[adam_az]

Democratic member of the panel called a Republican colleague "you little fruitcake" in the midst of the standoff

How could he mistake a Republican for a member of his electoral base?

[caisson71]

It's about time the Republicans use the "heavy hand" given to them by the voters in this country.

[Support Free Republic]

How about the new highway named for Clinton in his home stste of Arkansas? It's a little crooked, and has a long yellow streak down the center. Be careful if you drive on it, it's a little slick.

Manufacturers announced today that they will be stocking America's shelves this week with "Clinton Soup, to honor one of the nation's most distingushed men". It consists primariy of a weenie in hot water.

Free Republic

Your donations keep us laughing at liberals

[sam_paine]

Note what the bill was about:

....individuals would be able to contribute an annual maximum to $15,000 to a 401(k) plan and $5,000 to an IRA, beginning next year. People aged 50 and over could contribute even more.

God forbid the Democrats allow a bill to move forward that would allow people to save more for their retirement before taxes. Instead, they want Social Security to go bankrupt, and me to have no other means to provide for myself.

[sinkspur]

A guy with the name "Fortney" calls somebody ELSE a fruitcake?

[sam_paine]

You know, Nick. When you start a thread like this, your post becomes a Carraway Seed.......

[adam_az]

Nice play by Bill Thomas(R)

The reading began, with Thomas interrupting at one point to say loudly, "In the House, the minority can delay. They cannot deny." When the Democrats left for the library, Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark (D-Calif.) stayed behind to prevent the Republicans from obtaining unanimous consent to dispense with the reading.

After several minutes, Thomas again asked unanimous consent to dispense with the reading, and instantly brought down his gavel. Stark said later that he had objected, and Thomas had replied, "You're too late."

[Vesuvian]

You know, if this bunch gets back in charge God help this country. They have gone beyond mere politicing into dangerous territory, IMHO.

[adam_az]

Rather than concluding the fracas, however, this simply emboldened House Democrats. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) used a point of personal privilege to introduce a resolution on the House floor protesting the incident. This set in motion a heated debate this afternoon, in which each side accused the other of debasing Congress as an institution.

Where could we find a transcript of this??????!!!!!!!

[Bahbah]

This is really a fascinating report. If the Dims don't have the power to get their way they resort not to persuasion and compromise but to trying to block every move with parlimentary tricks and just plain ugly behavior. I think if they had the power to do so, they would simply declare martial law and make us all do what they wanted. These people are dangerous. Vote Republican, early and often (not often in the same election, however.)

[mdittmar]

I want less comity and more principalness....ahh,what the hell's the word I'm looking for?

You know what I mean.

[dixiechick2000]

"The reading began, with Thomas interrupting at one point to say loudly, "In the House, the minority can delay. They cannot deny." When the Democrats left for the library, Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark (D-Calif.) stayed behind to prevent the Republicans from obtaining unanimous consent to dispense with the reading.

After several minutes, Thomas again asked unanimous consent to dispense with the reading, and instantly brought down his gavel. Stark said later that he had objected, and Thomas had replied, "You're too late."

Thomas then recognized Portman for an opening statement on the bill. Stark attempted to make a "parliamentary inquiry," and Thomas ignored him. Stark then joined the other Democrats in the nearby room."

heheh!

It's nice to see Thomas being heavy-handed, and Stark is a "little fruitcake."

[swheats]

The democrats must be steaming from yesterday's speech and press conference.

[Saundra Duffy]

Pete Stark has been in trouble before for opening his big mouth and insulting people. One time he said of a Black official: "You're a disgrace to your race!" He had to apologize. We'll see if he has to apologize this time. I don't think it's wise to piss off Bill Thomas.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

But I thought the Demos were all about peace, love, and "conflict resolution". I'm sure the media will tell us later that evil meanie Republicans are just so mean and evil that even the intellectuals Demos snap and get angry at them occasionally.

[Mo1]

The dispute highlights how rapidly relations between Democrats and Republicans have deteriorated in recent months.

Meaning .. since Nancy took charge

Oh and I like how they ask for a reading line by line because they claim to not know what was in it and then proceeded to leave the room

It kind of reminds me of when congress demanded that members of the Bush Administration come to the Hill to explain why were going into Iraq and yet many of the Dems failed to show up for that also

[Khurkris]

OL' Fortney is truly a 'man of the people.' Here is a paste from the "Contact Pete" sectionof his web site:

Contact Pete

13th Congressional District Residents

Due to congressional courtesy, I can only provide specific responses to people who reside in California's 13th District. To assure that I receive your e-mail, I use the Write Your Representative Service, which will confirm that you are a constituent. Any information you provide will only be used by my office to respond to your e-mail. (View Privacy Policy)

You will also be provided with an automated response indicating that I have received your e-mail. If you don't get this response notify postmaster@stark.house.gov

For people who live outside the 13th Congressional District

Even though I may not respond directly, I appreciate hearing your views so feel free to e-mail me at petemail@stark.house.gov You will get an automated response indicating that I have received your e-mail.

Note:

Due to anthrax threats on congressional offices, all incoming mail to my office is now delayed by U.S. Postal Service screening. I encourage you to send your letter to my Fremont office or contact me through other means, such as clicking here to send me an email. using the Write Your Representative Service. We ask for your understanding if your postal mail is not received in a timely manner.

[RightOnline]

It was Pete Stark (who did the disgusting name calling and 'calling out'). I'd have kicked his lily-white Democratic, slimy ass if he'd talked to me like that. I wish the Republican who was so verbally abused (forgot his name; just saw him on FNC) had done just that.

Stark ain't exactly yer basic he-man..............

[boris]

"you little fruitcake"

Was Rear Admiral Bwaney Fwank visiting?

--Boris

[gitmo]

Here is a quote from a Foxnews story:

At that point, Thomas said Stark's motion came too late, to which Stark replied by crudely questioning Thomas' intelligence and squabbling with committee Republican Scott McInnis, who stood up for Thomas.

"That particular individual threatened me with physical harm," said McInnis, R-Colo., referring to Stark.

The committee reporter captured the essence of Stark's less-than-soaring rhetoric, read on the House floor by Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo.

"'Oh, you think you are big enough to make me, you little wimp? Come over here and make me. I dare you,'" Hulshof recited.

According to the stenographer's transcript, the room then broke out in laughter, at which point Stark raged, "You little fruitcake, you little fruitcake. I said you are a fruitcake

Fox News