Thugs

I'm not even sure what to say about the fountain of hate that the right-wing has unleashed on the healthcare reform townhalls.

It's obviously disgusting that they are not just attempting to have their opinions heard but to actually shut down any discussion or debate. It's also obviously disturbing that they are physically intimidating supporters of reform and members of Congress.

Following the news over at Talking Points Memo I think that it's also clear that someone is going to be hurt at one of these things in the not too distant future. The protests are turning towards violence and it's just a matter of time before someone ends up seriously hurt.

If you haven't already read it Harold Meyerson had a good piece in the WaPo earlier this week on what he has now dubbed "Fillibuster Nation" and Ezra has a good follow-up over on his WaPo blog. We've reached a point in this country where the basic functions of democracy are seriously in question.