging Americans for a broken health care system.”

i guess the obama supporters think this is whats needed and are ok with this crap to get the 'hope and change" they voted for.....congrats...

if you missed it, heres the video of the attack, look at the man at the 3:21 point....

one other thing, all of the meetings held before the WH advocated "bunching back twice as hard", there was no violence...alot of yelling and shouting, but no violence....makes you wonder huh.....no not really, it shows barry and his ideals for what he is and what he is willing to do to "control" our country.....

**layoutshooter** · 08-07-2009, 04:21 PM

Can you say National Socialist Workers Party? THAT IS what those who voted for the current thug in the White House voted for.

**chefdennis** · 08-07-2009, 04:25 PM

yea but the libs that voted for him will justify this......

**layoutshooter** · 08-07-2009, 04:37 PM

You can count on that. That is EXACTLY how Hitler was able to do what he did!! I just pray I am at home if and when it hits the fan. My "TOOLS" are there.

What a real shame to see this happening in THIS country. I speant most of my adult life defending against this very thing. What a waste of my life.

**chefdennis** · 08-07-2009, 09:33 PM

and yet another barry connected group:

Obama Connected Group Calls for Brownshirt Tactics Against Healthcare Opponents
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Published on 08-07-2009

Obama Connected Group Calls for Brownshirt Tactics Against Healthcare Opponents - BlackListed News

An organization supported by Obama, Biden and 190 members of Congress, Health Care for America Now, instructs Democrats to confiscate signs and leaflets brought to Obamacare events by “rightwing extremists,” that is to say Americans opposed to totalitarian health care.

“The best way to do this is to make a blanket rule that no one can bring signs or leaflets and to advertise this fact as you do turn out in the weeks preceding the event. You can distribute your own signs in the event and offer them one as they enter if you choose to allow them to enter,” the HCAN website instructs.

HCAN is supported by the usual suspects, including ACORN, unions, MoveOn.org (a George Soros outfit), the National Council of La Raza, the eugenics front Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the Clintonite John Podesta’s war-mongering Center for American Progress.

HCAN will organize brownshirt thugs — called “marshals” — to patrol crowds with local police assistance to make sure no opposition can be voiced. “Make sure that you assign marshals to take care of moving the crowd, keeping people organized and orderly, and acting as security should any need arise to ask noisy or disruptive protesters to leave. If you have cause to think that you will need more back-up, notify the police ahead of time.”

The corporate media should also be tightly controlled, according to the organization. “It’s important that you take away right-wingers opportunities to talk with reporters by making sure that your staff or leaders are in constant contact with the media who attend. You should set up a special table or area for the press to sit during the event and that area should be close t the stage and away from any areas of the venue where protesters may gather. Also make sure you have materials ready for the reporters so that they know the purpose and message of the event,” the website explains.
HCAN claims Democrats and Obamanoids “are getting beaten up by right wing zealots in these meetings.” In fact, as Infowars documented earlier today, the exact opposite is the case — union thugs attacked a patriot outside of St. Louis yesterday and put him in the hospital. Police arrested anti-Obamacare demonstrators and even media covering the demonstrations.
HCAN also suggests Democrats get with members of Congress to shut down free speech and control the opposition. “One advantage to organizing your own Town Hall or public event with Members of Congress is that you will have much more control over the event and limit the other side’s opportunities for disruption.”

Earlier this week, Infowars reported on Obama’s plan to organize informer-citizens to turn in their neighbors and others who oppose Obamacare. “Since we can’t keep track of all of [the "rightwing" opponents] here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov,” writes Macon Phillips, the White House Director of New Media, in a post on the White House website.

News report on Obama’s enemies list.

During Bush’s reign the same tactics were evident, much to the outrage of liberals and Democrats. “As Bush has traveled the United States during this political campaign, the Secret Service and local police have often handled public protest by quickly arresting or removing demonstrators, free-speech advocates say,” the Washington Post reported on October 28, 2004. “In addition, access to Bush’s events has been unusually tightly controlled and people who do not support Bush’s reelection have been removed.” Now that the shoe is on the other foot, Democrats have become strident zealots in an effort to deny the First Amendment to their opponents.

Obviously, the Obamanoids are desperate to control the debate and shut down the massive opposition consisting largely of normal middle class Americans who are outraged by Obama’s rationed totalitarian health care plan. In order to control the issue and ram it through Congress, Obama’s operatives are certainly not beyond employing brownshirt tactics used by the Nazis in Germany and Stalin in the Soviet Union.

**layoutshooter** · 08-07-2009, 09:38 PM

How soon until they burn the Constitution? Dang gum fascists.

**greg334** · 08-07-2009, 10:11 PM

Didn't we have another president do this and a whole bunch of people went to jail over it?

I think it is really a bad thing when people accept the white house using illegal means to stop dissent but again we are truly seeing the Third Reich rising again.

**layoutshooter** · 08-07-2009, 10:15 PM

That is why Hitler was able to do what he did. MANY in Germany accepted his swill as a good thing. Many who did NOT like it remained SILENT. Those that DID have the courage to stand up to him were murdered. The same will happen here.

**chefdennis** · 08-07-2009, 10:28 PM

Greg wrote:

Didn't we have another president do this and a whole bunch of people went to jail over it?

I think it is really a bad thing when people accept the white house using illegal means to stop dissent but again we are truly seeing the Third Reich rising again.

yeap and one night, jimmy didn't make it home.....and barry is definitely working to rise his power to that if the 3rd reich..

but you know that the puppet gibbs said today that those who speak of the dems as nazis , are on "thin ice"....think that is a threat???.

**layoutshooter** · 08-07-2009, 10:33 PM

I for one do NOT cotton to well to threats, I just respond to them. I have NEVER started nor do I EVER plan to start a fight. I WILL however fight to protect my way of life when it is attacked by ANY enemy eithter forgien OR DOMESTIC!! I am very much afraid that we are NOT very far off from that.