''I fully intended to defend myself."
And what was the imminent threat?
... [McInnis] later said the 71-year-old Stark ''threatened me with physical harm. It was entirely appropriate for the [Chairman Bill Thomas] to call the sergeant at arms and the Capitol Police so order in the committee could be maintained.'' (Margasak, Associated Press)
A 50-year-old gets the cops to defend himself against a 71-year-old man? Weak. Pathetic. But it's the best the Republicans can do:
By their account, [Chairman Bill Thomas] had no choice but to call the authorities, to restore order when Mr. Stark, 71, threatened Representative Scott McInnis, a 50-year-old Republican, and called him "a wimp" and "a fruitcake." (Stolberg, Times)
Stark has, of course, been contrite about calling a Republican a fruitcake[1]. We have yet to hear an apology from the Republicans for anything.
Beyond the heated words, serious issues are at stake:
- The Republicans did call the cops. Into the Capitol. Where do they think they are? Texas?
- The Republicans tried to move a bill out of committee without even giving Democrats a chance to read it. Where do they think they are? '30s Berlin? Says Stark: "The real issue here is that we were precluded from being able to represent our constituents". (Josh Richman, Tri-Valley Herald)
- That bill is important, since it could slash pension payouts for millions of Americans. We're going to trust the Republicans with our money?
Not that our "evenly balanced" and play-it-for-sneers SCLM will ever tell you that.
And besides.
Bill Thomas is a fruitcake. He's the one responsible for calling the cops. Make him even nuttier by sending him one!
Send Bill Thomas a fruitcake![2]
Let's try a little media manipulation of our own. You can fax Bill Thomas a fruitcake image here:
Washington
Fax: 202-225-8798
Bakersfield
Fax: 661-637-0867
If you want to send Thomas a real fruitcake, why not send one of those petrified holiday ones you've never thrown out? Good liberals recycle! Or you can send him a new one:
Thomas's addresses are:
(thanks to Leah for recycling suggestion)
Washington, DC
2208 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Ph.202-225-2915
Bakersfield
4100 Empire Drive
Suite 150
Bakersfield, California 93309
Ph.661-327-3611
[1] "Fruitcake" is slang for a crazy or an eccentric person. Usage example: "Those winger fruitcakes are nuttier than Mussolini."
[2] A real fruitcake, I mean. There are far too many winger ideologues on The Hill already.
UPDATE: Fruitcake Rebellion Roll of Honor
- Fruitcake sent. $8.95 is a small price to pay to make my voice heard. (alert reader RCSanders)
- Ok, sent a fruitcake. Feel better. Thanks everyone, for making it possible. (alert reader tena)
- Just mailed my fruitcake. I really enjoyed "fruiting' the repubs. They deserve all the fruitcakes they can get. Besides, $8.95 is a small price to pay to get my country back!!!!!! (alert reader Colleen)
- Fruitcake sent to Thomas' home office in Bakersfield. Hopefully he'll get the point. At least I didn't have to fill out a nine-screen form that first asks if I'm for or against fruitcake. (alert reader whump)
- I faxed a letter of complaint, along with a picture of a fruitcake from that Google search you posted. I believe he's still my Rep., unfortunately. (alert reader dark avenger)
- Another fruitcake inbound for D.C.! (alert reader Tartarus)
- Another fruitcake on it's way to Thomas. Hope he's got a big appetitie!
kriselda jarnsaxa - My family all pitched in to send Billy Boy a big ol' concrete block o' fruity stuff; thanks for the links!
(Thanks to alert reader Beth for "Fruitcake rebellion")