March 21, 2010, 12 p.m. - Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Barbara Lee today blasted the "racist and inflammatory incidents" during yesterday’s health care protest by apparent Tea Party members. 

“For a protester to spit on a public official and hurl hateful epithets is wrong, it speaks to a deeper motivation that has nothing to do with the issues at hand," Lee said. "No one should fan the flames of hatred nor tolerate this despicable behavior which draws from one of the ugliest periods of American history.‪ 

"The incidents yesterday are examples of the unfinished business of America," the California Democrat said.  "We cannot sweep race and racism under the rug. Our nation needs and deserves a national dialogue on race.”‪

Former Chair of the CBC Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, a Maryland Democrat, said he would not be stopped by "anger or fear."

"Though I have heard the stories of the reactionary protestors spitting on my colleagues and hurling racial epithets at them, my vote will not be dominated by anger or fear," Cummings said. "I will march into the People's House tomorrow, to cast my vote for healthcare reform.

"We cannot allow these hostile actions be a distraction from the history we will make tomorrow. The health and survival of millions of American families is at stake. Many of my colleagues marched in support of civil rights in the 60's. As I vote tomorrow, I will look to the courage they showed at that time, as I march into the House chamber. This is another battle to move our nation toward Dr. King's dream of true equality." 

"This is not the first time the Congressman has been called the N-word and certainly not the worst assault he has endured in his years fighting for equal rights for all Americans," he said. "That being said, he is disappointed that in the 21st century our national discourse has devolved to the point of name calling and spitting. He looks forward to taking a historic vote on health care reform legislation tomorrow, for the residents of the Fifth District of Missouri and for all Americans. He believes deeply that tomorrow's vote is, in fact, a vote for equality and to secure health care as a right for all. Our nation has a history of struggling each time we expand rights. Today's protests are no different, but the Congressman believes this is worth fighting for."

The man, who spat on the Cleaver, was arrested. Cleaver has said that he will not press charges.

Reps. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat, and André Carson, an Indiana Democrat, say they were called the N-word.

Republican National Chairman Michael Steele and a Tea Party rally organizer condemned the attacks.

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