Pelosi Protesters, Including Kid In Stroller, Compare Obama To Hitler

Two members of the audience at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) town hall meeting in Denver, Colorado, on Thursday -- including a toddler in a stroller -- were bedecked with images equating Barack Obama's policies to Nazism and the president to Hitler himself.

The photos, which were passed to the Huffington Post by a Democratic reader, are the latest evidence of the increasingly wild accusations leveled by protesters at health-care town halls -- though these may be some of the more remarkable yet.

In one image, a young man is pictured with a shirt that reads "Hitler Gave Great Speeches Too." TalkLeft blogger Jeralyn Merritt interviewed the teen, who told her was 16 and hailed from former Gov. Sarah Palin's hometown of Wasilla, Alaska. The progressive website FireDogLake, has more.

In another picture, two children are being pushed in a double stroller, with the child in front holding a large white sign.

"No To Fascism!" it reads, with a Swastika crossed out in the upper right hand corner.

The Nazi analogizers were outliers amid a large crowd of protesters. But it is becoming increasingly clear that national conservatives, who see political benefit in disrupting these events, are fueling the resentment and envelop-pushing action. On Thursday, two of the most prominent figures in conservative media -- Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck -- both claimed that the Obama administration was a modern incarnation of Nazism.

"They accuse of us being Nazis, and Obama's got a healthcare logo that's right out of Adolf Hitler's playbook," said Limbaugh.

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Comments

[betty22]

This is nothing new. Protesters do these posters to get noticed. They did to
Bush and others, Dems. and Reps.

[janeyre]

Most of these people, are still angry, about Obama being elected. Nothing he can do, will be acceptable. Nothing... Why are there so many angry White People? Where were they, when
the past Administration was gutting the country? Not even one year of Obama's Presidency has passed. He is being vilified and those who don't want him in the WH, are going to disrupt life,
as we know it... Too bad, reality will still take place... Talk about sore losers...

[JayW2]

It's rather funny that the right-wingers are comparing Obama to Hitler. Since the 60s, the left has been comparing the right to Hitler and fascism, while the right compared the left to communism. In the early days of the Obama administration, right-wingers kept to this habit but apparently to no avail. I guess they no longer think there is enough of a stigma to call someone a "socialist." So they're trying to coopt the left's slogans. I don't think it's working.

[shadow322]

Nazis !!! Just how low can these neocons go? The leaders they accept deal in lies and intimidation. Is this really the country we want? President Obama is not Hitler just because the majority of Americans voted him into office this past November. If it falls on us to stop this madness then so be it. My country's worth protecting too and those who dream of the day they can rule by intimidation are in direct opposition to democracy. I know change is harder for some people than others but in leu of debating issues, some leaders have chosen to exploit their follower's emotions. Working the simple minded into a frenzy is not an acceptable substitute for the disciplin of studying the issues. This is a terrible time in our country and it is clear there is a well funded small group responsible. What a waste, what a shame.

[JohnnyWalkerBlueLabel]

These 2 audience members were wrong. Obama is more like Mao, Stalin, Castro and Chavez than Hitler.

[snesich]

If these brown shirt thugs think they can shout people down, disturb meetings, and intimidate the majority, they’re sadly mistaken.

When goons like this use these obnoxious and often violent tactics, they need to know that it only stiffens the spine of the majority who oppose them.

If anything, these mob actions are making most Democrats in Congress MORE likely to support President Obama on a Public Option. No one likes to look as they they caved to threats. No public figure wants to look like a coward when they’re threatened.

A message for the extremist right-wingers: America is watching you. And you’re coming off no better than those rednecks that viciously assaulted black teenagers attempting to enter a school or sit at a lunch counter four decades ago. Their actions created public support for the things you tried so hard to stop. And it will happen again today.

[Cara C]

People die trying to get out of Cuba and into the U.S. You'd think it would be the other way around!

What's all this about freedom to make our own choices anyway? It would be much better to let government officials decide whether we qualify for certain treatments or whether we can see specialists.

We know that sociopaths, criminals, and narcissists never get involved with politics, so giving our government unlimited power over our health care cannot backfire. There have never been any examples of abuse of power or misspent taxpayer dollars in the past, so why should there be any now?

The customer service I receive from government workers is top-notch. Whenever I go to the DMV or Post Office, I'm amazed by how well they treat me. I can't wait for the government to take over so my doctors and nurses will try just as hard to make sure I'm well served.

Obama has said we must reduce health care costs. We have more important things to fund, like bank bailouts and Cash for Clunkers. If the elderly have to be sacrificed, that's a shame, but they should be willing to do what's necessary for the country.

I think the government should take ALL our money and make ALL our decisions for us. Our elected officials are so much smarter than we are and care more about us than we care about ourselves. This would make life fair and just at last.

[jwald1]

you are really too silly. Do you ever actually read, or just respond to little clips. There will still be insurance companies(god knows we could not afford to put them under or afford to insure everybody). This is to make sure those who can not afford it, will be covered. It might also help get these companies under control, and out of the pockets of our politians.

[MJHammonds]

Guess that means you are going to have to give up your medicare coverage.

[Tyler Brown]

Elderly aren't being brought before death panels, care is not going to be rationed any more than it is currently by private-sector insurers (perhaps even less rationing with gov plan), and the government is not just one huge conspiracy to take away all your rights.
In regards to the DMV (RMV where I live), I haven't had much issue with them. The sign in system effectively lets the RMV workers know who's waiting, and what their issue is. My wait times have been relatively short, and the reps I spoke with were professional. I have no issues with the post office either. Generally the griping about USPS/DMV seems to be more a cultural joke than anything these days, and it's unfortunate to see people use it as an ostensibly legitimate concern regarding the potential efficacy of a government-run healthcare program (I hear our military gets great healthcare).

The unfortunate thing is that you're only looking at the cost of a public option. 1 trillion over ten years is a lot of money even spread over a decade, but that money is more effectively going towards healthcare rather than administrative overhead, advertising, huge exec bonuses, etc. If Americans can save money by going with a public option, why would you suggest we keep supporting regional insurance monopolies? Would you rather keep paying taxes now and have the police protect your community, or pay a little less in taxes but pay twice as much to a private security firm?

[grata2ude]

What's sad is I think you really believe your own lies.

If you feel this strongly and are so against your own government either leave, or make yourself an honest person.

Refuse all government aid such as social security benefits, unemployment compensation, police protection and fire protection. Refuse Medicare/Medicaid if you are 62 years or when you reach 62.

If you live in an area where natural disasters such as floods, hurricane, or tornadoes can destroy everything you have refuse any Federal or State aid to rebuild your life.

And if a loved one gets a terminal illness you go right ahead and insist they keep pounding their chest until you can see the ribs floating in the chest cavity and electrical shocks burn their skin and a machine keep breathing for them forever.

Decide for yourself but don't be a hypocrite either.

[1murillo]

CTtransplant,
I disagree with the idea of taking healthcare from Congress until they pass reforms. They'll pass something called 'reforms' today. Or, we'll soon have a Congress made up of people looking for high-pressure jobs with few benefits.
A strong public option is important, but threats of punishment won't work.

[Kateyras]

Well, I for one will not be going to any town hall meetings. My rep is Vern Buchanan, about as creepy of a guy as has ever been elected from Florida. Plus, I am very afraid of being attacked by the Glenn Beck nutcases, as happened in Tampa the other day. I will, however, spend the entire month writing letters to the editor, sending e-mails and letters of support to the White House, the democratic leadership team, to my good Senator, Bill Nelson ( NOT Ben, thank goodness) and blogging like crazy. We dems need to point out the complete hypocrisy and total disconnect of the republicans. After calling us bleeding heart liberal treehuggers for 50 years for wanting to take care of the elderly, the disabled, children and even Spotted Owls, all of a sudden they are accusing us of wanting to disenfranchise or even Euthanize these very groups. WE gave them Social Security, WE gave them Medicare, WE gave them SCHIP. WE gave them IDEA, WE gave them the American Disabilities Act, WE expanded the Veterans Admin., WE gave them the GI Bill, WE gave them Civil Rights, WE gave them Head Start, WE gave them the Student Loan Program, WE expanded many of these programs in the past 6 months. WE are not the ones who want to turn around and euthanize or disenfranchise these same groups. Get this message out, any way you can. WE need to fight back.

[strength]

you and me both! I wrote letters to about 50 companies off dailykos.com site and 3 of them have already pulled ads from Beck!

we just need to get out of august, get out of this mode of bipartisan and just cram it down their throats and when they oppose it, make them unamerican like they did us about the war.

[rmco]

Well said. Ironic that the people who rail against health care reform do not comprehend that they are fighting to continue the status quo of enriching insurance companies at the expense of they themselves, the appallingly stupid people who are now acting as the well-trained puppets of the insurance industry. How is it possible for people to be such numbskulls? But then, I think the protestors are all receiving a check in the mail and that's all that matters.

[dennisrs]

Is this the Swa-sti-ka that Pelosi said she saw in the crowds?

[Janetshusb]

Where is this comparison to Nazism coming from? Is it coming from the Republican Party? Are they now controlled by loonies. This Nazi stuff sounds like it comes from strange psychotic little people that mutter to themselves and wear long wool coats in the summer. Has the Republican party run completely off the rails?

[jwald1]

yes, yes, and yes.

[hapiday]

DisabledJim, are you disabled? What kind of insurance do you have? Is it Medicare or Medicaid? If either of them do you feel trapped by these government run health care? If you are disabled that would mean you are on a fixed income. Can you afford private insurance?

[DarbyDuberry]

Who do you think will be paying for the public plan??? YOU and everyone else. As the national debt quadruples, the cost to each tax payer for this OPTION will also quadruple. And, if you think the top tier in income brackets will be able to "foot the bill" for everyone.... You are ill informed. Presently only 60% of the Country pays taxes. The public option is too expensive. Reform health insurance... NOT health care. When you consider the Government's record in managing Medicare, Medicaid, and, Schip.... why would anyone even consider expanding that role when they have failed miserably in managing the public programs already in place? They have a PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF FAILURE.

[grata2ude]

Only one problem with your argument. We are already paying for their coverage. Didn't you know if you pay health insurance premium part of the cost goes to covering people who don't have it and use emergency rooms for care? You do know that don't you?

[MrsW]

Where is the money coming from to make this "fantastic health care" for everyone? From the elderly and the young. They will suck it from the elderly in Medicare benefits and education.

Just fix what is broken in the system and forget about creating a "WHOLE NEW, WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC health care program.

Frankly, those in the House and Senate should be working harder for less money, trim their budgets better and work like the rest of us average Joe's and Jane's.

This health care reform is about a dumb as a rock..and yes, that is my opinion and NO you don't have to like it or agree with it..but watch what gets cut in order to pay for all of this...

[jemiltd]

I say again, I seriously doubt that a single one of these people even know the history of Nazism or who Hitler was, in order to make a comparison. The ability to blindly follow the direction of those who instigate the fear-mongering among this mob-mentality segment of our population is more in line with the behaviors of those who followed Hitler. The ongoing need to place some sort of heinous label on President Obama really speaks more to what they really want to call him but would never get away with doing.

Folks, put some effort into thinking for your selves before joining their picnic. Those who are really against health care reform have an agenda that is not in your best interest.

[KArnold]

Considering that Hitler was known for his talented use of propaganda, labeling & targeting groups that he basically did not like, and assuming that his opinion was always the most correct is certainly not a far cry from Obama and his manipulation of the health care. Just because Obama's not throwin' anyone into a camp yet does not mean he cannot be compared to Hitler. That's not all that Hitler was known for.

[IWillCallYouOut]

Would you think it is safe to say that there are other things Hitler was and is mainly associated with?

In that case, you could agree that he is the most extreme example of a dictatorship one could choose for making a [poor] analogy to healthcare?

Also what is this assuming his opinion is correct idiocy? Opinions can't be right or wrong they are opinions. Sorry the President is getting all uppity and thinking on you, but sometimes when he believes things he will advocate them seeing as how that is what his job entails.

[Janetshusb]

What planet are you people from. Can you define and explain what you mean by 'Obama's 'manipulation of the health care' and how this is sinister. Do you really think a Democratic administration is going to start 'throwing' people into concentration camps in the near future. What would be their purpose in doing that? Where are these camps? What else in German history would you like to equate to Democrats. Where is this nonsense coming from?

[bassnman]

KArnold... you are right on target with the comparison. I am not a rep or a dem and do not blindly follow either party. The dems are following everything the President wants and if you look at the comments by many hear on huffpo it is a perfect example. If you don't totally agree with this people look at the comments. I have seen many, many nasty comments about people who don't agree.

As far as health care, the plan being pushed right now is not good for the country. If it is such a great program ask yourself, why is congress writing the bill so that they don't have to use it? Another thing ask yourself, if the things congress is doing are so great, why do theywrite everything so that they don't have to participate or the rules don't apply to themselves?

Our gov't is out of hand people!!! Both sides are guilty. They have gotten to the point that they don't give a rat about the people in this country!!! All you have to do is look at what both sides are doing. They are doing everything they tell us not to do and give themselves every possible perk that they can. Look at the salaries, what is it, 175K?, and they don't pay for anything out of pocket anymore. Plus,they are out of touch with reality and don't know what its like to live paycheck to paycheck, as everyone in congress is a millionaire.

[dennisrs]

I heard the other day that Hitlers first law passed was on the cooking of Lobsters in restaurants?

[MJHammonds]

What groups is Obama targeting? That's not where the hate speech is coming from.

[DarbyDuberry]

You should practice what your preach. THINK! Government has failed miserably in managing Medicare, Medicaid and Schip. Why would anyone with even half a brain consider expanding their role? The price tag is tooooooo expensive. Reform Health insurance and not health care. Make health insurance affordable but don't interfer with Health care. If you haven't read all 1018 pages of the proposed plan.... then you are not informed nor can you make an informed and educated decision regarding this proposed Public Option. Read it..... then comment.

[Cara C]

Conservatives are NOT against health care reform. They are against government-run health care, which is where ObamaCare is leading us and where it is designed to lead us.

We can help the poor and impoverished without giving up our freedom. We can fix the problems with Medicaid and Medicare without forcing everyone else into a government-run system.

Conservatives believe the freedom to make our own health care decisions is a fundamental right. The government has co-opted more of these powers every year to gain control and to reward special interest groups like the AMA and big drug companies. In countries with a strict single-payer system, if the government decides not to treat you or to make you wait six months for an appointment when you have an illness that will kill you in three months, you have no recourse.

Conservatives want more power back in our hands. We want to choose our doctors and our treatments. We want the right to keep our personal health care records private, between us and our doctors, not in a centralized database in Washington. We want to keep health care providers competing for our business, as quality customer service usually declines or disappears when providers know you're at their mercy. We want to live as free people, not as pawns in a government system.

[jwald1]

Amen!

[conservativesscareme]

Gang Of Propagandists using ignorance, hate, fear to incite their sheep to violence

[Dalcam]

You mean like the violence in St. Louis? A black man was beaten by union thugs for daring to be conservative.