Booman Tribune ~ A Progressive Community

Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry

by BooMan
Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:06:11 PM EST

Last week, Rep. Fortnoy 'Pete' Stark took to the House floor and got all vituperative.

"You don't have money to fund the war or children. But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president's amusement," Stark said.
"President Bush's statements about children's health shouldn't be taken any more seriously than his lies about the war in Iraq. The truth is that Bush just likes to blow things up in Iraq, in the United States, and in Congress. I urge my colleagues to vote to override his veto," he continued.

The Republicans' heads exploded at this breech of decorum. Minority Leader John Boehner (pronounced: boh.ner) introduced a resolution stating, in part:

"Mr. Stark, by his despicable conduct, has dishonored himself and brought discredit to the House and merits the censure of the House for the same. Resolved, that the member from California, Mr. Stark, is hereby so censured."

The resolution failed (was tabled) 196-173 but five freshman Democrats voted for it, and six Democrats voted 'present'.

Just so you know who the cowards are, here are the losers that voted against Rep. Stark.

Jason Altmire (PA), Chris Carney (PA), Joe Donnelly (IN), Brad Ellsworth (IN), Heath Shuler (NC)

And here are the cretins that voted 'present':

Dan Boren (OK), Lincoln Davis (TN), Baron Hill (IN), Tim Mahoney (FL), Charlie Melancon (LA), Dennis Moore (KS)

And, just so you know, these fools hurt Rep. Stark's feelings.

Though the motion amounts to a failed vote, Stark addressed fellow lawmakers afterward to apologize.
"I want to apologize first of all to my colleagues, many of whom I have offended, to the president. his family, to the troops that may have found (offense) in my remarks as were suggested in the motion that we just voted on, and I do apologize. ... With this apology I will become as insignificant as I should be and we can return to the issues that do divide us but that we can resolve," Stark said to applause.
After his mea culpa, Stark walked walked off the floor to the Democratic side of the chamber and for at least five minutes stood sobbing while fellow Democrats gathered around him. Reporters close to the Speaker's Lobby were not able to hear why he was crying.

No word on whether Bush cried when he realized that he's getting people's heads blown off for no better reason than his own amusement. If he's not amused, then why is he doing it?

Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry | 30 comments (30 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (4.00 / 8)

Fuck these people. They humiliate Pete Stark while continuing to enable the Sociopath-in-Chief.

by CabinGirl on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:09:16 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (4.00 / 3)

WTF?!! Stark should be proud for being the only one with the balls to state the truth. Why the hell is he apologizing?!! The shrub should apologize to the nation for sending soldiers to their deaths for nothing more than his political gain.

Fear will keep the local systems in line. -Grand Moff Tarkin Survivor Left Blogistan

by boran2 (blogistan@yahoo.com) on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:28:34 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (4.00 / 2)

Couldn't say it any better. What absolute fucking morons they are.

Can't hear ya, Peach!

by AP on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 02:35:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (4.00 / 2)

Actually, I meant to reply to CabinGirl, but my sentiments still apply to what you said, Boran. I mean, just an outrage this is.

Rethugs apologize for NOTHING. And they ought to. Shit, their comments aren't even questioned--by anyone.

I can't get out of here fast enough. I need the precious few days of sanity I can get.

Can't hear ya, Peach!

by AP on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 02:38:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (4.00 / 2)

House decorum? Is that a form of honor among thieves? Do these dirtbags really think anybody respects them or their offices anymore? I'm just sorry Stark apologized for telling the truth. (Though I can't say I really understand what he was saying)

For once, though, there is a bright side: the Dems didn't cave to the usual feigned outrage by the neo-fascist propaganda machine. It would have been easy to do so. Those who opted for reality deserve our thanks and support. As to the five, put them on the list for their next primaries.

Interesting, too, how the pattern continues with PA and IN standing out for the cravenness of their elected Dems. I suppose the the PA ones are Casey acolytes?

Bush is "the first President to admit to an impeachable offense." --Former Nixon counsel John Dean

by DaveW on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:33:59 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 0)

no, they aren't Casey acolytes. Such a thing doesn't really exist. Actually, they probably do exist in some of the seven million state house seats we have in this state, but they are not noticeable.

Carney was only elected because the incumbent strangled his mistress. Carney is the most vulnerable member of Congress and doesn't need to hand any ammo to the GOP.

Altmire won his seat fair and square. It's a purple, GOP-leaning seat, but he's playing is way, way too safe. He beat a real-life Santorum acolyte, and he could be much more progressive in his voting if he wanted to. He's been a huge disappointment.

by BooMan on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:40:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (4.00 / 2)

oh for fucks sake!

I can't deal with this b.s. anymore. I just can't.

Latino Político | "We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit." - Octavio Paz

by Man Eegee (man.eegee at gmail.com) on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:40:09 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (4.00 / 2)

76-year-olds weep easily. It's a frontal cortex thing, not a macho thing.

by Alice on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 03:03:15 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (4.00 / 3)

Nobody here knows why he cried. Perhaps HE does not know why he cried!

God I hate 'pretend tough guys'. And there seems to be plenty of them in this thread. Saying crying is a 'weakness' is a republican talking point that any reasonable adult KNOWS is BS.

Any adult (with mature emotions) put under emotional pressure has a good chance of crying when that pressure is suddenly released. Your telling me you have NEVER seen a person tear up after a group SUPPORTS them?

More and more i see on this site people who want to BE LIKE republicans. No acceptance at all of differences, and everyone MUST fit into some narrow definition of what a democrat should be. The fact is the republicans habit of voting as a block is a WEAKNESS.

Now we can be just like republicans and ridicule people who weep. And call them 'pussies'.

nalbar

by nalbar (nalbarsatgmaildotcom) on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 03:18:53 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 0)

I remember when Voinovich was holding back tears while speaking about the Bolton nomination. The left blogosphere called him a pussy too, and the righty blogs were all saying how courageous he was for the depth of feeling for his convictions.

Oh wait...maybe I have that backwards.

Tengo un sueño.

by ejmw (ewitham (at) umich (dot) edu) on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 03:58:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 0)

I'm one of those that think the Democrats need to get a spine. They are indeed pussies. And yes, to the extent that Republicans have the courage to actually stand up for their convictions--the DemocRATs should mimick this. Yes, they need to get better at controlling the terms of the debate like the Republicans do. In this case, they should have defended Stark.

But I don't blame Stark for crying. He was stabbed in the back by his putative allies--the Democrats. He probably felt like everyone was against him and that it wasn't fair. I feel like crying too--when I see our Democrat Congress censuring the truthful and necessarily forceful language of Democrats while ignoring the hatefull and truly harmful speech of the right-wing. The world is topsy turvy and our suppossed "friends" are making it worse. Every single time the DemocRATs acknowledge the right-wing hissy fits and let the Republican smears go unanswered they continue this warped reality where MoveOn and Stark get censured and the little fascists go right on with their hate speech. How Stark ends up being the bad guy when making the simple point that we shouldn't be making endless war when we can instead give millions of our children health care I will never know. There is indeed no justice . . . and I blame the DemoCRAT PUSSIES the most.

by SFHawkguy on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 04:13:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (4.00 / 3)

From Jane Hamsher

According to Progressive Punch, of the 20 House Democrats who vote with the Bush Administration most frequently in tough roll call votes, 10 are freshmen recruited by Rahm Emanuel. Altmire, Carney, Donnelly, Ellsworth and Shuler are all on that list.
I'll just leave you with that thought and let it sink in.
Update: From reader Cynthia R.:
I called Stark's office in DC to complain about his apology. The person answering the phone told me that Stark had no choice; Stark was told before the vote was taken that should he not apologize, the vote to censure would pass. According to his office, that is the only reason he apologized.
I guess we better stop saying the House leadership can't get anything done.

God, please just us get rid of all these worthless dick-head Democrats. They are nothing but one big circular firing squad. What an embarrassment.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"

by MikeInOhio (miken45054@yahoo.com) on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 03:43:41 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 1)

Disgusting. What a load of crap from our Democratic leaders.

Obama is a Patriot

by Steven D on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 03:57:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 1)

for the President's amusement.

by AliceDem on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:29:28 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 1)

Great clip.

Bush is "the first President to admit to an impeachable offense." --Former Nixon counsel John Dean

by DaveW on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:36:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

whatever (none / 0)

Seems to me Stark's the pussy here.
What a fucking crybaby. What a classic Democrat, in the classic cowering posture, and crying like a baby to boot.

And yeah, those cowards should have never voted against one of their own, but damn man, I cannot respect that kind of crybaby behavior. I cannot respect it at all.

You wanna cry, do it on your own time. Go hug your wife and kids and cry about how tough it is to be a Representative. Boohoohoo.

"these fools hurt Rep. Stark's feelings."
You mean his "feeeeeeeeelings". How old is Pete Stark, 7? Cus y'know, most grown-ups can handle the occasional ding to the emotions without collapsing in tears like a baby.

Sorry. Not impressed. Glad he's not my representative.
I'll send him some Kleenex.

Brendan Calling John Mccain

by brendan on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:47:00 PM EST

Re: whatever (none / 0)

who's your rep? Brady? Fattah? I think you'd be ecstatic to have Stark representing you...cry-baby or no.

by BooMan on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:50:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: whatever (none / 0)

Fattah, and so far so good with a few exceptions.

This crybaby shit just reinforces GOP memes that the Democrat Party is weak.

He should have stuck his chin out and given a rip-roaring "fuck you" of an apology.
Instead he gelds himself. Boohoo.

I had a pretty slight build in middle school, and used to get bullied a lot. My dad got sick of me coming home bloodied and crying and finally told me if i didn't fight back, he'd beat me up himself (which ironically is what' my dad's mom told him when HE was a kid).

I feel very much the same way about the Democrats. When they fight back they'll get my support. That's why I gave Dodd money: he fights.

Brendan Calling John Mccain

by brendan on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 02:03:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: whatever (none / 0)

you know how I feel about bedwetters. But I really don't care about Stark's hissyfit. Dude is kind of a bully in his own right.

The facts are still in dispute about what happened in last Friday's committee meeting to mark up pension funds legislation. At the time, Democrats objected to Thomas, R-Calif., whisking through approval by voice vote on a bill Democrats have said they had not had a chance to review. The standoff ended with Thomas calling the police to remove the Democrats from the committee library and Democrats storming to the House floor to offer a resolution disapproving of Thomas' actions.
Not in dispute over the events that led up to the House debate that ensued are the heated remarks by Stark, D-Calif., who was left in the committee room to hold down the fort while Democrats strategized on their game plan.
While no cameras recorded the event, a stenographer took down every word Stark uttered. Republican Rep. Kenny Hulshof recited them back on the House floor.
"'You little fruitcake, you little fruitcake, I said you are a fruitcake,'" Hulshof, R-Mo., read from the unofficial transcript.
Stark directed the word -- considered by some to be a gay slur --- at Republican Rep. Scott McInnis, who is married and by all accounts not gay.
Republican sources also claim that during the chaotic scene in the committee, Stark fired another gay slur in the direction of Chairman Thomas. The word is too vulgar to print in full, but the last half of it is "sucker."
Now, one Republican wants to know where is the outrage at the Democrat for his seemingly intolerant remarks.
"This isn't the first time. That's the problem here. The Democrats fail to recognize this is an ongoing problem," said Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla.
Stark has a long history of making outrageous remarks. He once called Republican Rep. Nancy Johnson "a whore," and said former Health and Human Services Secretary Louis Sullivan is "a disgrace to his race."

by BooMan on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 02:07:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: whatever (none / 0)

funny, I support everything Stark says in the quoted text.
As you can see, he's FIGHTING BACK.
Not cowering. A bully? Look at who he's dealing with! The ONLY way to deal with bullies is to hit back. It's the ONLY way, and that's why the Democrat Party is such a bunch of losers: they won't fight. They just get ignored, pushed around, tricked into self-defeating votes, and punched in the head.

They should get rid of the Donkey Logo and switch over to George McFly.

Brendan Calling John Mccain

by brendan on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 02:16:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: whatever (none / 0)

maybe, but someone that goes around calling people whores, fruits, and cocksuckers, and who cries when he gets called on it is a bully in my book. I like Stark's positions on the issues. The man? Not very appealing.

by BooMan on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 02:18:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: whatever (none / 0)

Looks to me that the people he was calling all those names are name-callers themselves.

but whatever. I don't like the crying: it signifies weakness.

Cry at funerals, cry at weddings. Don't cry on the floor of the house. I didn't have any tolerance when it was Durbin either.

Brendan Calling John Mccain

by brendan on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 02:28:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: whatever (none / 0)

whore can be used to call someone a sellout, which many of them are. Cocksucking is not an exclusively gay action. Fruit can be used as a gay slur but can also be used to describe crazy behavior. If you are going to interpret those as antigay, then you are going to allow the republicans to nitpick us to death. The next thing you know we'll be accused antigayness for saying Hillary is sucking up to the neocons, on Iran. Just because someone says it means this or that doesn't make it so.

Stray Roots Message Board,Thus far unmoderated! Dameocrat Blog

by StrayRoots (dameocrat@STUFFTOREMOVEpeacemail.com) on Wed Oct 24th, 2007 at 04:27:49 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: whatever (none / 0)

by StrayRoots (dameocrat@STUFFTOREMOVEpeacemail.com) on Wed Oct 24th, 2007 at 04:30:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: whatever (none / 0)

Too harsh, but I, too, cringed at the picture of another Dem weeping. Worse, I don't even know what about, since he was overwhelmingly supported by his party, which these days is a groundbreaking achievement. Maybe he was weeping with happiness. Even weaker, though, is saying stuff and then apologizing because there's an uproar, not because the statement isn't true.

The culture of fake outrage, and the craven obedience to it, are becoming truly vomit-producing. I more and more think what this country needs is to bring back duels among elected officials and their cronies, since recall and impeachment are so difficult and nobody seems to want to fix the Constitution.

Bush is "the first President to admit to an impeachable offense." --Former Nixon counsel John Dean

by DaveW on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 02:53:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 1)

I feel like we've completed our journey through the looking glass. The people's House now brings to mind the Tea Party from Alice and Wonderland.

Tengo un sueño.

by ejmw (ewitham (at) umich (dot) edu) on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:49:12 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 0)

This is a joke, right? He didn't really apologize and cry? I hereby withdraw my respect for him.

by RollaMO on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 01:55:07 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 0)

no joke.

by BooMan on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 02:03:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 0)

Jeebus! We're no better off in Indiana with these assholes than we were with the rethugs they replaced. Guess Barry Welsh is our only hope for now. Damn!

"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live." Dorothy Thompson, Journalist

by Indianadem on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 06:41:25 PM EST

Re: Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry (none / 0)

It's all pretty predictable at this point, or it should be anyway. It's like when you can't afford to pay the cable bill and you watch every stupid fucking vhs you ever owned for a week until payday comes and you can pay the bill...except in this lousy movie there never is a payday. Just a few nickles and dimes tossed at your feet to try and get you to bend over and pick them up because you're desperate. Then...well, you know.....lotsa tears.

"green grass and high tides forever"

by supersoling (colorsplash62@optonline.net) on Wed Oct 24th, 2007 at 08:39:13 AM EST

Bad Democrats Make Pete Stark Cry | 30 comments (30 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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