Health Bill Protesters Create 'Mass Hysteria': Frank

Dueling groups of protesters created a chaotic scene on Capitol Hill today as opponents and advocates of the health reform bill made their voices heard in a scene Rep. Barney Frank called "mass hysteria." A protester who made it into a House office building yelled at Nancy Pelosi, "You're a disgrace to your office," and another renewed the abuse heaped on Frank yesterday, shouting "faggot" at him, reports Politico.

"It's like the Salem witch trials, and healthcare is the witches," said Frank. Some of his Republican counterparts egged on the protesters, holding up signs reading "kill the bill" and waving a "Don't Tread on Me" flag. After Capitol Police threw out a protester for shouting from the House gallery, Frank said: "These clowns are out there encouraging violation of the law and making the job of the guys up there harder. It's really disgraceful."
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