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Now Who Needs Health Care?

SoCal rally turns ugly when reform opponent has finger bitten off; perp on the lam

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 3, 2009 11:53 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A pro-health care reform event in southern California turned surreally bloody last night, NBC Los Angeles reports. Opponents of the effort turned out to oppose supporters organized by MoveOn.org, and when a supporter crossed the street to challenge the other group, a brawl ensued. During the fisticuffs, a 65-year-old opponent of reform had part or all of his pinky finger bitten off, police said. Authorities are searching for the assailant.

MoveOn.org emailed Politico to issue a statement. “MoveOn condemns violence in all forms. We have seen passions run high on both sides,” writes a spokeswoman. “While we don't know if either party involved was a MoveOn member, we regret any violence that may have occurred yesterday, and we support the Ventura County Sheriff's investigation into the situation.”

Supporters of health care reform.
Supporters of health care reform.   (AP Photo)
Supporters of health care reform argue with opponents.
Supporters of health care reform argue with opponents.   (AP Photo)
Protesters for and against President Obama's health care reform proposals.
Protesters for and against President Obama's health care reform proposals.   (AP Photo)
This person has a pinky finger, unlike a health care reform opponent who attended a rally in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
This person has a pinky finger, unlike a health care reform opponent who attended a rally in Thousand Oaks, Calif.   (©handcoding)
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It is our firm hope that this event does not detract from the tens of thousands who were out peacefully making their voices heard for health care reform and a public option. - MoveOn spokeswoman Ilyse Hogue

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 31 comments
Shannonals
Sep 5, 2009 3:12 AM CDT
Again, if you had an original thought versus repeating comments made form radio broadcast I would be more impressed lindamae
thedude2888
Sep 4, 2009 12:53 PM CDT
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!!
lindamae
Sep 4, 2009 6:07 AM CDT
A union thug bites off the finger of an old man who is forced to use Medicare because he is over 65 is not surprising. If it happened in Canada, there would have been nothing but a band aid. Those who are against the rights of Americans to dissent are to be feared. They hate the Constitution and the rights of the citizens. It is "their " new world - scary.

 
crime • violence • MoveOn • health care reform • protesters • severed finger • President Obama • brawl • NBC Local

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