Health Bill Protesters Create 'Mass Hysteria': Frank

Mass. Democrat invokes witch trials as anti-gay slurs continue
By Marie Morris,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 21, 2010 3:06 PM CDT
Health Bill Protesters Create 'Mass Hysteria': Frank
Nancy Pelosi, with the oversize gavel used during the passage of Medicare in 1965, clasps John Lewis' hand as they leave a Democratic caucus this morning at the US Capitol. Steny Hoyer is at left.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)

Dueling groups of protesters created a chaotic scene on Capitol Hill today as opponents and advocates of the health reform bill made their voices heard in a scene Rep. Barney Frank called "mass hysteria." A protester who made it into a House office building yelled at Nancy Pelosi, "You're a disgrace to your office," and another renewed the abuse heaped on Frank yesterday, shouting "faggot" at him, reports Politico.

"It's like the Salem witch trials, and healthcare is the witches," said Frank. Some of his Republican counterparts egged on the protesters, holding up signs reading "kill the bill" and waving a "Don't Tread on Me" flag. After Capitol Police threw out a protester for shouting from the House gallery, Frank said: "These clowns are out there encouraging violation of the law and making the job of the guys up there harder. It's really disgraceful."
(More health care reform stories.)

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