You know, politeness, courtesy, bipartisanship. Cucumber sandwiches and tea. Large insincere smiles and references to "my esteemed friends from the other side of the aisle." That is how politics should be run now that the Democrats have the majority. It's also polite to forget all about Ann Coulter or Newt Gingrich's rage revolution or anything a Republican ever says that is mean-spirited.
Now that I got that off my chest, let's get to the bread-and-butter of this post: The horrible rudeness of Rep. Pete Stark (D-Ca):
A House Democrat accused Republicans Thursday of sending troops to Iraq to "get their heads blown off for the president's amusement."
The outburst from Rep. Pete Stark as the House debated a children's health bill drew immediate condemnation from Republicans who demanded he retract it.
Instead Stark, known for his liberal views and volatile temperament, issued a statement saying Republicans should apologize for voting against an expansion of children's health care.
Stark must apologize! Must. I'm sure you have heard that already, being the wise and well-informed readers that you are. But what you may not have heard is what else took place in the House:
Rep. Steve King (R-IA) put a sign on the floor of the House chamber today: "SCHIP: Socialized Clinton-style Hillarycare for Illegals and their Parents." [Non-citizens are not eligible for SCHIP.] (source)
Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) said, from the floor, "You (Republicans) 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." [Since 2001, Congress has had to borrow money to fund its programs.]
Wonkette has a picture of the learning aid Rep. King had prepared:
Why is this polite and acceptable when Stark's comment is not? Inquiring minds want to know.