# So is this what we can expect if leftists are allowed into Republican events? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [April 2, 2005, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368 "2005-04-02T05:13:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/22 "2005-04-02T09:56:45Z")
> [@Garfield226](#): > > Though I disagree with the practices, I’d suggest there’s a line between “speech” and “battery.” Maybe abortion clinic crowds are right on that line, since there are laws in some states about where they can stand relative to the patients and facilities. Seems they can be pretty abusive. Yes, there’s a line. I’m just saying it can be thin. ---
**Author:** ![Brutus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Brutus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brutus)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/23 "2005-04-02T10:23:45Z")
> [@DoctorJ](#): > > Oh, please. The people who were making death threats against Michael Schiavo last week (and probably still are)–which way do you think those folks vote? I don’t see anyone defending them or equivocating on their behalf. Contrast that to the OH NOES ITS TEH COULTER! response when confronted with the recent and repeated acts of stupidity by lefties. Hey, write it off as overzealous passion or whatever, but anyone would have to admit that the lefties seem to have a penchant for acting like screaming dorks (often literally), when confronted with a speaker or idea they don’t agree with. Why come up with a rational response when you can just throw a shoe or pie at them, eh? ---
**Author:** ![Apos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/838e76/32.png) [@Apos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apos)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/24 "2005-04-02T10:40:01Z")
I worked on the Kerry campaign last year. At every event we held, there were nutacases that tried to disrupt it. We had abortion protestors that shoved through the crowd and started screaming and chanting so loud that many of the people who had come to hear candidates couldn’t hear them. We had people knocked over, children with dead fetus posters shoved in their faces. We had a staffer who was sexually assaulted late at night on her way out of the office by a bunch of thugs telling her that Democrats weren’t welcome in their town. My office was vandalized repeatedly, hundreds of dollars worth of building signs stolen, and so on. I don’t condone the tactics on either side. But if you really are looking to win points in your lame “we’re holier than thou” crusade, look elsewhere. Try again. There are plenty of violent, speech-hating righties. You just don’t give a damn to actually find out about them, because you limit yourself mainly to outlets that only ever publicize and make hay out of lefty wackoes. That’s all this thread is: a masturbatory fantasy of self-righteousness based on, probably some right-wing blog post or “news” item that got you all fired up to come post a whiny thread here. Try to deny it. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/25 "2005-04-02T12:53:49Z")
Mr. Buchanan does not have the security resources that Mr. Bush has. Bush can be quite reasonably certain of his physical safety wherever he speaks. That he does not allow dissenting voices at his events is not for fear of his safety, it’s for fear of ideas. To use an assault on Mr. Buchanan as justification for Bush’s intolerance of dissent is quite the stretch indeed. ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/26 "2005-04-02T14:12:42Z")
While the “free speech zones” are, illegal, un-Constitutional and inherently and horribly un-American and I think only scum would resort to them, I don’t support the idea of physical assault against fellow humans over mere differences of creed. However, I love this country and its ideals dearly and understand that at times physical means are necessary to protect them from those who would be tyrants. So, I would not have cried if the shoe or worse had found it’s mark on the disloyal, treacherous, war-profiteering cur who has the PotUSA’s ear re foreign policy. However, this does not mean that I necessarily advocate or endorse such a measure. It’s legal, yet saddening that many of the PotUSA’s events are contrived and designed to create false impressions. It’s particularly saddening when US taxpayer’s money is used for such dishonest actions. The pies and salad dressing were specifically designed not to be physically harmful. While they do cross the line away from civil discourse to join the ranks of Ms. Coulter, the abominable “Free speech zones” are incredibly much, much more harmful to our country, Liberty and civil discourse than a few whip cream pies and Italian dressing. ---
**Author:** ![Unregistered\_Bull](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3da27b/32.png) [@Unregistered\_Bull](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unregistered_Bull)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/27 "2005-04-02T14:58:02Z")
Considering that a pie or liquid salid dressing could easily contain caustic chemicals, sharp objects, or poision, I am suprised that none of them had been appropriately doubletapped center of mass by security. Assault and battery upon a speaker like this is inappropriate behaviour. As a somewhat radical “anti-government conservative” who hates Ann Coulter, disagrees with the Iraq war, and believes that the Schindler side of the Schiavo affair are a combination of dumb and evil, I can’t agree that these acts dismiss the potentially serious act of assault battery even with what seem to be simple foodstuffs. ---
**Author:** ![Loopydude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e56c9b/32.png) [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/28 "2005-04-02T15:12:56Z")
S is this what we can expect if rightists are allowed to attempt intelligent and substantive debate? Because, much to my surprise, watching **Moto** deservedly get his ass handed to him as if he were a gnat being swatted by a brontosaurus was not nearly as satisfying as I might have thought. In fact, it’s frightening and sad. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/29 "2005-04-02T15:35:50Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Mr. Buchanan does not have the security resources that Mr. Bush has. Mr. Buchanan is also a private individual, while Bush is a public servant using taxpayer funds to host GOP events, and fake secret service agents to exclude citizens on the basis of the bumperstickers on their cars. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/30 "2005-04-02T16:40:24Z")
> [@Mr. Moto](#): > > Please find the right wing shoe and pie throwers, please? Please find the left wing bullhorn [disruptors](http://www.jsonline.com/registration/regform.asp?regcategory=News&returnurl=http://www.jsonline.com/news/editorials/aug04/249422.asp). And while you’re at it, please find the left wing girlfriend-abusers and knife-wielders. > [@](#): > > [Sun-Sentinel](http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-pbush31mar31,0,4570578.story?coll=sfla-news-palm) > > Steven Soper had his life all mapped out. > > The 18-year-old from Lake Worth had been accepted into the Army and planned to enlist after graduating this spring from Santaluces High School. > > But the plan came apart in late October when he attacked his girlfriend after learning she planned to vote for Sen. John Kerry in the presidential election. Idiots abound in both camps. Only an idiot would pretend that this isn’t true. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/31 "2005-04-02T16:48:08Z")
> [@Squink](#): > > Mr. Buchanan is also a private individual, while Bush is a public servant using taxpayer funds to host GOP events, and fake secret service agents to exclude citizens on the basis of the bumperstickers on their cars. Agreed. All I’m saying is that Bush supporters can’t use the Buchanan incident as grounds for screening out dissent from Bush rallies. I agree fully that Bush screening dissent from taxpayer funded events is reprehensible. And as for the dude that threw the mayo on Buchanan- what was he thinking? Everyone knows you put mustard on wieners. ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/32 "2005-04-02T17:05:15Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > And as for the dude that threw the mayo on Buchanan IIRC, it was Ceasar dressing, in honor of Ceasar Chavez day. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/33 "2005-04-02T17:05:24Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Agreed. All I’m saying is that Bush supporters can’t use the Buchanan incident as grounds for screening out dissent from Bush rallies. That didn’t stop **Mr. Moto** from trying, did it? If the right wants civility, they need to start arguing honestly. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/34 "2005-04-02T17:22:13Z")
Why is Coulter even being mentioned in this discussion? As far as I know, she’s never hit anyone with a pie or doused anyone in salad dressing (she _is_ pretty hot, though, and in the right context… ahem). ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/35 "2005-04-02T18:08:08Z")
Bad karma makes for bad vibes. She could put a dumpster into a suicidal depression. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/36 "2005-04-02T18:15:18Z")
> [@Brutus](#): > > (The Bongo Lobby seems to be involved with all of those sorts, granted). :rolleyes: Did you form your mental picture of leftists in the days of the beatniks? (Who were really not very political at all.) Trust me, I’ve been to all kinds of bongo-free political meetings. Sometimes counterculture types play hand-beaten drums at political events, but not **bongos!** That’s strictly for jazz musicians. ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/37 "2005-04-02T18:46:03Z")
There were four serious attempts to assassinate Bill Clinton during his presidency, which is, as far as I know, four more than Dubya has racked up. Ralph Nader has been shot at twice. The attempt to assassinate Michael Schiavo… And another point. You cannot possibly deny that people like Ann Coulter and Pat Buchanan are _trying_ to provoke somebody into physically attacking them when they go into an area known for far left leanings and start . It’s plainly obvious that they would be delighted whenever somebody throws various food items or does something worse. Look at it this way. I don’t like seeing people get run over, but anyone who stands in the middle of an interstate highway shouldn’t expect much sympathy when they get hit by a semi. If we do see fewer right wingers hurling pies at left-wing speakers, maybe that’s because left wing speakers don’t head straight for the most right wing areas and give speeches carefully designed to provoke a violent confrontation. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/38 "2005-04-02T19:05:24Z")
> [@ITR champion](#): > > And another point. You cannot possibly deny that people like Ann Coulter and Pat Buchanan are _trying_ to provoke somebody into physically attacking them when they go into an area known for far left leanings and start . It’s plainly obvious that they would be delighted whenever somebody throws various food items or does something worse. Look at it this way. I don’t like seeing people get run over, but anyone who stands in the middle of an interstate highway shouldn’t expect much sympathy when they get hit by a semi. If we do see fewer right wingers hurling pies at left-wing speakers, maybe that’s because left wing speakers don’t head straight for the most right wing areas and give speeches carefully designed to provoke a violent confrontation. What a crock. Perle was debating Dean (the article doesn’t even say where), and Buchanan was talking at a University. Even if your statement were true (which it isn’t), it would be like blaming a rape victim for wearing a tight skirt. Boorish behavior is boorish behavior. End of story. As for the OP, it really is silly to claim that one side of the political debate is any more ill-mannered than the other. How many times do we have to do the “my side is nobler than your side” debate? ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/39 "2005-04-02T19:59:29Z")
> [@ITR champion](#): > > There were four serious attempts to assassinate Bill Clinton during his presidency Um, cite? The only assissination attempt I can find, serious or otherwise, is when [Francisco Duran](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unsuccessful_U.S._Presidential_assassination_attempts) fired shots at the White House in 1994. Plus, what John said. This is a silly topic. ---
**Author:** ![Joools](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/6de8d8/32.png) [@Joools](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joools)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/40 "2005-04-02T20:24:53Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Um, cite? The only assissination attempt I can find, serious or otherwise, is when [Francisco Duran](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unsuccessful_U.S._Presidential_assassination_attempts) fired shots at the White House in 1994. Well, one of them would have to be [Frank Corder](http://www.nndb.com/people/403/000061220/), who attempted to fly an airplane into the White House on September 11, 1994. I can’t remember any others offhand. ---
**Author:** ![bizzwire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/958977/32.png) [@bizzwire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizzwire)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2005, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368/41 "2005-04-02T22:36:18Z")
I’ll see your shoe-thrower and raise you a [James Kopp](http://my.execpc.com/~awallace/herokopp.htm) And I’ll trade you a pie in the face for Eric Rudolph. ps. You forgot the heinous fiend who threw an egg at Governor Schwarzenegger [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368.md?page=3)