No, this won’t be another screed on the orchestrated, in-your-face, shout-down dynamics of health care-reform, town hall meetings. The yelling, the signage and, alarmingly enough, the weaponry speak volumes. It’s getting harder and harder to separate philosophical libertarians from militia members and amateur anarchists.
But in addition to firearms, can’t these people leave their kids home? A photo in Sunday’s Tampa Tribune showed Citizens Protecting the Republic (cute), who are opponents of health care reforms, demonstrating in front of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s office in Tampa. A cherubic child, no more than five, was waving a flag next to someone with an “Obama bin Lyin’” sign.
Using those not old enough to understand why they are there as props is objectionable enough. But using the innocent as unwitting participants in the politics of demonization is disgusting.