Heckler Subdued at George Allen Event [Archive]

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Secret Squirrel

10-31-2006, 08:59 PM

A heckler who confronted Sen. George Allen at a campaign appearance Tuesday was put in a chokehold and slammed to the floor by three of the Republican's supporters in an incident captured on video.

Mike Stark, a liberal blogger and first-year University of Virginia law student, approached Allen at an event in Charlottesville, loudly asking, "Why did you spit at your first wife, George?" according to witnesses.

Three men, all wearing blue Allen lapel stickers, immediately grabbed Stark, dragged him backward and slung him to the carpet outside a hotel meeting room, according to video captured by WVIR-TV in Charlottesville.

Stark said later in a telephone interview with The Associated Press: "I am a constituent. I am allowed to ask my U.S. senator questions."

A new statewide poll conducted for CNN showed Allen's Democratic challenger, former Navy Secretary Jim Webb, with a slight lead in a bitterly contested race that could help determine whether the GOP retains control of the Senate.

In a Monday posting on "Calling All Wingnuts," the blog Stark publishes, he hinted that he would attempt to provoke Allen before the TV cameras.

"Im also trying to `Roger and Me' George Allen whenever I can," Stark wrote, referring to director Michael Moore's 1989 documentary in which he repeatedly tried to confront former General Motors' chief executive Roger Smith about the company's downsizing.

In August, Stark similarly approached Allen after a speech at a hotel near Staunton, loudly asking if he had ever used a common six-letter epithet against blacks.

That was two weeks after Allen, at a rally, referred to a Webb volunteer of Indian descent as "Macaca," which is considered by some to be a racial slur.

link (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2006/10/31/politics/p123608S65.DTL)
...........

Secret Squirrel

10-31-2006, 09:01 PM

Video embeded on linked page -> Link (http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/43723/)

sferrin

10-31-2006, 09:10 PM

LOL what a dumbass.

Pook2

10-31-2006, 09:11 PM

UVA is going downhill, back when my dad was there it was a real man's school. Having lived in Charlottesville for 8 years, Ive seen what a liberal town it has become, nothing problematic in itself, but there are many liberal extremists there, especially anti-military types. When I played Amazing Grace for the half time show at one of UVA's football games for a 9/11 tribute, everyone was too drunk or didn't care enough to remain silent during the ridiculously short tribute.

Back on Topic

He may be a constituent, but he doesn't have any "right" to ask questions about personal problems.

GrinchWSLG

10-31-2006, 09:27 PM

Pook2

10-31-2006, 09:36 PM

Besides that whole free speech thing, yeah, no right at all...

So he has the right. I may not like George Allen, but the little punk deserved to have his ass laid out.

Pook2

10-31-2006, 09:44 PM

I retract all my previous statements on the subject.

Secret Squirrel

10-31-2006, 10:52 PM

The following is a letter to NBC29 from Mike Stark, the man who was tackled for a comment he made at Senator Allen's campaign stop in Charlottesville on Tuesday.
My name is Mike Stark. I am a law student at the University of Virginia, a marine, and a citizen journalist. Earlier today at a public event, I was attempting to ask Senator Allen a question about his sealed divorce record and his arrest in the 1970s, both of which are in the public domain. His people assaulted me, put me in a headlock, and wrestled me to the ground. Video footage is available here, from an NBC affiliate.

I demand that Senator Allen fire the staffers who beat up a constituent attempting to use his constitutional right to petition his government. I also want to know why Senator Allen would want his staffers to assault someone asking questions about matters of public record in the heat of a political campaign. Why are his divorce records sealed? Why was he arrested in the 1970s? And why did his campaign batter me when I asked him about these questions.

George Allen defends his support of the Iraq war by saying that our troops are defending the ideals America stands for. Indeed, he says our troops are defending our very freedom. What kind of country is it when a Senator's constituent is assaulted for asking difficult and uncomfortable questions? What freedoms do we have left? Maybe we need to bring the troops home so that they can fight for freedom at George Allen's campaign events. Demanding accountability should not be an offense worthy of assault.

I will be pressing charges against George Allen and his surrogates later today. George Allen, at any time, could have stopped the fray. All he had to do was say, "This is not how my campaign is run. Take your hands off that man." He could have ignored my questions. Instead he and his thugs chose violence. I spent four years in the Marine Corps. I'll be damned if I'll let my country be taken from me by thugs that are afraid of taking responsibility for themselves.

It just isn't the America I know and love. Somebody needs to take a stand against those that would bully and intimidate their fellow citizens. That stand begins right here, right now.

W. Michael Stark

link (http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?c=MGArticle&cid=1149191441070&pagename=RTD/MGArticle/RTD_BasicArticle)

2Sheds_Jackson

10-31-2006, 11:17 PM

Mr. Stark should press charges against Bush. He's exactly as responsible. Too bad Allen's rape brigade was out on break - that would have been a real story.

Lt-Col A. Tack

10-31-2006, 11:26 PM

So much for civil public discourse.

It's almost a pity that we (Republicans) can't hire more Mike Starks :)

Honorcouragecommitment

11-01-2006, 12:34 AM

Earlier today at a public event, I was attempting to ask Senator Allen a question about his sealed divorce record and his arrest in the 1970s, both of which are in the public domain.
_________________________

Nothing like raising the level of the discourse by addressing another pressing issue pertinent to the general voting public....In what is already a sordid senate campaign, he just added another goat to the rodeo.

The guy is an immature dumbass.

SnakeBiteLeader

11-01-2006, 12:39 AM

Charlottesville is a nice town.

That was an entertaining video, thanks Squirrel.

David Tate

11-01-2006, 01:30 AM

I was standing right there... in NO way in HELL would I consider that appropriate. This is the US of ****IN-A... since when is free speech allowed to be met by force? The guy was in a freakin' hotel lobby.. Regardless of what your political affiliation is... this is ridiculous. Immature dumbass or not.

Jobu

11-01-2006, 01:44 AM

He needed to get his ass kicked.

I see this as no different than Brad Pitt's bodyguard doing the same thing to some a-hole a few weeks ago.

loganinkosovo

11-01-2006, 03:52 AM

1. Allen, I'm Sure, has received a number of death threats from wacko liberial Bowel-Move On Dot Org types.

2. This "Ex-Marine" was taken out by an Old Man!!!!!

I'd be embarased if I was him and not to thrilled about a video of an old man kicking my ass playing every half hour on CNN. :)

Zoomie

11-01-2006, 07:27 AM

Waaah! They beat me up!! Funny how there wasn't such an outrage by you guys when this happened back in '04 at a Dean campaign stop.

fargo

11-01-2006, 09:30 AM

Hiroshima

11-01-2006, 09:34 AM

Well, since the old man wasn't part of Allen's political group, it doesn't speak so much of Allen's behavior but instead says something about his supporters. And thanks for the video, since it seems the news report I heard was certainly not as close to the truth as some would like it.

martinexsquaddie

11-01-2006, 12:06 PM

need to get a grip of supporters staff.
protester behaves violently then fair enough.
being manhandled simply because he's being an irritating arse not really fair

mailmannz

11-01-2006, 03:21 PM

He went looking for a reaction...and he got a reaction :D

Mailman

David Tate

11-01-2006, 03:33 PM

And he's pressing charges... so I guess it doesn't pay to assault and batter someone... in front of cameras.

Jobu

11-01-2006, 03:40 PM

And he's pressing charges... so I guess it doesn't pay to assault and batter someone... in front of cameras.

Whatever the fine may turn out to be if he wins, it was probably worth it.

David Tate

11-01-2006, 04:38 PM

Whatever the fine may turn out to be if he wins, it was probably worth it.

Fine? Doubt it. A&B is a Clas A Misdemeanor punishable up to a year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.

Createdeemcee

11-01-2006, 05:01 PM

Fine? Doubt it. A&B is a Clas A Misdemeanor punishable up to a year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.

Lawsuits are awarded everyday for assult. I hope atleast the old guy gets screwed outta some retirement. In the US we have the right to peaceful protest. All this guy did was ask a question, and the old guy took it personal.

dangerclose

11-01-2006, 05:03 PM

Fine? Doubt it. A&B is a Clas A Misdemeanor punishable up to a year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.

You know Allen is going to win right?

Zoomie

11-01-2006, 05:04 PM

Lawsuits are awarded everyday for assult. I hope atleast the old guy gets screwed outta some retirement. In the US we have the right to peaceful protest. All this guy did was ask a question, and the old guy took it personal.

Wrong about that. I bet once the judge sees the blog entries on the idiot's site, he'll dismiss the case because he was looking to start something by anymeans.

Honorcouragecommitment

11-01-2006, 05:10 PM

I don't have a dog in the fight. I respect James Webb and should he win I doubt his presence in the Democrat caucus will be comfortable for those leaning to the left.

I was finally able to watch the altercation. I came to the conclusion it was the most benign ass kicking I've ever witnessed, but it provides Mr. Stark with a forum and places him in the roll of a victim.

Unfortunately, the incident takes precedence over his intent, which was a step below tabloid journalism. Referring to Mr. Stark as a "liberal blogger" is an insult to liberals. Mr. Stark will probably achieve cult status among a micro membership of the lunatic fringe, who will applaud his lack of civility, which led to the response.

While I'm not currrent on Virginia state law, I suspect the charge is the lowest form of assault, which in the state statutes I'm familiar with is a misdemeanor. There was no weapon used, nor punches thrown. I doubt there is any physical evidence of injury. However, what does happen is the incident stays in the public eye, which I'm sure makes Mr. Stark as happy as a whore when the fleet pulls into port.

Semper Fidelis

David Tate

11-02-2006, 09:05 AM

You know Allen is going to win right?

I thought so about a month ago... things have tightened up. In fact, ALL polls have Webb ahead. Of course that means some last minute GOP scare tactics like, "Come and vote or the HOMOs will take over..."

dacanadianbomb

11-02-2006, 09:20 AM

No matter how iritating someone is, it does not make assault legal.

Hiroshima

11-02-2006, 09:32 AM

I thought so about a month ago... things have tightened up. In fact, ALL polls have Webb ahead. Of course that means some last minute GOP scare tactics like, "Come and vote or the HOMOs will take over..."

Or 'My Opponent will surrender to the terrorists'... That one makes me laugh...

David Tate

11-02-2006, 10:55 AM

Allen Talking Issues Again...

By BOB LEWIS, Associated Press Writer
Thu Nov 2, 6:07 AM ET

LEESBURG, Va. - Sen. George Allen and Democrat Jim Webb entered the final week of their bitter and sometimes bizarre campaign with Allen refusing to denounce his supporters' manhandling of a liberal blogger and accusing Webb of provoking the incident.

Polls show their race is close and could help determine whether the GOP retains its U.S. Senate majority.

Webb, campaigning in Richmond, said he knew nothing of the incident Tuesday in which men wearing blue Allen lapel stickers put University of Virginia law student W. Michael Stark in a choke hold and slammed him to the floor after an Allen rally at a Charlottesville hotel.

"It was typical of the Webb campaign, wanting to provoke an incident," Allen said Wednesday. He did not say why he believes the Webb campaign provoked the stunt.

Webb said he did not know Stark.

"I don't even know what happened yesterday. I don't even know this individual. But I certainly regret the conduct of certain people there yesterday," Webb said.

Video of the incident was shown often on cable news networks and circulated widely on the Internet, posing a late-campaign distraction for Allen just as he was trying to make his final push to the Nov. 7 election.

Stark filed a criminal complaint Tuesday with police in Charlottesville, but said he did not know the names of his attackers.

He had signaled his intent to provoke Allen on two left-of-center blogs before the incident. On the liberal Daily Kos blog, he noted his involvement in stunts intended to embarrass Republicans. "Recently I've been thinking about how to put these `guerrilla tactics' to use where it matters: winning elections."

Webb was scheduled to campaign Thursday at Virginia Union University with Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, then to be joined at an evening rally in Arlington by actor Michael J. Fox and retired General Wesley Clark.

Allen was to campaign in Roanoke, then head to Richmond to talk to employees of Philip Morris USA.

Jobu

11-02-2006, 11:15 AM

I smile whenever a blogger or so-called journalist gets his ass kicked.
Nobody deserves it more.

sferrin

11-02-2006, 11:34 AM

Besides that whole free speech thing, yeah, no right at all...

"Free speech" doesn't mean you won't get treated like an a$$hole if you are one. It just means you won't go to jail for it.

Jeremiah

11-02-2006, 03:27 PM

New photos show Kos Kid shoved his way towards George Allen

Quoth Mike Stark by way of Jon Henke: “I didn’t push anyone that I remember.”

Captain Ed’s already written the post I wanted to write, replete with a link to Dan Riehl’s latest about what looks to be another eleventh hour dirty trick from the left. The only thing Ed missed that I’d add is Byron York’s column yesterday explaining how Stark’s provocation served as a kind of trojan horse for the media:

http://img273.imageshack.us/img273/2092/push1ax1.gif

http://hotair.com/archives/2006/11/02/new-photos-show-kos-kid-shoved-his-way-towards-george-allen/

mailmannz

11-02-2006, 08:44 PM

All this guy did was ask a question, and the old guy took it personal.

This guy had no intention of engaging the old geezer in debate. He went looking for a reaction and by golly...he got a reaction (maybe not the one he wanted).

Sorry...but if you deliberately set out to provoke a reaction like that then you must suffer the consequences (like being made to look like a chump by an old codger).

Mailman

Zoomie

11-05-2006, 08:40 AM

Man this guy is an attention whore:
Va. police removed blogger from Sen. Allen rally
Updated 11/4/2006 3:12 PM ET
WEYERS CAVE, Virginia (AP) — A liberal blogger who was manhandled by Republican U.S. Sen. George Allen's supporters earlier in the week was handcuffed and taken away by police Saturday after an Allen backer claimed the man pushed him to the ground at a campaign rally.

A deputy sheriff said Mike Stark was not under arrest but was placed in "investigative detention" in case supporters of Allen — who is in a tight race with Democrat Jim Webb — wanted to press charges.

The incident occurred at the end of a rally at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport after Allen supporters continually jockeyed to position themselves between Allen and Stark, who said he wanted to ask the senator about his arrest record. An Albemarle County court index book shows two summonses issued for Allen in 1974, but supporting documents were destroyed long ago. Allen has said he offenses were for fishing without a license and unpaid parking tickets.

As Stark tried to sidestep the human wall formed to shield Allen at Saturday's rally, he brushed past a person who then fell. A deputy sheriff grabbed Stark, put the man's arm behind his back and led him away to the cheers of about 100 Allen supporters.

Stark said as he was taken into the custody that he had heard the young man who fell tell another Allen supporter he planned to take a dive.

The person who fell refused to give his name or talk about the incident with a reporter.

On Tuesday, Stark was put in a chokehold and slammed to the floor by three Allen supporters in Charlottesville in an incident captured on video. Witnesses said Stark, a first-year University of Virginia law student, approached Allen loudly asking, "Why did you spit at your first wife, George?"

Allen's former wife, Anne Waddell, later issued a statement calling Stark's question "a baseless, cheap shot."
Source (http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-11-04-va-rally_x.htm?csp=34)

Just happened yesterday...

loganinkosovo

11-05-2006, 11:22 AM

Lawsuits are awarded everyday for assult. I hope atleast the old guy gets screwed outta some retirement. In the US we have the right to peaceful protest. All this guy did was ask a question, and the old guy took it personal.

And that is what is fu@king up America. People who get what they need, a good asswhiping, should be thrown out of court like they used to.

And that right to peacefully protest is only on public property if the proper forms have been filled out and licience have been approved and issued.

The same courts that are screwing upstanding citizens for giving a punk a drubing came up with all the red tape for protesting, just incase someone wanted to protest their Clinton-appointed commie a$$es. :)

loganinkosovo

11-05-2006, 11:27 AM

I thought so about a month ago... things have tightened up. In fact, ALL polls have Webb ahead. Of course that means some last minute GOP scare tactics like, "Come and vote or the HOMOs will take over..."

Sorry....the DNC has been attacking all the GOP "Homos". Showing their own base that all that diversity talk is just lipservice and power at any price is the actual agenda. :)