Democratic Party

POSTED ON BLUE OREGON BY KARI CHRISHOLM

The progressive backlash against the outrageous actions and unbelievable commentsmade in Eugene by right-wing tea party activists continues.

From the Register-Guard's David Steves:

At the town hall meeting, Hoyle gave a spirited defense of government’s efforts to help the unemployed and the economy, while some in the audience criticized such government actions as a move toward socialism. The video shows audience members and legislators interrupting one another and occasionally raising their voices.

But the comments attached to the video have been far more unsavory. The YouTube video’s posts — all from people using pseudonyms — don’t single Hoyle out by name. But Hoyle said she is convinced they were aimed at her, given that she engaged more with skeptics in the audience than did Rep. Nancy Nathanson or Sen. Chris Edwards.

The posts include the following: “Finally a hot woman running for a state office”; “That gabby broad talked a lot but answered nothing so far”; and “Socialist bitch.”

The Democratic Party of Lane County has weighed in, issuing a statement that calls for “discourse to be civil and respectful.”

Hoyle said the YouTube posts were hurtful, especially, she said, because it was her 17-year-old daughter who discovered them. Hoyle described how her daughter brought the posts to her attention: “‘Mom,’ she said. ‘You’ve got to look at this. This is really scary. These guys want to hurt you. Are we safe?’”

“I know it’s politics, not tiddlywinks,” Hoyle said. “But this crosses the line.”

As Rep. Hoyle posted on the "Rain on their Tea Party" facebook page:

All over this country we are seeing extreme and unacceptable behavior from fringe elements who are desperately trying to become mainstream. We need to fight back. Rain On Their Tea Party and support the candidates that they target. At no time should we cede our democracy. Regardless of our political parties we need to stand up and say NO, they do not represent us.

Make a donation via Val's "Rain on their Tea Party" ActBlue page. Let's show these teabaggers that if they target one of our legislators, then the only meaningful outcome will be progressive money, flowing to that legislator. Soon enough, they'll figure out that their bullshit will backfire.